Sustaining a slip and fall can be a harrowing experience, especially when the injuries you have sustained are more than a few bruises or scrapes. Though many underestimate the severity of these accidents, slips and falls can be incredibly damaging, resulting in astronomical medical bills and an impacted quality of life. As such, taking the time to understand what will happen to the medical expenses you’ve incurred and how to hold the negligent party responsible is critical. Keep reading to learn more about these complex issues and how a Monroe, Louisiana slip & fall lawyer can help you in these difficult times.
How Does a Slip and Fall Occur?
Unfortunately, there are a number of hazards you may encounter that can lead to a slip and fall anywhere from a retail store or supermarket to the post office or a sidewalk. As such, familiarizing yourself with the common hazards can help you avoid them to the best of your abilities. Some of the most common hazards that can cause an accident include:
- Wet spots on the floor from cleaning, leaks, spills, or weather
- Uneven flooring
- Loose floorboards
- Broken tiles
- Cracked pavement
- Unanchored carpeting
- Debris
- Unsecured cords
- Unsafe stairs
- Broken handrails
- Inadequate lighting
Though most people assume that a slip, trip, or fall is always a minor accident, it’s important to understand that these can often result in serious injuries. Many endure injuries like sprains and strains, traumatic brain injuries, broken and fractured bones, contusions, lacerations, and even paralysis. As such, taking these accidents seriously and seeking medical attention for the injuries you’ve endured is critical to protecting your health and well-being.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for My Medical Bills?
It’s important to understand what will happen to your medical bills if you are a victim of a slip and fall. Generally, your insurance will cover your medical bills immediately following the accident, as determining who is liable for the injuries takes a considerable amount of time.
If you choose to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the entity responsible for the damages you’ve sustained, understanding who can be held liable is critical. Typically, the landowner is responsible. However, under the law, a landowner can be extended to mean contractors, tenants, property managers, or anyone who is responsible for maintaining and ensuring their property is safe. As such, if you fall in a supermarket because of a negligent employee, the company can be held responsible even if they rent the property, as it is their responsibility to ensure their store is safe. Additionally, even though sidewalks are owned by the city, if a homeowner leaves cords on the walkway, they can face liability as it is the responsibility of homeowners to maintain and upkeep these walkways.
If you choose to file a lawsuit against the negligent party and you are successful, it’s imperative to understand that your insurance company can recoup the medical bills they covered from your award. This is done through a process called subrogation.
As you can see, pursuing justice following a slip and fall can be incredibly difficult. That’s why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney from Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC. We understand how difficult these issues can be, which is why we will do everything possible to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Connect with us today to learn more.
