4 Third Parties That May Be Responsible for Your Slip and Fall

Although property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe, other third parties can held accountable for slip and fall accidents. A professional slip and fall lawyer can help prove negligence by any third party that may be responsible for your accident and injuries.

The attorney knows how to engage and convince an insurance company to give you a fair settlement for your losses. Here is more information on third parties that are responsible for your slip and fall:

1. City or Local Government

Local governments must keep public spaces like walkways, parks, and courthouses free from ice and snow, which can cause accidents. The municipalities are responsible for regular maintenance to remove potholes or cracks from these spaces.

Proper and regular maintenance of public sidewalks and other buildings also keeps them uniform, which minimizes the risks of slips and falls. Examples of upgrades that promote the public’s safety include installing anti-slip coatings on sidewalks, repairing drainage systems, and enhancing street lighting in risky areas.

An experienced slip and fall lawyer understands sovereign immunity laws, which protect local government entities from lawsuits by the public. This enables the attorney to find ways to circumvent such protections, discover potential loopholes, and determine if your claim is legal. Knowledge of sovereign immunity laws can help your attorney find effective strategies to counter defenses hired by a city.

2. Commercial Property Managers

Commercial property managers must inspect their buildings regularly for damaged stairways, slippery floors, loose handrails, bad lighting, and other hazards that cause slips and falls. Office owners need to install floor coverings or mats that are non-slip and grip the surface well. Hospital management is responsible for providing a safe walking space for patients, visitors, and workers.

Cleaners in commercial buildings must remove spills, adequately dry wet floors, and store long cables to keep everyone safe. Areas like pathways, workstations, stairways, and entrances or exits in workplaces should have enough lighting to allow easier hazard identification.

An attorney can gather enough evidence of your accident scene to determine if the property manager neglected their duty of care responsibilities. The lawyer’s knowledge of premises liability also enables them to identify the at-fault party when filing a claim.

3. Product or Equipment Manufacturers

An unsafe product or material installed on a building may increase the risks of slips, trips, or falls. Certain flooring materials may retain water and stay slippery for a longer time, even after being dried. Manufacturers must indicate clear warning labels on their products and equipment to enable safe handling and prevent potential slips and falls.

An accident victim can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for intentionally making products that pose safety risks to users. Lawyers assess defective materials and equipment to determine if they satisfy standards for enhancing the users’ safety. The attorney may have the product or equipment undergo testing and analysis to identify the exact defect that caused you to slip or fall. Your lawyer can collect documents showing how the defective product or equipment was designed and manufactured to support your claim.

4. General Contractors

General contractors and subcontractors must not introduce new risks when making repairs or renovations. They should keep the sites of their projects free from debris, scattered tools, cables, and other hazards that cause tripping and falls. The contractors are also responsible for making various repairs and upgrades correctly to prevent possible mishaps. They must assess the site and develop a plan to mitigate these risks before they start repairs and renovations.

A lawyer can help assess your accident scene and prove that the contractors didn’t comply with the set building codes. The attorney may also work with the site workers to prove that the contractors didn’t offer adequate safety training. If you slip, trip, or fall while on a construction site, your attorney may collect statements from other witnesses to build a strong claim.

Contact an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

Property managers, municipalities, manufacturers, and other entities have different responsibilities in preventing accidents and the associated damages. A slip and fall lawyer can help evaluate your losses resulting from the accident to help increase your claim value. Contact a reputable and experienced attorney today if you’ve been injured in these accidents for legal help or advice.