Waukegan Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall incidents tend to occur when property owners or business owners neglect to maintain a safe environment. These property owners and business owners are required by law to maintain a premises that is generally free and clear of any hazards that can cause harm to others. The property must also comply with any local codes or zoning regulations.
Negligence
The legal standard used in slip and fall cases is negligence. In order to determine whether a particular property owner was negligent, a court will look to see whether the owner of the property acted as a reasonable property owner would under the same or similar circumstances.
In some instances, a property owner may be liable for damages sustained on their property without negligence. This occurs if their practices are found to be in violation of some local ordinance or state statute. An experienced attorney in the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred will have an understanding of any applicable local laws.
Steps To Take After a Slip and Fall Injury
- What Happened? If the victim is able to get up after the fall and does not need to visit the emergency room, then it is critical that they identify the cause of the slip and fall.
- Take Pictures. Take high-resolution pictures of the immediate area as well as the likely cause of the incident. Videos can be helpful too in order to get a full 360-degree view of the area of the incident.
- Talk to the Landlord or Business Owner – The injured victim should ask to speak with the person in charge of maintaining the property. The purpose of this conversation is to inform the individual in charge of the incident and to gather any insurance information.
- Get Legal Assistance – Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney almost immediately after the injury will help the injured victim tremendously. A zealous attorney may go out and inspect the scene to determine whether the case has merit and it allows for the maximum time to build the case.
- Keep Organized Documentation – Courts typically compensate victims for damages suffered as a result of the incident. In order to prove damages, the victim will need to produce things like medical bills and proof of lost income as a result of the incident.
Typical Slip and Fall Cases in Waukegan
Slip and fall cases are not uncommon in Waukegan. The majority of slip and fall cases happen in public establishments where the property owner has failed to properly maintain a particular area. In grocery stores, an employee may fail to properly place a sign indicating that there is liquid on the floor. In a commercial building, the landlord may fail to provide adequate lighting.
A shopkeeper may fail to properly secure items on a shelf and they subsequently fall on someone’s head. There are many ways in which a slip and fall case can become come about.
Contact a Waukegan Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Slip and fall cases can sometimes involve many different areas of the law and may require a careful analysis of local laws and ordinances. An experienced slip and fall lawyer will have a solid understanding of how to evaluate the merits of any particular case.
Our firm offers free initial consultations and do not charge clients a penny unless we obtain a favorable outcome. Our personal injury attorneys represent clients in Waukegan and the surrounding areas. Call today to discuss your slip and fall claim.