Slip and fall accidents aren’t limited to malls and workplaces; they can also occur at residences. Many of these accidents result from the homeowner’s negligence. Residential slip and fall accidents may be more common than you think. If you were seriously injured when you visited someone’s home, you may be entitled to compensation.
Common Causes of Residential Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur in several different ways but some incidents are more common than others. For example, people can fall down the stairs when they visit someone else’s home. This can be because of missing handrails, wet or slippery steps, broken steps or shallow step heights. These accidents can result in serious injuries, especially if the victim falls from a great height.
Flooring defects can also cause individuals to slip or trip and fall. Loose rugs, frayed carpets, and wet or freshly polished floors can all be dangerous. Floor tiles can also pose a threat if they are broken or improperly installed.
Residential falls can also occur outside the home. Since homeowners also have a responsibility to ensure the exterior of their home is reasonably safe for invitees, they can be held liable if someone suffers injuries outdoors. This means paths should be kept clear of debris, ice, and other hazards where possible. Sidewalks should also be kept in a reasonable state of repair if they are considered the owner’s property and not municipal property.
Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Accidents
Not everyone who slips and falls on someone else’s property has grounds for filing a personal injury claim. You need to prove that the homeowner was negligent and that this negligence led to your injuries. Properties are rarely in perfect condition, so you need to provide evidence that the conditions that led to your injuries were unreasonable.
Your attorney will assist you in establishing that the owner knew about the hazard but failed to address it. Alternatively, they will help you to show that the condition existed for so long that a reasonable property owner would have discovered it and fixed it. It can be difficult to establish liability so the sooner you contact a Macon personal injury attorney, the better it will be for you.
Types of Homeowner’s Insurance
The compensation you can receive for your injuries will depend on the type of homeowner’s insurance coverage the property owner has. Med-pay coverage will take care of medical bills and other injury-related losses. You won’t have to prove that the homeowner was responsible for our injuries. However, you can typically only get less than $5, 000 and you won’t get compensation for pain and suffering. If your injuries are serious, your losses could easily exceed $5, 000. Liability insurance provides much higher limits, but you’ll need to prove that the homeowner was at fault for your injuries.
Filing a Claim Against a Macon, GA Homeowner
Once you can prove that the property owner was responsible for your injury, you’ll can file a liability claim. The homeowner has a responsibility to report accidents to their insurer as soon as they can. This is set out in most homeowner’s insurance contracts. Typically, the insurance company will want details of how, when, and where the accident occurred. They will also want your contact information and details of your injuries.
Homeowners are sometimes reluctant to report slip and fall accidents because they fear their premiums will increase. Even if the individual whose home you visited was a friend or relative, they may not want to share their insurance details with you. If that’s the case, you may need to take legal action against them with help from an attorney.
If the homeowner reports the accident to their insurer and the insurance adjuster calls you, you need to be careful about what you say. Don’t provide recorded statements or give them access to your medical records. In fact, it’s best not to share any details with them before speaking to your lawyer. Even seemingly innocent comments may be used against you and you may not get the compensation you deserve.
Even if your claim is approved, the first offer is likely to be a low one and you will have to negotiate for a fair settlement. Your attorney will advise you on what’s a reasonable offer. Settlements are final so you can’t ask for more money later.
Contact The Calvin Smith Law Firm Today
If you slipped and fell at someone else’s home, it can be difficult to know what to do next. If the accident resulted from negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Call our Macon personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation.
