Can I Sue a Store for Slipping and Falling on their Property?
The amount of time that most people spend in stores would surprise most consumers. We have to spend time in grocery stores, consignment stores, as well as a number of miscellaneous retail locations to purchase almost everything we use in our day to day lives yet we don’t consider the likelihood that we can be injured in these places until it is too late. Many people every year find themselves sustaining severe slip and fall injuries in a wide variety of stores across this country for a number of reasons. Negligence on the part of a store’s staff or policymakers can lead to liability for these severe slip and fall injuries depending on the nature of the accident. Not every accident where someone slips or trips resulting in injury in some kind of store or similar retail center can lead to someone suing the owner of that business. There are several conditions that must be met in order for a slip and fall accident victim to file a personal injury claim against a business.
St.Paul Slip and Fall Injury Accident Claims
When someone slips and falls on someone’s property and suffers severe injuries then they may be able to seek compensation with a slip and fall injury claim. These claims rely on a claimant being able to prove that they suffered a severe injury, that the defendant had a duty of care towards them, and that the defendant’s negligence contributed to the accident occurring. Most claims will be resolved with a settlement that will be negotiated with the defendant.
The settlement will be reached when a claimant presents convincing proof of their injuries and the defendant’s negligence so that the defendant will choose the path of least resistance by paying an agreeable amount of compensation. Should a claimant not be able to present convincing enough evidence of their injuries and negligence of the liable party or if a defendant thinks they stand a very good chance of winning a case then the matter can go to trial where a jury will decide the matter of whether compensation is owed.
Slip and Falls in Stores
Much like with many other states, Minnesota law stipulates that businesses have a duty of care to their patrons invited onto the property reasonably safe from any foreseeable hazards that could cause them harm. Whenever a business is open it is assumed that they are patrons are being openly invited and subject to this duty of care. In the event that a business fails to take proper measures when it comes to addressing potential foreseeable hazards then they may be considered liable for the accident and injuries those hazards cause to people invited onto the property. However, if the owner and operator of the premises has no way of knowing of a hazard or there is no way they could have acted in time then they may not be considered liable for the injuries an accident involving it may have caused.
When You Can or Can’t Seek Slip and Fall Compensation
For example, if a person at a store trips and falls on a loose piece of exposed tile in the floor that has been there for some time then they would be able to seek compensation for their injuries because the danger should have been known to the owner of the premises and they failed to do something about such a hazard which makes them liable.
On the other hand, if you slip and fall in a puddle that was caused by a spill that just happened then you would likely not be able to seek compensation for injuries since a property owner would not be able to do anything about the spill since it just happened and they may not be aware of it. You also may not be able to seek compensation if you trip and fall on something like a normal store display, stairs with rails, in areas customers are not to be, on hazards that are clearly labeled with a warning, or if you are trespassing.
How do Slip and Fall accidents Happen?
People can trip or slip and fall on all kinds of things but in the case of tripping hazards caused by negligence include:
- Puddles
- Ice
- Loose cables
- Loose tiles and other flooring
- Stairs
- Debris
- Uneven Floors
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA SLIP AND FALL ATTORNEY
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury as a result of a slip and fall that was caused by the negligence of a liable party then do not hesitate to contact Sand Law about a free consultation on your claim. The lawyers of Sand Law are happy to speak to you about the details of your claim and how they can assist in your pursuit of compensation.
With the lawyers of Sand Law as your representation, you can be sure that you have a law firm that can back up their claims with a long list of successful cases. The damages you suffered should not go uncompensated. Hire Sand Law as your representation in your pursuit to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable for their negligence.
Contact Sand Law about a possible personal injury claim and how we can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. Your primary concern should be recovery and we understand that balancing that with an injury claim can be difficult. Allow us to represent you and help secure a settlement you are comfortable with while you heal.
Sand Law LLC
332 Minnesota St Ste W2402
St Paul, MN 55101
Sand Law, LLC