When an individual sustains injuries and damages in a slip and fall accident, an important consideration is who is financially responsible for paying the medical and other expenses. Determining liability will depend on a variety of factors related to the circumstances surrounding the fall. To learn more about who may be responsible for damages and how you can collect compensation, read on and work with a skillful New Jersey premises liability lawyer.
Who is Responsible for Damages After a Slip and Fall Accident?
Several people or entities could be held liable for your slip and fall accident and therefore responsible for the resulting damages. Consider the following.
- You: If the accident occurred as a result of your actions like reckless behavior, you may be on the hook for covering the associated medical costs. You can do this out of pocket or through your health insurance.
- Property owners: A homeowner or property owner may be found liable for your medical expenses if their negligence caused or contributed to the accident. If the fall occurred on someone else’s property like a private home, commercial establishment, public walkway, etc. the owner or manager of the property could be liable under premises liability law.
- Employers: If you are injured in a slip and fall while at work and/or performing the duties of your job, your employer may be responsible for damages through workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance that provides employees with coverage if they are injured at or related to their job. This coverage can compensate you for medical expenses as well as lost wages.
- Third parties: In some cases, a third party like a maintenance company, landscaper, cleaning company, etc. could be responsible for medical expenses after a slip and fall. If any third party was negligent in their work and created or failed to address a hazard they could be held liable.
- Government bodies: If you slipped and fell on government or public property you may be able to pursue compensation through a government agency. This is similar to the way that property owners are liable for accidents that occur on their property. If a hazard on a sidewalk, in a government building, in a public park, etc. caused the accident, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the entity.
What is Premises Liability?
Property owners are generally required to maintain safe premises for welcomed visitors and to address any hazards that may pose a risk for accidents and injuries. This responsibility is known as premises liability law. Under this law, property owners must ensure their property is reasonably safe, conduct regular inspections and maintenance, and quickly work to resolve danger as it presents itself.
Whether you are pursuing compensation through your own insurance, a property owner, your employer, etc., it is beneficial to hire skilled legal representation after a slip and fall accident. Reach out to an experienced attorney today for more information and advice.
