Thomaston Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip, trip, and fall accidents occur when we least expect them. Many of these incidents are a product of clumsiness and cause minor injuries like scrapes or bruises. However, some incidents occur because the person in charge of property upkeep fails to uphold a legal duty to keep visitors safe.

When you sustain injuries because a property owner didn’t take proper steps to protect you from harm, you may have a verifiable cause for civil action. A capable injury attorney could explain your rights and help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries. Schedule to meet a Thomaston slip and fall lawyer for more information.

The Common Hazardous Conditions Leading to Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and falls often result from a hazardous condition on a property that causes a guest to lose their balance and fall. Common factors that lead to these incidents include:

• Broken or uneven stairs
• Cracked or uneven sidewalks
• Snow and ice lead to slippery floors
• Cords, debris, or trash on the floor
• Spills and wet floors
• Missing and loose handrails
• Inadequate lighting
• Flooring transitions, changing from one material to another

Sadly, these accidents can leave individuals with severe injuries, such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. However, aa knowledgeable attorney in Thomaston could investigate the cause of a slip and fall to help determine if there is cause for a civil claim for damages.

The Responsibilities of Landowners to Guests

The Illinois Premises Liability Act outlines the specific duties and responsibilities that landowners and managers owe to visitors they invite onto their property. According to Illinois Compiled Statutes § 740 130/, property owners and managers have a legal duty to invitees and licensees to keep them safe from foreseeable injuries and hazards on their land.

These landowners must maintain the property and ensure that conditions are reasonably safe. The Illinois Premises Liability Act applies to public and private property, including grocery stores and retailers, apartment buildings, amusement parks, and private residences.

There are three types of visitors in slip and fall civil actions, and those include the following:

Invitees

A landowner asks invitees to visit their property by direct or implied invitation. These guests usually visit premises for business purposes, meaning that property owners have a legal duty to maintain their land to keep it safe.

Licensees

Property managers invite licensees onto their premises, usually for social purposes, such as dinner guests. The person responsible for the upkeep of the premises must complete regular maintenance and have a legal duty to fix foreseeable accidents that could cause licensees to sustain injuries.

Trespassers

While the Premises Liability Act states that property owners owe invitees and licensees the same duty of care, it also establishes that they owe trespassers no legal obligation. The only responsibility landowners owe to trespassers is refraining from causing intentional harm. With the help of a Thomaston lawyer, a fall victim could gather the evidence to prove that a property owner or manager was liable for a tripping accident.

Call an Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney in Thomaston

When a property owner, possessor, or manager invites guests to enter the premises, they have a legal duty to keep it safe to avoid causing harm to them. While not all accidents are cause for a lawsuit, when a landowner is negligent, the court will hold them financially accountable.

A Thomaston slip and fall lawyer could investigate the cause of a fall to determine liability and help build a solid claim for damages. Additionally, a tenacious legal team member could advocate on your behalf and help recover the maximum settlement amount. When you need help after suffering losses connected to a slip and fall, call our hardworking attorneys.