Can I Sue if I Trip and Fall in a Store?

Posted on March 19, 2024 by admin

Every year, thousands of Americans experience the sudden jolt of pain and fear that comes with tripping and falling in a retail store. The aftermath, however, is often filled with uncertainty. If you find yourself injured due to a slip or trip in an Indiana store, it’s natural to wonder about your rights and whether legal action is an option. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricate world of store liability, giving you the knowledge you need to handle these situations with confidence.

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Understanding Liability in Slip, Trip and Fall Cases

When a person trips and falls in a store, the question of who is legally responsible for the injury can be complex. Indiana law follows premises liability doctrine, which holds property owners—or the party in control of the premises—accountable for maintaining a safe environment for visitors.

The Duty of Care

Prioritizing the safety of visitors should be paramount for store owners in Indiana. They have a legal ‘duty of care’ under this state’s premises liability law. This duty includes:

▷ Regular safety inspections of the premises
▷ Knowledge of, and action on, hazardous conditions
▷ Posting warnings for known hazards that are not immediately rectifiable

Proving Negligence

To succeed in a claim, you must prove that the store or its employees were negligent. This requires proving:

▷The store was aware or reasonably should have been aware of the hazardous condition.
▷The hazardous condition led to the fall and subsequent injury.
▷The store’s negligence was a significant factor in causing the injury.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

The first moments after a fall are crucial for your safety and any potential claim. Here are the steps you should follow:

► Seek Immediate Assistance – Do not hesitate to ask for help. Call out to someone nearby or activate a store’s emergency assistance system if available.

► Notify the Store of the Incident – It is important to report the incident immediately to the store manager. A written report should be filed, and you are entitled to a copy for your own records.

► Ask the Store to Hold and Store all Video: Numerous stores now have several video cameras on the property. Write down an request on the written report for the store to hold onto the video evidence of you fall and how ling the hazardous condition existed before your fall.

► Document the Scene – Take photographs or video of the area where you fell, including the hazardous condition or object. Record the names and contact information of any witnesses. If you cannot do these things, please have another family member or store patron accumulate this evidence.

► Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay initially, some injuries may become apparent only after the adrenaline wears off. Seeking medical attention promptly can also provide a record of injuries caused by the fall. It is very common for a person who falls to start feeling the injury later that day or even days or weeks later. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you feel something.

► Retain All Records – Keep records of all costs associated with the fall, including medical bills, lost wages, and any out-of-pocket expenses.

Legal Considerations for Pursuing a Claim

Understanding the legal framework for your claim is essential. Here are the considerations you should bear in mind:

► Statute of Limitations – In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including slip and falls, is generally two years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this window may mean losing the right to compensation altogether.

► Determining Fault – Establishing liability can be challenging. However, with strong evidence and legal support, proving the store’s negligence is possible.

► Consulting a Lawyer – An experienced personal injury attorney is an invaluable asset. They assess the merits of your case, guide you through the claims process, and represent you in negotiations or in court if necessary.

Potential Compensation and Settlement

In successful cases, compensation, also known as damages, can cover various aspects of the accident:

► Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to treatment for your injuries.

► Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work due to an injury, you might be eligible for compensation to cover lost earnings.

► Pain and Suffering: Damages that consider the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident, both temporary and permanent in some situations.

► Negotiating a Settlement vs. Going to Trial

Personal injury claims are often resolved outside of court through negotiations. Yet, if an agreement cannot be met, proceeding to trial may become necessary.

Conclusion

After a slip and fall in a store, the path to justice may seem fraught with uncertainty. But with the right knowledge and support, you can stand up for your rights. Remember to take decisive action in the immediate aftermath, understand the legal principles at play, and seek professional legal advice to ensure that you receive the just compensation you deserve.

Navigating a slip and fall claim is complex, and each case is unique. We urge you to seek the assistance of a qualified attorney who can offer personalized guidance tailored to your circumstances. Don’t allow the complexities of the legal system to deter you from seeking the justice you deserve. Your comfort and well-being should be the highest priority, and pursuing a claim might lead you to a swift recovery and necessary adjustments to the store’s safety standards and policies.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a slip and fall accident in a store, don’t face the legal battle alone. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to get the support and expertise you need. Our experienced Indianapolis slip and fall accident lawyers are well-versed in Indiana premises liability law and are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation now, before time runs out on your claim.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Indiana: What You Need to Know

Posted on January 16, 2024 by admin

Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries and life-altering consequences. In the state of Indiana, understanding the premises liability law is crucial if you find yourself involved in a slip and fall incident. This knowledge can provide you with the necessary legal framework should you decide to pursue a slip and fall lawsuit or claim. This blog post will unravel the intricacies of Indiana’s premises liability laws, shed light on how to navigate a slip and fall injury, and offer practical advice on protecting your rights and interests in these unfortunate circumstances.

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Indiana’s Premises Liability Law

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners, managers and possessors responsible for injuries and accidents that occur on their property. In the state of Indiana, this law applies to slip and fall accidents, making it essential for individuals to understand what constitutes premises liability. Under Indiana Code Section 34-31-11, property owners have a duty of care to provide a safe environment for anyone on their property, whether invited or uninvited.

This includes ensuring that the premises are free from any hazardous conditions and taking necessary measures to prevent accidents and injuries. For instance, if a customer slips on a wet floor at a grocery store, causing them to sustain injuries, the property owner or possessor can be held liable for failing to keep their premises safe and free from hazards that caused the accident. The victim could file a slip and fall accident claim and collect compensation for their damages, such as medical bills and lost wages.

Pursuing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

If you have suffered a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation through a slip and fall lawsuit. However, pursuing legal action can be complicated and requires a thorough understanding of the law. It’s crucial to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who specializes in slip and fall cases. They can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights. In Indiana, there is a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident to file a slip and fall lawsuit.

What Victims Need to Prove in a Slip and Fall Case

To win a slip and fall lawsuit in Indiana, the victim must prove that the property owner was negligent. This means showing that the owner failed to fulfill their duty of providing a safe environment for visitors on their premises. Common examples of negligence in slip and fall cases include failure to repair or warn about hazardous conditions such as wet floors, loose carpeting, or icy walkways. You must also prove that the property owners, managers and/or possessors knew or should have known about the dangerous condition prior to the fall. The most common types of injuries that slip and fall victims suffer include broken bones, head injuries, and back injuries.

Protecting Your Rights and Interests

In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, it’s essential to take certain steps to protect your rights and interests. These include seeking immediate medical attention, documenting the incident by taking photos or videos of the scene, obtaining contact information from any witnesses, and reporting the accident to the property owner or manager. It’s also crucial to avoid making any statements or accepting any settlements from the property owner’s insurance company without consulting a lawyer first.

Conclusion

Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, at any time, in Indiana. Understanding premises liability law and your rights as an individual can help you navigate these unfortunate circumstances effectively. If you find yourself involved in a slip and fall injury, make sure to seek legal guidance immediately to protect your interests and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Remember, you have the right to compensation for any damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Would you like to speak with a seasoned civil litigator who knows how to deal with premises liability cases in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent injured victims all across the state, Indiana residents injured in other states and residents of other states injured in Indiana. In addition, we offer the option to hold meetings either by phone, at your residence, online, or at the hospital if necessary.

Understanding the Legal Aspects of Slip and Fall Accidents in Indiana

Posted on October 5, 2023 by admin

Slip and fall accidents can lead to severe injuries, impacting victims both physically and mentally. Understanding the legal aspects surrounding these incidents in Indiana is crucial to protecting your rights and securing personal injury damages you are legally entitled to. This blog is here to shed light on the premises liability law in Indiana, detail the legal process involved in slip and fall cases, and guide victims on how to navigate the often complex terrain of personal injury cases. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of this critical aspect of law.

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What is Premises Liability in Indiana?

Premises liability is a legal doctrine that holds property owners responsible for injuries suffered on their premises. This entails the responsibility of the owner to maintain a safe environment and reasonably prevent hazards from occurring. In Indiana, both residential and commercial property owners must endeavor to help keep their visitors safe by taking appropriate measures. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur.

How Does Indiana Law Define a Slip and Fall Accident?

In general, a slip and fall accident is defined as an incident where someone trips or slips due to hazardous conditions on the property of another person. This could include anything from a slippery floor to debris left in a walkway. In Indiana, the courts use a “reasonableness standard” to assess whether someone is liable for a slip and fall accident. This means that if it can be reasonably assumed that the property owner did not take adequate steps to prevent an accident from occurring, they may be held responsible.

Additionally, there are two approaches adopted by Indiana Courts when dealing with slip, trip, and fall accidents. The “open and obvious” doctrine dictates that if the hazard is open and obvious to a reasonable person, then it could be assumed that the plaintiff should have taken more care in avoiding the accident. However, even if the hazard is open and obvious, a property owner can still be liable depending upon the specific facts of the case. On the other hand, the “reasonable discovery” rule states that as long as a hazard is not open or obvious, property owners still have an obligation to take reasonable steps in making sure their property is free of dangers.

What Should You Do if You Get Involved in a Slip and Fall Accident?

If you find yourself involved in a slip and fall accident, the most important thing to do is seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Additionally, it’s a good idea to take photos and videos of the scene and to obtain names and phone numbers of witnesses, as this can be used as evidence in court. It is vital that you request that the property owner or manager retain any and all video of the fall from at least two hours before the fall to two hours after the fall. It’s also important to note anything that could have caused the accident, such as a slippery floor or something blocking your path. Finally, it’s crucial for you to get legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and securing damages.

What Kind of Damages Can You Recover in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

If you are successful in filing a lawsuit against the property owner or whoever was in charge of the property at the time, you could be eligible to receive compensation for any medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other losses incurred due to your injuries. This includes physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, and even punitive damages if the court or jury deems them appropriate. In addition to these damages, you may also be able to receive compensation for lost property or repair costs as well. This could include items such as clothing damaged during the accident, medical equipment or aids used to treat your injuries, and any other costs related to the incident.

Conclusion

Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries and financial losses, which is why it’s important to understand the legal aspects of these cases in Indiana. If you have been involved in such an accident, contact a knowledgeable premises liability attorney who specializes in slip, trip, and fall cases can help guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and ensure that you get full compensation for your losses. With the right guidance and proper documentation, you can secure justice and financial security for yourself and your loved ones.

If you have experienced a recent personal injury accident, make sure to take the time to understand your options before making any decisions. Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with seasoned slip and fall lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent victims all throughout the state, plus Indiana residents injured in other states.

10 Things to Know Before Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Claim

Posted on April 18, 2023 by admin

If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages. You should hire a slip and fall attorney to represent you as soon as you can and there are some important things that you should know. Continue reading to review 10 essential tips to help make sure your case is successful.

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Thinking About Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

Read Through These Tips First:

1. Document the Accident – Take pictures and video (if possible) of the hazard that caused your fall, as well as any injuries you sustained and any medical treatments you’ve received. This information may be needed to prove that you were indeed injured in a slip and fall accident.

2. Get Medical Treatment Immediately – It is important to seek medical treatment right away after an injury so that it can be documented in your medical records. Once your claim is filed, these records will be used to help determine the amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries and the defendant’s insurance company will want to review those records.

3. Request Property Owner Preserve Evidence – Make sure to request as soon as you can, in writing if possible and at the time of your fall if possible, that the property owner document the date, time and place of your fall and the names and addresses of any witnesses. Also request that they retain any and all video surveillance of the area of your fall showing what made you fall and how the danger that made you fall got there and how long it had been there prior to your fall.

4. Notify the Property Owner – If your slip and fall accident occurred on someone else’s property, it is important to notify the owner or manager of that property as soon as possible so they can make a record of the incident and possibly attempt to fix the hazard that caused your injury so nobody else gets hurt.

5. Preserve Evidence – Don’t discard any clothing or items involved in the accident because they may contain evidence that could help prove liability in court. Also, document anything unusual about the conditions of the area where you were injured such as spills or broken stairs.

6. Speak With Witnesses – Witnesses at an accident scene are invaluable when it comes to proving fault in court. Make sure to get their contact information in case you need to speak with them later on.

7. Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney – It is always best to consult an experienced Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer before filing a claim or taking any legal action against the property owner and their insurance carrier. A slip and fall personal injury attorney will be able to review your case and advise you of your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.

8. Understand the Statute of Limitations – Each state has its own statute of limitations governing how long after an injury you have to file a claim. Make sure that you are aware of this time period because if you miss it, your right to seek compensation could be lost forever. In Indiana, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a slip and fall claim in most cases, excluding those involving governmental entities.

9. Gather Financial Documents – Make sure to have all medical records, medical bills and other financial documents related to your accident claim on hand before filing a claim with an insurance company or going to court. This will help you prove the amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

10. Negotiate a Settlement – If the property owner’s insurance company offers you a settlement, make sure to get legal advice from your slip and fall attorney before accepting it as it may not be sufficient enough to cover all of your damages. Your attorney can help negotiate a more favorable settlement if necessary and can advise you on what the ramifications of a settlement would be.

Conclusion

These 10 tips should give you an idea of what is involved in filing a slip and fall accident claim. Remember that it is important to act quickly after an accident and seek legal advice from a qualified slip and fall attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Having this information clearly documented will make it easier for both your lawyer and the court and jury to understand the full extent of your damages. This type of evidence can also be used to help prove the damage amount in court or during settlement negotiations. Keeping track of all related expenses such as medical bills and lost wages will also be beneficial for your case.

Are you ready to learn more about your rights and eligibility as a personal injury victim or defendant? Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-fee personal injury consultation with a trusted and professional slip and fall lawyer in Indianapolis, today. We represent clients all throughout the state, even if you are an Indiana resident who was injured in another state, or an out-of-town visitor injured in Indiana.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Slip and Fall Injury Claim

Posted on February 1, 2023 by admin

Slip and fall accidents can result in serious damage, both physical and financial. If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation through a slip and fall injury claim. But how do you get the most out of your claim? It all starts with knowing what steps to take after an accident happens. In this blog post, we will discuss the process of filing a slip and fall lawsuit, how to find a qualified slip and fall lawyer, common mistakes people make during their claims process, tips for negotiating with insurance companies, and more.

Read on to learn more about getting the most out of your slip and fall injury claim!

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The 101 on Slip Trip and Fall Accident Claims

Documentation

The first step in filing a slip and fall claim is to document everything you can remember about the accident. Take pictures of the scene and what caused you to fall, make sure an incident report is filled out by the business or property owner, if you have a receipt proving you were on the property at a specific time and place hold onto the receipt, ask the business or property owner to retain all video evidence from the day of your fall, collect witness names, addresses, phone numbers and statements if possible, and make sure to keep track of all medical bills associated with your injury.

Once you have gathered all of this information, it’s time to find a qualified personal injury slip and fall lawyer to represent you. If you don’t have all the information it is okay. Your attorney will help to obtain the information. Your personal injury attorney should be experienced in handling slip, trip, and fall cases, and they should be willing to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf or take the case to trial if a full and fair settlement cannot be reached.

Negotiations

When negotiating with the insurance company, it’s important to remember that they will likely try to minimize their payout as much as possible. This is why having a qualified slip and fall injury attorney is so important—they can help you understand the legal process and represent your interests throughout the negotiations. Your lawyer will also provide evidence supporting your claims so that you can have a strong case for receiving compensation.

Security

The first thing you should do is consult with an experienced Indiana slip and fall lawyer for your slip, trip, and fall injury claim as soon as you can. Evidence can be lost or not preserved if you do not move quickly. Secondly, it is important to have your own attorney representing your interests as the defendant’s insurance carrier will have an attorney representing their insured’s interests.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can ensure that your slip and fall claim is handled properly and that you get the most out of it. Calling and speaking with an experienced slip and fall attorney is always a good idea.

Are you prepared to uncover more about your right to acquire reimbursement for the recent slipping, tripping, or falling accident that occurred in Indiana? For a free, no-obligation consultation with an Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer, call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover and Blazek, P.C today at 317-881-2700. Our knowledgeable legal team is ready to take on your case!

Indiana Slip and Fall Accident Claim Guide for Victims

Posted on April 20, 2022 by admin

Slip and fall accidents can come with some serious and prolonged or permanent bodily injuries. Those harmed in such accidents due to another’s careless should not be held responsible for their economic losses, like hospital bills and medical expenses. They are also entitled, by law, to recover for their pain and suffering caused by the negligence of another. If you have just suffered serious injuries because of a slip, trip, or fall accident that was not your fault, it is important to talk to an Indiana personal injury lawyer right away. In the meantime, be sure to follow the recommended Indiana slip and fall accident claim guide for victims like yourself.

Continue reading to learn how to protect your legal rights after a slip and fall accident in Indiana, including which law firm to trust for skilled and compassionate representation.

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WHAT TO DO AFTER A SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENT IN INDIANA

Report the Incident to the Property Authority

The first step to take after being injured in a slip, trip, and fall accident is to notify the owners or persons in charge. For commercial properties like retail stores, gyms, or restaurants, ask for the staff member who holds the most authority or highest ranking. Be sure to tell them you want a written report of the incident made and ask for a copy.

Report the accident. Be brief by simply stating where you fell, which obstruction caused the fall (torn carpet, poor lighting, uneven floorboard, wire or cordage, puddle of water, spilled drink etc.), and where you feel hurt.

For public grounds like parks, notify the town or city the same day, both via phone call and written notification. If the injury is too severe, notify the city or town as soon as your health allows. This is especially important for accidents that take place without any witnesses, which brings us to our next step.

Ask for Witness Information

The next step, depending on the severity of your injury, is to collect contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident and/or witnessed what caused you to fall. If you cannot do so, hopefully a good Samaritan, police officer, friend, family member, etc… will be able to assist you with that. Do not trust that the needed witness information is being obtained by the persons writing the report for the owner of the property.

Be sure to record their full names, phone numbers, and email addresses. If they are willing to give additional contact information, like a copy of their drivers’ license, date of birth or place of employment, take those as well. Keep in mind that witness testimony can play a huge part in obtaining a full and fair personal injury settlement or verdict.

Gather Evidence

Immediately take photos and video recordings of the scene of the accident, what caused you to fall and your injuries. Sometimes, injuries appear days, weeks and even months after a fall and doctors call this delayed onset. Do not assume that you are not hurt if you do not feel any pain immediately after slipping and falling. Gathering digital evidence may have to be obtained by a friend or family member depending on the severity of your injuries. If photos and videos cannot be taken at the moment of the accident, have them taken as soon as possible after your fall.

These pictures should be taken at a few different angles, and should capture the hazardous environment or obstruction, the condition of the victim, the victim’s injury, and the condition of the injury in the days following the accident. All these photos and videos have to be done BEFORE any changes are made and evidence is lost (i.e. melting snow or ice, garbage spills, flooding, etc.) if at all possible. The more evidence you have to offer, the higher your chances of recovering fair compensation. Sometimes, a property owner will fix a dangerous condition, but only after someone gets hurt, so it is important to obtain that evidence as soon as humanly possible.

Seek Medical Care

A person should seek medical treatment the same day, or as soon as they are experiencing pain or symptoms from the accident. As mentioned earlier, injuries do not always present themselves right away, especially with slip and fall accidents. Injuries can show up days, weeks and even months following an accident. This is very common among neck, spinal, back, knee, elbow and shoulder injuries.

Insurance companies for the property owners will argue that a claimant wasn’t seriously injured enough to receive compensation if they didn’t require and seek professional medical care. Medical treatment not only validates that a slip and fall victim is injured, the doctor’s diagnosis and victim’s medical records are evidence for a case. Hopefully, with the appropriate care and treatment, you can get your life back to where it was before your fall as soon as possible, which is what any injured persons wants.

Hire a Skilled Indiana Personal Injury Law Firm Immediately

Before talking to any insurance companies, it is critical to hire a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indiana. The process of speaking with insurance adjusters is delicate and complex. One seemingly harmless or innocent statement can be manipulated and used in an attempt to place fault on a victim in an attempt to evade or eliminate liability. It is vital to the outcome of your case to have a licensed slip and fall lawyer on your side, walking you through the process from start to finish.

Looking for a personal injury law firm that is fully qualified and equipped to meet your legal needs after a slip and fall accident? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury consultation with an experienced slip and fall attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Although our office is located in Indianapolis, we represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana, as well as Hoosiers injured in other states.

When Can a Slip and Fall Accident Lead to a Lawsuit?

Posted on February 18, 2022 by admin

Whether you fell at your apartment complex due to landlord negligence or at a local retail store because of a slippery surface hazard that was not properly maintained by the store owner or tenant, a slip and fall accident can be quite serious and lead to severe, long-lasting injuries. In such cases, an accident lawsuit may ensue.

Continue below to learn some basic facts about slip and fall accident cases, including when a lawsuit might be necessary.

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Personal Injury Slip and Fall Accident Claims

A slip and fall accident in Indiana can turn into a personal injury case if in the situation, a hazard of some sort was on the property and was neglected by the property owner or tenant. As a result, this hazard caused harm to another person by causing them to slip and fall. A slip and fall situation can result in serious injuries, and sometimes, not right away. After a slip and fall accident, many people get right back up and go on with their day, only to notice days or weeks and sometimes even months later that they are having severe back pains or other injury related issues.

Slip and fall accidents are categorized under Tort Law, meaning the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, or someone else can be held accountable for your injuries. If a property owner knows or should know through routine inspections about a potential danger lurking on their premises, or a hazard of some sort, they are obligated by law to take responsibility for the danger immediately. If the hazard is never tended to or never discovered due to a lack of inspections, and it subsequently causes another person harm or loss, then the owner can face legal damages which the owner’s insurance carrier would be responsible for paying.

Common Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries

Slipping and falling can cause a number of injuries to a person, ranging from minor to major. Some minor personal injuries include sprained ankles, broken toes, lesions and bruising, scrapes, burns, and scratches. Some major injuries are broken backs, hips, or necks, shattered pelvis, knocked unconscious and brain injuries, and worse.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, it is recommended you hire an Indiana personal injury attorney to represent your rights. A victim can recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, legal fees, pain and suffering, and more. The law is tricky and hard to understand unless you are trained in the industry. An experienced personal injury law firm in Indianapolis can help with most types of slip and fall cases. To further understand your rights as a victim of a wrongful accident or injury, you want to consult with a knowledgeable accident attorney that can speak to you in a language you can understand.

Don’t let a serious accident stop you from collecting what you are legally entitled to. Get compensation for pain, suffering, lost wages, and more with the help of a licensed accident lawyer. With many stores and other locations having surveillance cameras set up everywhere, it is vital to obtain legal representation immediately after a fall as negligent parties can and will destroy the video evidence of not only the fall itself but video of when the product got on the floor and when and by whom the last inspection was supposedly performed, even though they know a person fell and was injured on their property.

Not sure how to get started with a personal injury slip and fall accident claim in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with a seasoned slip and fall accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet with you over the phone or computer, or in-person at our Indianapolis law office. We represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

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What Accident Victims Must Prove to Win a Slip and Fall Case

Posted on February 1, 2022 by admin

In many cases, a personal injury slip and fall accident occurs as a result of property owner, property occupant and/or property manager’s negligence. From spills and puddles to lax grounds maintenance, building code violations, deteriorating pavement, and more, slip and fall accidents can be a permanent condition or something temporary. Either way, if you are injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident, it is important to educate yourself on your rights as a victim of a personal injury. This applies to both visitors and staff of commercial businesses, as well as guests, tenants and occupants in residential settings.

Continue reading to learn what a slip and fall accident victim must prove in a personal injury lawsuit in order to win their case.

Slip and Fall Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

A Property Owner’s Duty of Care

Property owners have a legal liability referred to as duty of care, which requires them to maintain a safe and secure premises, free of any foreseeable hazards or dangers. The law will hold property owners responsible for a victim’s damages if said victim is seriously injured or suffers permanent consequences after slipping and falling on their premises as a result of violating this duty of care.

However, in order for an accident victim to win their slip and fall lawsuit, they must prove certain facts of their claim. This claimant obligation is known as burden of proof, and it is a central element in every personal injury case.

Burden of Proof in a Slip and Fall Accident

A slip and fall accident victim and their legal team of personal injury attorneys are responsible for proving their case. They must factually demonstrate that the negligent party’s carelessness caused unsafe conditions that led to the victim’s accident, and that the accident caused serious injuries that required hospitalization or medical treatment.

As a wrongfully injured victim of a slip and fall accident, it is important to ask yourself:

What caused me to slip and/or fall?

Should someone have known about the thing that caused my fall?

Was the cause of my accident foreseeable and preventable if proper precautions and inspections were performed?

These three questions will help you gain a basic understanding of your chance of success in pursing a slip and fall claim against a property owner or other negligent party.

If you are injured in a Slip and Fall:

If you are hurt in a commercial or business setting, even at work or school, or injured anywhere else, it is important to take pictures and video of the area of your accident, what caused your fall and retrieve all witness contact information. These two initiatives can help you prove your slip and fall case faster to the insurance carrier for the defendant.

You should always make a written report if possible as well. Following medical treatment, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer as soon as possible before evidence is lost to support your claim or time runs out on the statute of limitations for your claim.

Not sure which personal injury law firm can help you recover the maximum settlement for your slip and fall case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with us about scheduling a free consultation with a licensed and experienced slip and fall injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and can hold meetings over the phone, internet, or in person at our Indy-based office.

Facts About Premise Liability Policy For Small Business Owners

Posted on July 23, 2021 by admin

Slip and fall injuries can and do happen on the premises owned or controlled by business owners, small and big alike. All businesses should have general liability insurance and premise liability insurance for a commercial property and their business in general. Small and big employers and their employees are sometimes “negligent”, which basically means failing to use due care. If a business is negligent, they can and should be held liable for resulting injuries and damages to their patrons. If a business is found to be negligent by a judge or jury, their insurance carrier will pay for any verdict against the company.

Continue reading to learn about premise liability policy protection and who to call for pertinent advice and information about this topic and more.

Indianapolis IN Slip and Fall Lawyer 317-881-2700

General Liability Insurance for Small Businesses

Not only is it important to retain this kind of insurance, it is also important to obtain the right amount of coverage. Having enough coverage is necessary for proper protection for the business and to provide for full compensation for a patron injured as a result of negligence. An experienced insurance agent can provide accurate assessments for a business’s particular policy coverage needs although in general, the more coverage you have the better.

For such insurance policies, a business pays a monthly or quarterly premium for their insurance coverage. This premium promises an insurance defense attorney to fight their case, as well as a money reserve to cover any court-ordered retributions or remunerations awarded against them by a verdict or for funds to use to obtain a settlement. This is another reason supporting the importance of having enough liability coverage.

Premise Care and Maintenance

Businesses have a legal obligation to provide a safe premise for anyone invited or welcomed onto their property. It is important to properly inspect, maintain and care for their property, inside and out, so people are not injured. This means proper inspections, floor cleaning, repair, and maintenance, as well as routine snow shoveling and salting, pathway clearing, concrete repair, and much more. It would also includes reviewing and ensuring that the property meets all safety rules, codes and ordinances.

It is also their duty and legal obligation to supervise employees and staff within their business as businesses can only act through their owners, officers, agents and employees. If any of these persons were negligent and contributed to causing a person’s injuries, the business itself is held responsible under Indiana law. Thus, it is important to make sure all employees are fully aware of the importance of premises safety for any business.

Hire an Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer if You are Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident

If you were recently injured in a slip and fall accident, contact a licensed Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer for professional legal advice and information. You may be entitled to legal compensation for your damages and losses.

Were you seriously injured in a slip and fall accident in Indiana? Contact the accident attorneys at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis Indiana slip and fall lawyer, today at 317-881-2700. We are happy to discuss your case over the phone, via Zoom, at your home or in person at our office. We represent injured victims throughout the state of Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Important Injury Lawsuit Information for Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
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Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

Important Injury Lawsuit Information for Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Posted on April 6, 2021 by admin

Usually, when a personal injury attorney hears the term, “premises liability”, the first thing that will come to mind is slip and fall accidents, as they are among the most common personal injury cases in the United States. Such lawsuits fall under an area of tort law called premises liability, which are generally based on whether or not the proprietor allowed a foreseeable and dangerous condition to continue or failed to use reasonable care to discover a dangerous condition without correcting or blocking off the hazard.

If you are a recent slip and fall accident victim, be sure to consult with an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about slip and fall accident claims, including how to get started on yours as soon as possible.

Indiana Slip Fall Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Slip and Fall Premises Liability Accident Claims

A slip, trip, or fall injury is pretty self-explanatory. It occurs when a person slips or trips on a hazard and loses balance and falls, usually to the ground, subsequently suffering injury. If this type of accident occurs in a public place, a place of business, or another person’s property, there can be legal repercussions for the premise owner and their insurance carrier. The accident victim can legally pursue compensation for their injuries, and may be rewarded compensation if the opposing party(ies) is/are found 50% or more at fault.

If a person is injured, and wishes to pursue compensation for their damages, they must be able to prove fault. Many aspects of a slip and fall case are examined in order to justify who is responsible for such an accident. A jury looks at the premise owner, managers or other potentially at-fault parties and evaluates whether or not they acted carefully in order to prevent any slips, trips, or falls.

Other areas are considered as well in order to determine who is responsible for the accident. Things like poor lighting, torn carpets, uneven flooring, crumbling sidewalks, puddles, and more are all common hazards that cause slip and fall injuries. Weather conditions like rain, ice, and snow are also common culprits for slip, trip, and fall accidents.

Property Owners Have a Legal Duty of Care to Maintain a Safe and Hazard-Free Environment

If a person slips in a supermarket because there is water on the floor, and there is no “WET FLOOR” sign, they could be entitled to compensation for their injuries because the store was responsible for the wet spot and negligent about cleaning it up in a timely manner to prevent harming customers. Property owners can also be negligent by failing to conduct inspections to find dangerous conditions on their property.

Are you a recent slip, trip, or fall accident victim who is looking for a qualified personal injury lawyer? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free consultation with a seasoned slip and fall attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. There is no need to travel, as our lawyers are happy to conduct meetings via phone or internet. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

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