What happens if you slip and fall on an icy sidewalk? Can you sue the property owner or city? The answer can be more complicated than you think. Here are some things to consider.
1. Were you injured? If your injuries were minor and didn’t require medical care, a personal injury lawyer might decline to take your case. Doctor bills and medical costs are vital evidence to support your claim for a settlement. Without these, the property owner is likely to argue you weren’t really hurt.
2. Where did the injury take place? It’s important to identify who’s responsible for maintaining the sidewalk that caused your fall. Some sidewalks are owned by municipalities. Others, by private property owners. And sometimes, there’s a shared responsibility. The process of filing a claim may differ depending on where your fall took place. Plus, different insurance policies may come into play.
3. Was the property owner was at fault? If you have reason to believe that the property owner should have addressed the icy conditions, you might have a case. For instance, if your fall happened in a store parking lot several hours after opening, it’s reasonable to think they should have been able to salt the sidewalks. Or maybe your fall happened because a private property owner failed to repair a leaky gutter, which contributed to ice buildup.
Reach out to a Slip & Fall Lawyer
The best way to assess if you have a case is to reach out to a personal injury lawyer who specializes in slip and fall cases. We’re happy to hear what happened and let you know if we think you have a case. There’s no cost for an initial review. In fact, we only charge a fee if we’re able to win you a settlement.
Reach out to a lawyer from our team today!