Slips and falls are common accidents. If you were hurt by a fall on someone else’s property, you may be able to hold the owner responsible and claim financial compensation. Establishing liability in Mankato slip and fall claims generally requires proving that a property owner or manager was negligent.
A compassionate slip and fall injury attorney can investigate the incident, collect evidence, and help hold the property owner accountable for your injuries. At Maschka Personal Injury, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the legal system when you are recovering from an accident. Let us advocate on your behalf. We will support you throughout the process.
Anyone who controls access to a property must maintain it in a reasonably safe condition. The owner generally must take reasonable steps to ensure that visitors to the property are protected from hazardous conditions. The amount of effort required depends on the circumstances.
Generally, property owners should repair or remediate hazards upon becoming aware of them. If it is impossible to fix the problem immediately, they should warn the property’s visitors of the dangerous condition. In a slip and fall case, there is often an inquiry into when the property manager learned of the hazard, whether they should have learned of it sooner, and how much time elapsed before addressing it.
Our experienced attorneys, based in Mankato but serving the surrounding areas, can collect essential evidence to prove liability in your slip and fall case.
To collect damages in a Mankato slip and fall case, you must successfully establish the property owner’s liability by proving their negligence. You must also prove that the hazardous condition directly caused your injury. An attorney can use evidence like video footage of the incident and medical records to prove that the slip and fall occurred and caused injury.
Finally, you must prove you suffered actual damages due to your injuries. Evidence that you required medical treatment, missed time at work, or could not participate in your usual activities because of the injury can prove that you incurred damages.
Injured people sometimes bear partial responsibility for a slip and fall accident. If your carelessness led to a fall, you may be partially responsible. Minnesota Statutes § 604.01 outlines the state’s comparative fault law.
It allows an injured person whose negligence contributed to their damages to claim compensation from other negligent parties. If a slip and fall case goes to trial, a jury will decide how much fault rests with each party on a percentage basis. An injured person’s damages will be reduced by a percentage equal to their degree of responsibility.
However, if the injured has a higher percentage of fault than the defendant, they will be barred from any recovery. Most personal injury claims settle without going to trial. However, an allocation of fault is often discussed as part of the settlement negotiation process.
If you bear partial responsibility for the slip and fall accident, working with an experienced Mankato personal injury claims attorney can help you make the best possible arguments to maximize your recovery.
People sometimes think slip and fall claims are straightforward. You may be tempted to handle a claim yourself, but that could be a mistake. Establishing liability in Mankato slip and fall claims often requires legal knowledge and skill.
Our law firm has represented Southern Minnesota residents in slip and fall cases for decades. When you need us, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free meeting to discuss your situation.
