Five Things to Know After a Boise Slip-and-Fall Accident in Meridian, ID
When we’re out shopping or running errands, we expect the places we frequent to be safe. These places are open to the public, so you reasonably shouldn’t have to worry about an injury. Sadly, you slipped and fell, and now you’re looking at major injuries and even bigger medical bills.
If you’ve been injured in a Boise slip-and-fall accident, you might be worried about your claim and what you can do about your injuries. You were hurt, but you’re struggling to understand who might be at fault and how to seek recompense from them.
There is no single answer for every case because every injury is different. Even the difference between slipping on private property or public property can change who’s responsible. Continue reading to learn more about slip-and-falls. Then, reach out to an experienced attorney for answers to your case-specific questions.
Your Injuries May Be Serious
When you think of a slip-and-fall accident, you might think more about a bump on the head or bruised pride. You might not even consider a more dangerous injury.
Unfortunately, that’s a real possibility with slip-and-fall accidents. Many people suffer injuries such as concussion, back injuries, and broken bones. These injuries can be painful, and some can even affect the quality of your life. You might be unable to enjoy activities you used to love, and you may even need help completing everyday tasks.
If you slipped and fell, you may need medical care, even if you feel fine. These delayed injuries may not be as painful right away, but they could still be serious. For example, you might have suffered a back injury, but you didn’t feel it until later. These injuries can become more severe if left untreated.
Employees May Not Be at Fault
When you’re hurt by a slip-and-fall accident, there’s a chance that an employee or customer caused it. Someone spilled some liquid on the floor, an employed failed to place a wet floor sign, and they didn’t warn you of the danger until it was too late.
For most people, your first response might be to place blame on the employee. They caused the accident, so they should pay for your injuries, right? Not always.
Although an employee may have caused the accident, they may not be financially responsible for your injuries. Instead of seeking compensation from the employee, you may need to seek recompense from their employer. Many people don’t realize that employer liability means that the employer is responsible for the actions of their employees, which can make the claims process more difficult.
Your Time Is Limited
If you’ve experienced a slip-and-fall accident, you may not have a ton of time to act on your claim. If you don’t file within two years of the injury, your claim could be dismissed. That could leave you without the compensation you need for your injuries if you don’t act fast enough. That’s tough for you and your family, since even a slip-and-fall accident can get expensive fast.
Because of that, it’s important to act quickly. While it can be difficult to act in time while dealing with your injuries, acting on your claim could protect it from a dismissal. Even if you’re not sure if you have grounds to act on your claim, it’s often best to talk to your lawyer now, not later. Later could mean too late, after all.
You May Have Grounds to Sue
When you’re hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, you need to know what your options are for recovery. First, you need to know whether you’re eligible for compensation. Many people are unsure of their eligibility, and thus miss out on compensation that they’re rightly owed.
Typically, your lawyer can help you determine whether someone was careless with your safety, or negligent. Negligence means someone not only caused the accident, but they could have done something within reason to prevent your accident. They failed to meet the duty of care, which means they failed reasonably to take care of your safety.
If you were injured, the employer or other responsible party should be held responsible for those injuries. However, if you still have questions about your options for a lawsuit and what steps you should take, a lawyer can give you the guidance you need.
Claims Against the Government Are More Difficult
When you’re injured in a business or store, the claim is usually a matter between you and the store owner. They may be held responsible for what happens in their store. Not every slip-and-fall accident happens on someone else’s property, though. You may have instead been injured on government property.
These injuries are more complex because government claims often have stricter rules regarding legal pursuits. For example, you have a stricter time limit, and you may have to fill out more paperwork and notices for your injury. That means more time focusing on the lawsuit, not on your physical recovery.
For many people, that makes getting compensated after a work injury difficult. You might even consider giving up and paying for the expenses yourself. Fortunately, your attorney can help you act now and seek compensation for your claim.
How a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Can Help You
Thinking about filing a lawsuit for a slip-and-fall accident? There’s a lot more to know about your accident and your compensation options. For example, if you fell on a sidewalk or government property, the time limits and requirements for your claim could change drastically, which can be disorienting when you’ve just learned these laws. That’s where a lawyer can help.
Your personal injury lawyer in Boise can help you learn more before your claim goes to court. If you’re in the dark about any part of your Boise slip-and-fall accident claim, reach out for a lawyer’s help to better your chances of a successful injury claim.
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