The leaves have fallen off the trees, the air is crisp, and nights are long. Winter has arrived in the Portland area! With the possibility of snow and ice each year on top of our usual rain, it’s important for homeowners and business owners to be aware of any hazards that could lead to slip and fall accidents. In this blog, personal injury lawyer Paul Galm will walk through the basics of what to do in case you were involved in a slip and fall accident and how to stay safe during winter in Portland.
A Slip And Fall Claim is A Negligence Claim
When someone makes a slip and fall claim, he or she is often claiming negligence. If you are injured on another person’s property, the property owner could be found responsible due to premises liability. In this situation, safety was assumed by the visitor but not upheld by the property owner.
What to Do In Case of a Slip and Fall Accident
Whether you’ve incurred a few bruises or a more serious personal injury, ask the following questions to determine whether the injury was due to the property owner’s negligence or your own carelessness.
Determining Negligence
- Had the dangerous spot been there long enough that it should’ve been cleaned up?
- Could there have been a warning sign to let people know of the hazard?
- Does the property owner have regular maintenance procedures in place?
Ruling Out Carelessness
- Should you have been walking in the area of the hazard?
- Were there visible signs that the area could be dangerous?
- Were you distracted from your surroundings at the time of the injury?
Not all of these details need to be relayed to an insurance adjuster, but they can be helpful in providing a fuller picture of the incident. A personal injury lawyer can also be a knowledgeable resource at any point in the recovery process. He or she can provide insight on any necessary legal steps to take after the accident to ensure proper compensation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a slip and fall accident, schedule a free consultation with Paul Galm for personalized legal assistance.