Questions about Slip and Fall Accidents
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
What is a slip and fall accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs if you or someone you love has slipped or tripped and been injured while on another person or entity’s property. This often occurs due to the negligence of the property owner, landlord, owner of a business or corporation.
What are common conditions that cause a slip and fall accident?
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Snow and ice
- Uneven sidewalks or potholes
- Slick floors
- Debris
- Substandard flooring or carpeting
Who is the responsible party in a slip and fall accident?
In slip and fall accidents, it is the responsibility of the home or business owner to create a safe condition. If the owner caused, knew about but didn’t fix, or should have known about the condition that created an unsafe environment, they can be held responsible for your injuries.
What is considered a dangerous or hazardous condition?
Some things are obviously hazardous or dangerous, such as unlit stairwells or broken sidewalks. However, black ice or ice that you cannot see, slick floors or loose floor mats may not be noticeably dangerous. If someone has just spilled a beverage and the owner claims they have not yet had a chance to clean it up, then it may be considered temporary. However, if tree roots are causing the sidewalk to buckle, and they have been that way for some time, then the owner should have known the area is dangerous and could be held liable.
If I’ve been hurt, should I wait until I feel better to contact an attorney?
If you have suffered a serious head injury or other physical damage, you should seek medical treatment. Once you have been treated by a physician, you should contact a personal injury attorney. As soon as you are physically able to return to the scene of your accident, you should take pictures of the area that cause your injury. Things like a broken sidewalk may not change, but a spilled drink may be cleaned up or ice may melt. There are also statutes of limitations to consider. It is best to speak to an attorney before you are no longer able to file a claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident and are in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Stipe & Belote for an initial consultation.
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When workers are injured, employers and their workers compensation insurance carrier are responsible for providing those employees with the medical care they need as quickly as possible. 
If you are disabled, and can no longer work, the federal government offers disability payments to individuals who qualify under the Social Security Disability Insurance plan. 
