One of the most common accidents people sustain on someone else’s property is a slip or trip and fall. Although property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors, accidents still happen.
The common causes of slip and fall accidents in Tempe are all preventable. When a property owner does not keep their premises safe, contact Phillips Law Group. We have decades of experience serving injured people in this community and ensuring they receive the compensation they need.
Maintenance Issues Lead to Slip and Fall Accidents
Reasonable efforts to keep property safe would prevent most slip or trip and falls. Unfortunately, property owners often defer maintenance or neglect to inspect their premises regularly, resulting in conditions that lead to accidents.
Some of the most common hazards that cause people to fall and injure themselves in and around the Tempe area include:
- Wet floors
- Uneven steps
- Inadequate lighting
- Loose carpets or rugs
- Dirt or debris on the floor
- Loose or broken handrails
- Broken tiles or floorboards
- Cables or electric cords in areas where people must pass
When any of these hazards are present, it indicates that the property owner is not properly maintaining the premises.
The degree of effort a property owner must exert to keep their premises safe depends on why the visitor was there. For example, a business owner has a greater responsibility toward their customers than a homeowner has toward their social guests. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group will investigate the circumstances surrounding a fall and pursue compensation when there is evidence the property owner did not use an appropriate degree of care.
An Injured Person’s Behavior Could Be a Factor
Just as property owners must exert reasonable efforts to keep their property safe, visitors must use reasonable caution. When someone’s conduct contributed to their injury, Arizona Statute §12-2505 reduces the amount they can collect from a negligent property owner. The injured person’s compensation is reduced by a percentage equal to their degree of fault.
For example, if someone was texting when they walked by a “Wet Floor” sign without noticing it, slipped, and got hurt. They are probably partially responsible for their injury. Similarly, someone who was running on a stairway or escalator is likely partially to blame for getting hurt.
Phillips Law Group’s Tempe attorneys will gather evidence showing that the property owner is at fault for the cause of the slip and fall incident. During settlement negotiations and, if necessary, at trial, we will advocate strongly for the injured person and prevent them from bearing an unfair portion of the blame.
Compensation for Injuries Sustained in a Fall
Regardless of the cause, Tempe slips and falls can lead to serious consequences. A person could sustain soft tissue injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even spinal cord damage, leading to permanent paralysis. When an injury causes someone to seek medical treatment or miss time at school or work, they should consult a legal professional about seeking compensation.
The property owner is responsible for reimbursing medical expenses and related costs, such as copays, deductibles, pharmacy bills, travel to doctor appointments, and equipment like a cane, crutches, or wheelchair. They also must pay for lost income due to the injury, including lost future income if the injury prevents a return to work.
An injured person is also entitled to pain and suffering damages. This is money paid in acknowledgment of the inconvenience, physical pain, disability, emotional distress, scarring, and other non-economic impacts the injury caused.
Contact Phillips Law Group When You Slip and Fall in Tempe
The common causes of slip and fall accidents in Tempe are almost always the result of property owner negligence. Owners have an obligation to pay you for the harm their negligence causes.
Talk to the skilled attorneys at Phillip Law Group about pursuing monetary damages after a slip or trip and fall accident. Please reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
Available 24/7