By Millions of people seek emergency medical each year due to slips and fall injuries. These are common occurrences that can happen to anyone anywhere. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips and falls account for 5% of work-related injuries. If you suffer such damages, you can hold the premises owner liable if the accident resulted from their negligence.
However, you’ll need legal expertise for the smooth running of the case. Moreover, you’ll come across different legal terms, and the attorney will help you understand their meaning and implications.
Check out common legal terms that you should know:
- Complaint
A complaint is the initial action that you take to begin a slip and fall lawsuit. It’s a detailed document containing all the allegations against the defendant. The person filing the complaint is referred to as a plaintiff and should identify the defendants and state the main legal reason for the claim.
- Statute of limitations
This is the time limit that you have to file a lawsuit after incurring slip and fall injuries. It stipulates the maximum amount of time that you can initiate a claim process against the defendant. This varies from one state to the other but is usually two years in most states. If you don’t file a claim within this time, you lose your compensation, and this is why Grillo Law attorneys encourage clients to file acclaim immediately.
- 3. Burden of proof
Burden of proof is a legal requirement to determine the claim’s viability as per the factual evidence provided. This lies with the injured party filing the accident claim. In slip and fall cases, you must prove that the other party was negligent, resulting in injuries.
- Negligence
The law requires us to adhere to certain standards of conduct. You can be held liable if you or your property harms another person. In slip and fall cases, negligence is the legal basis for the complaint. For instance, if you fall in the workplace, you can hold your employer liable if their negligence resulted in your injuries. In this case, most slip and fall lawyers will advise you to file a claim and seek compensation for the damages.
- 5. Damages
Damage refers to the amount of money you’re awarded by the insurance company as settlement for your slip and fall claim. This casts as compensation for the injuries incurred and may cover medical costs, lost income, rehabilitation, and out-of-pocket expenses. The compensation amount caters to the physical and emotional pain endured.
- Premises liability
Premises liability is a common term in personal injury cases where the injury resulted from a defective condition on one’s property. This happens when the property owner fails to adhere to certain protocols to ensure safety to the occupants.
Conclusion
Slip and fall cases involve different legal terms, and the plaintiff must prove negligence by the defendant to get compensation. If you slip and incur injuries on one property or at work, a slip and slip and fall attorney will help you file a claim, guide you on the best course of action.
