Top Slip and Fall Myths
Author: Auger Law | September 21st, 2016
From icy parking lots to wet floors, there are a variety of reasons that people find themselves unable to stay on their feet. Slip and fall accidents result in a number of civil lawsuits every year. In fact, these lawsuits are so common that you may know someone who has either filed a claim or thought about it.
With so many stories out there regarding slip and fall lawsuits, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here are the top myths surrounding these lawsuits.
There is no case.
Sure, accidents happen. If you want to avoid ever being injured, you would have to put yourself in a bubble and never leave your home. Just because “accidents happen,” you shouldn’t assume that you don’t have a case after you have fallen. If you were injured on someone else’s property, and the owner of that property was negligent in maintaining the safety of their property, you have a right to compensation for your injuries.
There was a warning sign.
We’ve all seen wet floor signs. These yellow warning are meant to tell us to slow down and watch our step. What they aren’t meant to do is negate a lawsuit. There is a difference between placing a wet floor sign on a freshly mopped floor, and putting on near a spill that is never attended to.
My injuries aren’t physical.
Your physical injuries may be minor, or they may not have occurred at all. You don’t have to have apparent physical injuries to be able to file a lawsuit. You may be injured in such a way that you are unable to enjoy normal day-to-day activities. You might have a disruption in your social life. An attorney can advise you in cases such as these.
I don’t have any evidence.
When people slip and fall, they rarely think to stop and collect evidence. It is natural to be embarrassed when you fall down, and collecting bits of evidence to use in a future lawsuit is the last thing on your mind. This is true if you are injured as well. Your first thought is undoubtedly getting help for your injuries. You don’t have to have collected mounds of evidence to have a successful lawsuit.
I have all the time in the world.
Some are under the misconception that they can sue whenever they like. This is not true. Every state has a statute of limitations that dictates how much time you have to file your lawsuit. The statue of limitations varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. If you have even a thought of possibly filing, you need to consult with an attorney right away.
If you have been injured in North Carolina, give us a call today. We will advise you of your options at no cost to you during your initial consultation. It never hurts to speak to an attorney, even if you ultimately decide that filing a lawsuit is not in your best interest. Call us today.
