Almost all slip-and-fall claims are based on the premises liability and negligence theories, which say that property owners must maintain their premises in a safe condition. Failing to fulfill this duty can result in your being held liable for injuries sustained on the premises. Below, the Law Office of Matthew Glassman will explain some of the differences between indoor and outdoor slip-and-fall claims.
Indoor Claim Factors
Floors should be kept clean of liquids, oils and debris that can lead to a fall. This factor applies especially to bars and restaurants.
Stairs and hand rails should be regularly maintained, with warning signs prominently posted. Every business should have a high degree of handicap accessibility.
Escalators and elevators are a common slip-and-fall cause, and their mechanical components should be kept in good working order at all times.
Outdoor Claim Factors
Weather conditions such as sleet, hail, rain and snow can make outdoor surfaces very slippery. If roads, walkways and steps are iced over, severe injuries can result.
Poor lighting can also contribute to slip-and-fall injuries.
Parking lots and garages can hold grease and oil from vehicles, which can be extremely slippery. If there is uneven pavement, trips and falls can occur.
Improperly maintained sidewalks, walkways and driveways can lead to significant liability for property owners. However, if a store owner does not own the parking lot and other outdoor areas, they generally aren’t liable for their maintenance.
In any slip-and-fall case, Slip and Fall Lawyers Long Island NY will examine the above factors to determine whether a property owner is liable for a customer’s injuries.
The Extent of Liability for Outdoor vs. Indoor Slip-and-Fall Claims
As mentioned above, premises owners are usually liable only for areas under their control. For an indoor claim, these include common areas like passageways and halls. For an outdoor claim, property owners are only liable for what they own. In so-called ‘gray areas’, courts analyze whether the property owner actually controlled the area in question.
Hiring a Lawyer for a Slip-and-Fall Claim
There are substantial differences between indoor and outdoor slip-and-fall claims, and in most cases you will need the help of slip and fall lawyers in Long Island NY. Whether you are a premises owner or a victim, having legal representation can help you become aware of all your legal options.
