Injuries from slip and fall accidents can range from very mild sprains, scrapes or bruising to more severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries may require complicated and costly medical treatment.
When a person slips and falls and suffers an injury due to the negligence of a property owner, the property owner may be liable for the injuries and bear responsibility for the medical bills and additional damages.
Necessary elements
There are three main things to prove in order for a property owner to be responsible for injuries suffered on their property. First, a hazardous condition must have existed on the property. Second, the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard. Lastly, the property owner did nothing to remedy the dangerous situation or warn visitors of the hazard.
Commercial property liability and homeowner liability
Commercial property owners owe a duty of care to visitors to ensure the property is free from hazards. This means that customers can expect a level of safety when visiting a restaurant, store or business. Private homeowners have the same level of responsibility to invited guests on their property. However, if injuries occurred while someone was trespassing on the property of a private homeowner, the homeowner may not be responsible for the injuries.
Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, there is a statute of limitations for how long an injured party may wait before seeking compensation for personal injuries in North Carolina. A civil lawsuit must happen within three years of the injury.