Indianapolis Slip and Fall Attorney

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Attorneys

It often takes a slip and fall accident to make property owners and their agents realize their liability in keeping their premises safe for those allowed to be on the property. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their floors and the rest of their property safe. Suppose a slip and fall injury victim or their Indianapolis slip and fall lawyers can prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the dangerous condition that led to the slip and fall. In that case, they deserve compensation for the damages and injuries they suffered. Suppose you were recently injured in a slip and fall accident. In that case, it’s time to get an advocate on your side by contacting Blackburn Romey today.

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Frequent Causes of Indianapolis Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere—the mall, a grocery store, a school, your next-door neighbor’s house, or even in government-owned places such as the post office or county court. Every slip and fall claim is unique, but most result from only a few different causes.

Any circumstance the creates a wet walking surface or one with slippery or even dry debris raises the risk of a slip and fall. These conditions inhibit the traction of the shoe or foot.

Slip and fall accidents typically occur because someone’s shoes fail to grip the walking surface, resulting in traction loss. Without traction, their feet come out from under them, causing a fall.

Weather Conditions

Poor weather conditions result in a marked number of slip and fall accidents. Snowy or icy outdoor sidewalks, parking lots, or moisture on indoor floors coming from the outdoors cause dangerous conditions for foot traffic.

All property owners and their agents have a legal obligation to reduce the chances of a slip and fall accident, no matter what the weather is like outside. Indianapolis experiences its fair share of wet weather. As such, during wintery weather conditions, property owners must take specific and timely precautions to prevent falls.

These precautions include:

  • Removing snow and ice from sidewalks
  • Salting or otherwise treating walkways and steps to prevent icy conditions
  • Frequent cleaning and drying of entryway floors and rugs
  • The use of highly absorbent throw rugs on entryway floors

Suppose they haven’t taken the proper precautions and someone receives an injury. In that case, they might be financially responsible for the victim’s damages. Many slip and fall injury victims file claims for compensation due to this type of negligence.

Wet Floors

Property owners have to maintain clean and dry floor conditions. They should be aware of any potential for floors to get wet– for example, if it’s raining outside or there is a leaking sink in a restroom. Suppose they can’t immediately clean and dry a wet floor. In that case, they are obligated to warn others in the area about the potential hazard. For instance, if an employee is mopping the floor, they need to place a visible wet floor sign in the area to keep others safe.

Wet floors generally result from:

  • Liquids or foods being spilled
  • Snow, slush, or ice tracked in entryways and exits
  • Floors that were recently cleaned or waxed 
  • Roofing or plumbing leaks

Debris on the Floor

While it’s not the first thing that comes to mind regarding slip and fall accidents, dry debris can also cause people to slip and fall on certain surfaces. If some types of substances are on the walking surface preventing traction between it and the shoe or foot, the risk of a slip and fall increases significantly.

Debris that can result in slip and fall accidents include:

  • Certain produce foods, including tomatoes, grapes, or bananas
  • Nuts, beans, rice, and some candy
  • Marbles
  • Kitty litter
  • Dirt or sand
  • Gravel
  • Pine needles
  • Leaves

Property owners and their agents should do everything they can to prevent and remove debris that can potentially cause slips and falls. For example, when someone reports debris on the floor, it’s their responsibility to act within a reasonable amount of time to keep their visitors safe.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a legal deadline. Under Indiana law, individuals injured in a slip and fall accident have two years from the date of their accident to pursue a personal injury claim. If they or their Indiana slip and fall attorneys fail to file a legal claim by this deadline, they no longer have the right to use the legal system to pursue compensation for their injuries. In any personal injury claim, it’s in the injured party’s best interest to contact experienced slip and fall lawyers in Indianapolis as soon as possible to ensure the best chance possible at meeting claim deadlines and obtaining compensation.

Call the Seasoned Slip and Fall Lawyers at Blackburn and Romey Today

If you or a family member recently sustained an injury from a slip and fall incident, don’t delay in calling the Indianapolis slip and fall attorneys at Blackburn and Romey. We offer free case consultations to get your claim started. Contact us today to get your questions answered.

 

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Tom Blackburn

Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.