Those in Minnesota who live to an old age may find that their health is frailer than it was in their younger years. The elderly are prone to slip and fall injuries, which could prove to be life-threatening. When a slip and fall injury is caused by another person’s negligence, such as a slippery floor in a grocery store or a broken handrail in a nursing home, the victim and his or her loved ones may want to know what is necessary to prove fault in a subsequent personal injury claim.
There are three general ways to hold a property owner liable in a slip and fall claim. One is if the property owner or employee should have known that there was a dangerous condition present, because a reasonable person in a similar situation would have had such knowledge and would have remedied it. Keep in mind that, when analyzing reasonableness, the care the victim should have taken may also be considered.
Another way to hold a property owner liable in a slip and fall claim is to show that the property owner or employee did know that the dangerous condition was present but did not take the necessary steps to remedy it.
The third way to hold a property owner liable in a slip and fall claim is to show that the property owner or employee actually caused the dangerous condition that led to the fall.
Slip and fall accidents can be fatal for the elderly. Broken bones, muscle damage and head injuries are serious injuries that could lead to other complications. When a person’s slip and fall injury is due to carelessness on the part of the property owner or an employee, it may be worthwhile to determine if a personal injury claim can be pursued. This post does not contain legal advice, so those who believe they have a legitimate slip and fall claim will want to seek the help necessary to understand their options moving forward.