A fall while at a Minnesota business establishment may enable you to hold its owner liable for your injuries and medical bills. You need to show, however, that an owner or an employee neglected to warn you about the risk of danger.
When ice, snow, water or debris are present, a store’s owner or manager owes a duty of care to make sure the floor and outside walkways stay clear and dry. Management may need to continuously monitor an area and place clearly visible warnings to alert customers when they need to exercise caution.
What may represent a reasonable response or warning?
As reported by ConsumerNotice.org, a store owner has a legal responsibility to prevent customers from slipping, tripping or falling. Slippery floors generally require a yellow “caution” sign to inform customers to avoid the area or proceed with caution.
If a store has a self-serve drinking fountain, placing non-slip rubber mats around it may help prevent spills from accumulating. Customers avoid using broken stairs when they find them cordoned off with yellow “caution” tape or physical barriers. A leaking ceiling or falling fixtures may require a noticeable placement of warning cones to alert customers to the need for caution.
What are my rights when filing a legal action?
Injuries from a slip or fall may require medical attention. For a severe injury, you may also need surgery or rehabilitation. If you file a legal action against a store owner who neglected a care of duty to warn you of an on-premises hazard, you may claim damages for your medical expenses.
If your injury caused you to take time off from work, you may hold a business owner liable for the loss of income. You may also claim compensation for the pain and suffering experienced from the fall.