Slips, trips, and falls might seem trivial, but they can lead to significant injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. If you’ve had a slip-and-fall accident in Alabama, you might be wondering about your rights and potential compensation. This article aims to break down the complex web of premises liability in Alabama into digestible bits, so you can make informed decisions. 
Slip and Fall Basics
When we talk about ‘slip and fall,’ we refer to situations where a person slips, trips, or falls as a result of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. These accidents can happen anywhere: malls, restaurants, workplaces, sidewalks, and private homes.
Alabama’s Approach to Premises Liability
Contributory Negligence: A unique aspect of Alabama’s law is the principle of “contributory negligence.” If you are found even slightly (1%) at fault for your injury, you could be barred from receiving any compensation. This makes it crucial to build a strong, clear-cut case.
Owner’s Knowledge: To successfully claim compensation, you need to demonstrate that the property owner knew (or should have known) about the hazardous condition but didn’t take appropriate action.
Building Your Slip and Fall Claim
Report the Accident: Notify the property owner or manager immediately after the accident. If it’s a business, they might have a formal incident report for you to complete.
Gather Evidence: Document everything. Take photos of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and the exact condition (like a wet floor) that caused your fall. Collect contact details of any witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention: It’s crucial for your health and your claim to visit a doctor post-accident. Some injuries might not be immediately noticeable. A medical record serves as evidence of the harm caused by the fall.
Maintain Records: Keep a folder of everything related to the incident – medical bills, doctor’s notes, photographs, incident reports, and any communication with property owners or insurance companies.
Consult an Attorney: Slip and fall cases can be intricate, especially with Alabama’s strict negligence rules. Hiring a slip and fall attorney experienced in Alabama’s premises liability laws can be invaluable.
Avoid Recorded Statements: If approached by insurance adjusters seeking your version of events, speak with your injury attorney in Birmingham, or wherever you live, first. Your words could be used against you.
Determine Damages: Beyond immediate medical expenses, consider potential future medical costs, lost wages, and any other damages that stem from the accident.
Your Rights in a Slip and Fall Case
- Seek Medical Care: Your health comes first. You have the right to get medical treatment after an accident.
- Representation: You can hire an attorney to navigate the legal maze and advocate for your interests.
- Stay Informed: You have the right to know the status and progress of your claim, and your attorney should keep you updated.
- Seek Compensation: If the property owner’s negligence led to your injury, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages.
While slip and fall accidents might seem straightforward, the legal journey to compensation in Alabama can be complex. By understanding your rights, documenting everything, and seeking expert advice, you can navigate this journey with confidence and ensure you’re adequately compensated for your injuries.
Attorney Steven A. Harris regularly blogs in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, and real estate closings on this website. He is always available in any of the firm’s offices or by phone anytime for a consultation. Mr. Harris tries to provide informative information to the public in easily digestible formats. Hopefully you enjoyed this article and feel free to supply any feedback. We appreciate our readers and love to hear from you!