Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Sometimes they cause minor injuries, and sometimes they can have serious or life-changing effects.
In our experience, people in Wyoming are tough. Minor injuries may not require a lawyer, but when it comes to fractures or surgery, it’s important to consult an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer.
In this article, we’ll discuss what causes such accidents, the property owner’s responsibility, the role of insurance, and why you should seek legal help.
What Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents typically occur when someone slips and falls on another’s property because there are dangerous or unsafe conditions. Such as slippery ground, wet floors, ice, icy stairs, broken tiles, etc.
In these cases, it is important to prove that the property owner was negligent about safety. This is called ‘negligence’, and is the most important aspect of getting compensation in these cases.
What can you get compensation for?
If your injury is serious and was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to get compensation for:
- Medical expenses – including both current treatment and future care
- Loss of income – if unable to go to work
- Loss of future earnings
- Physical and mental pain (pain and suffering)
- Emotional stress – such as depression or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life – if the injury affects your normal lifestyle
In some cases, a wrongful death claim can also be filed for the family if the accident results in death.
What is the property owner’s responsibility?
By law, the property owner has a responsibility to keep their land or building safe. This is called a “duty of care.” This includes:
- Putting up wet floor warnings
- Fixing broken stairs or loose matting
- Cleaning snow or icy surfaces
- Maintaining adequate lighting and repairs
If they don’t do this, and someone gets hurt, this is considered a “breach of duty.”
How do we prove negligence?
To get legal compensation, we must prove that:
- The property owner had a responsibility to maintain a safe environment
- They were negligent in fulfilling this responsibility
- This negligence caused you to be injured
We can present witnesses, documents, photographs, and expert testimony on your behalf to prove your case.
The Comparative Negligence Rule in Wyoming
Comparative negligence applies when you are found to be at fault in an accident. In Wyoming:
- If you are less than 50% at fault, you may receive compensation.
- Compensation is reduced in proportion to your fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you will receive 20% less compensation.
That is why it is very important to prove that the property owner was more at fault.
Common causes of slips and falls
- Slippery floors
- Snow and icy surfaces
- Broken sidewalks
- Loose carpet or matting
- Potholes or hidden hazards
We have handled cases where people fell into icy puddles, got stuck in potholes, or slipped on paving for no apparent reason. Our team has experience with these cases.
Snow and ice cases
Wyoming has a “natural accumulation rule” – if snow accumulates naturally, in some cases owners are not responsible. However, many cities have laws that specify responsibility for snow removal.
We can review the local laws specific to your case. We are here to help you with a free case evaluation.
Filing Time Limits
In Wyoming, trip and fall cases generally have a 4-year time limit to file. However, if the accident occurred on government property, you only have a 2-year time limit to file a claim.
The Role of Insurance
Insurance plays an important role in slip and fall cases:
- Homeowners insurance – if the accident occurred in someone’s home
- Commercial insurance – for stores, offices, or apartments
- Workers’ compensation for workplace accidents
Insurance companies usually provide compensation, but an attorney is necessary for proper claim processing and negotiation.
Why is Legal Assistance Important?
An experienced slip and fall attorney can help you present your case strongly. They help you prove negligence, obtain fair compensation from insurance companies, and protect your rights in court.
Also Read: Top Personal Injury Lawyers for Slip and Fall Accidents in New York