When you are visiting a public place, you are probably not thinking about what will happen if you suffer an injury. Simply running errands, going to the doctor or checking things off your to-do list don’t seem like dangerous tasks, but there are risks everywhere. You could find yourself injured and in pain from a slip-and-fall accident.
This type of accident may not seem like a big deal, but the reality is that these incidents can result in injuries that can are quite severe. You may assume that your accident is the result of your own clumsiness and inattentiveness, but it is possible you could be the victim of factors beyond your control. You may have grounds to move forward with a civil claim.
Who is at fault?
It’s not easy to prove that someone else is to blame for your slip-and-fall accident. A storeowner or New Mexico business will try and deny liability, insisting the accident was solely because of your own actions. A premises liability claim can be complicated, but you may have a valid case if you can prove any of the following factors about the incident that left you injured:
- The property owner or an employee actually caused the hazard and failed to address the issue.
- The owner or an employee knew about the hazard that left you injured and did nothing to fix the issue.
- The owner of the property or someone who worked for him or her should have known about the issue and addressed it.
Property owners and their employees bear the responsibility of ensuring that premises are well-maintained and free from hazards that could cause harm to those who visit. Even if you are unsure of the factors that played a role in what happened to you, there is benefit in seeking an evaluation of your case to determine if you are the victim of negligent maintenance.
The claims process
Seeking compensation through a civil claim is not an easy process. It is in your interests to work with an experienced attorney who can help you pursue the full and fair recovery you deserve. Starting with an assessment of your case, you have the right to know about the legal options available to you and how you can take the appropriate steps to move forward after a slip-and-fall accident.