Paying For Your Medical Bills After Falling Down A Defective Flight Of Stairs At The Mall

Posted on: 11 July 2023

Many shopping malls have multiple floors and several flights of stairs or escalators as a result. While browsing a shopping mall, you might step on a broken step and suddenly fall down the stairs. Accidents on the stairs can cause serious injuries, and you might be entitled to compensation depending on the extent of your injuries. 

Proving Liability

To prove a claim, you need to show that:

  • The department store owed you a duty of care as a lawful visitor
  • The department store breached that duty by creating a dangerous situation
  • The dangerous condition caused you to fall
  • You suffered injuries and damages as a result of the fall

You might have fallen because of wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces, or there might have been loose, broken, or missing steps or handrails. Various factors can contribute to slip and fall accidents, such as poor lighting or visibility, clutter, debris, obstacles, and a lack of warning signs or barriers.

Defending Your Claim

If you have been injured on the stairs of a department store, you should take the following steps:

  • Seek medical attention 
  • Report the accident to the department store manager or staff 
  • Obtain a copy of the incident report
  • Take photos or videos 
  • Gather contact information from any witnesses 
  • Keep all receipts, bills, medical records, and other documents related to your injuries 

Also, make sure to contact an attorney to help you negotiate a fair settlement.

Understanding What Determines Your Settlement Amount

The amount of compensation you can receive for a slip and fall accident on the stairs of a department store depends on various factors, such as:

  • The severity and extent of your injuries
  • The degree of negligence 
  • The strength of evidence to support your claim
  • The laws and regulations in your jurisdiction

An attorney can help you learn the value of your claim based on these factors. They can also advise you on the best course of action to pursue your claim, whether it is through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation.

Slip and fall accidents on the stairs of a department store can cause severe injuries and damages that may affect your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. If you have been injured in such an accident, you should seek legal help from a slip and fall attorney to defend your legal rights and help you obtain compensation either through a settlement or by taking your case to court. 

For more info, contact a local slip and fall attorney

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Always Know Your Renter's Rights

After my mother suffered a fall on the icy steps of her apartment building, I learned a lot about renter's rights, and I want to share my story and tips to help others. My mother was extremely afraid to pursue action against the apartment owners who were at fault for her fall due to fear she would be kicked out of her apartment. I found out that there are state laws that protect apartment renters from retaliation for asserting their rights as renters. However, it is very important to have any attorney on your side when you pursue a personal injury lawsuit against an apartment owner; the owner is less likely to even try to illegally evict you if they know you have an attorney already on your side. I hope you can learn a lot from my story and the other tips I share on this blog!