Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Mobile, AL

Property Owner Responsibilities Change Based on the Victim’s Legal Status

When you enter someone else’s property, you can be classified as one of three types of visitors: invitee, licensee or trespasser. Your legal status on the property determines the duty of care owed to you by the property owner:

Invitee

An invitee is invited by the property owner for business or as a member of the public, such as a customer in a coffee shop.

Property owners owe invitees the highest level of care. They must take reasonable measures to make the premises safe for invitees and warn of dangers they know or should know about. There may be an obligation to regularly inspect the property for dangers.

However, if an invitee acts recklessly or ignores hazardous warning signs, it could eliminate the property owner’s liability. For example, if a customer in a store slipped on a wet floor and there was a wet floor sign, the property owner might not be held liable. Alabama does not allow injured victims to seek any compensation if they are even one percent at fault.  

Licensee

A licensee is on the property for their own purposes, such as a social guest. Property owners cannot willfully cause injury to licensees. They must also avoid exposing licensees to conditions created through their own negligence. If a property owner discovers a hazard, he or she may need to warn the licensee about it, otherwise there may be liability.

If a licensee engages in risky behaviors or fails to heed warnings about known dangers, the property owner’s liability could be dismissed.

Trespasser

Trespassers enter the property without the owner’s permission. Although property owners generally have no duty to ensure trespassers’ safety, they must still avoid willfully causing harm.

That said, property owners may owe a higher duty of care to child trespassers. This is especially true if the property contains a swimming pool or playground that is likely to attract children. However, in these types of cases, Mobile slip and fall lawyers would need to prove the child was not warned about the danger.

What Is My Mobile Slip and Fall Case Worth?

Each case is unique, making a detailed evaluation by an experienced Mobile slip and fall accident lawyer important. Potential compensation could include:

Medical Expenses

You can seek compensation for the cost of treating your slip and fall injuries, including:

• Cost of emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries
• Medications
• Any necessary medical supplies associated with treating your injuries
• And more

Lost Wages

If you could not work while recovering, or you needed to miss work to get treatment, you can seek compensation for the wages you would have earned if you could work.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you may endure because of the slip and fall accident, recognizing the profound impact it can have on your quality of life.

Rehabilitation Costs

Rehabilitation costs consist of:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Other treatments to restore function and mobility

Many slip and fall victims need rehabilitation for severe back injuries, which can quickly become expensive.

Loss of Future Earning Capacity

Loss of future earning capacity refers to the effects of your injuries on your earning capacity. For example, you could claim loss of earning capacity if you have a permanent injury or disability that prevents you from working or prevents you from working as much as before.

How Do We Prove Liability in a Slip and Fall Case in Mobile?

Your Mobile slip and fall accident lawyer must prove several critical elements to establish liability in a slip and fall case:

Known Hazards

Your lawyer must demonstrate that the property owner knew about the hazard or that he or she should have reasonably known about it through regular inspections.

These types of evidence can support your case:

• Inspection reports and maintenance logs: These documents can show whether regular inspections were conducted and if any hazards were noted but not addressed.
• Repair records: Records of repairs of lack thereof can indicate whether the property manager was aware of the hazardous condition and failed to fix it.
• Photographic and video evidence: Photos or videos of the hazardous condition can be crucial. If the condition was present for a long time, it might suggest that the property manager should have known about it.
• Incident reports: If the slip and fall occurred in a commercial setting, an incident report filed with the management can provide details about the accident and any prior knowledge of the hazard.

Legal Entry

You must prove you had a legal right to be the property, either as an invitee or licensee. Trespassers typically have limited rights under premises liability law.

These are the types of evidence that may show you had the legal right to be on the property:

• Invitations or permissions: Any written or verbal invitation from the property owner or tenant can show you were allowed to be there. This could include emails, text messages or even a formal invitation.
• Receipts or tickets: If you were on the property as a customer or guest, receipts, tickets or any proof of purchase can demonstrate you had a legitimate reason to be there.
• Witness Statement: Statements from people who saw you enter the property or who can confirm you had permission to be there.
• Surveillance footage: Video evidence showing you entering the property through a main entrance or interacting with staff can support your claim that you were not trespassing.

Injury from a Hazard

You must prove your injury resulted from the hazardous condition on the property.

After a slip and fall, see a doctor to document your injuries. Medical records can prove injuries and show if the incident made preexisting conditions worse.

Common Types of Slip and Fall Accidents That May Lead to Lawsuits

There are three main types of slip and fall accidents:

• Slip and fall: Victims slip on a wet or slippery floor.
• Trip and fall: Victims trip over obstructions or uneven surfaces.
• Step and fall: This happens when someone steps on something and falls, such as a missing step on a staircase, hole in the floor or broken handrail.

What Kinds of Injuries Can Occur in Slip and Fall Accidents in Mobile?

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious, debilitating injuries such as:

Dislocated Joints

Dislocated joints can cause significant pain, impair your mobility and often require repositioning and physical therapy to restore full function.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are serious injuries that can require surgery, bed rest and prolonged rehabilitation, impacting your daily activities and quality of life.

Concussions

Concussions can lead to headaches, dizziness and cognitive issues, requiring careful medical observation and rest to prevent further complications.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe, potentially causing long-term cognitive, physical and emotional challenges that may require extensive rehabilitation.

Herniated Discs and Other Spine Injuries

Herniated discs and other spine injuries can result in chronic pain and limited mobility. Surgical intervention may be needed to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term disability.

Neck and Back Injuries

Neck and back injuries can lead to persistent pain and discomfort, potentially affecting your ability to perform everyday tasks.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe health complications or even death.

What Types of Hazards Can Cause a Slip and Fall Accident?

There are numerous types of obstacles and hazards that could result in a slip and fall accident in Mobile:

• Wet or slippery surfaces (spills, cleaning residue, ice, rain)
• Uneven flooring or sudden changes in floor level
• Loose or unsecured carpeting
• Poor lighting conditions
• Cluttered walkways
• Loose electrical cords or cables
• Misplaced objects in high-traffic areas
• Damaged or poorly maintained stairs
• Faulty or missing handrails
• Cracked or uneven sidewalks
• Potholes in parking lots or walkways
• Hidden obstacles in grassy areas
• Lack of proper warning signs near known hazards
• Recently waxed or polished floors
• Threshold strips between different flooring materials
• Unmarked steps or slight elevation changes

These hazards can be found in numerous locations, such as:

• Grocery stores and supermarkets
• Shopping malls and retail outlets
• Restaurants and food courts
• Office buildings and workplaces
• Hotels and resorts
• Apartment complexes and condominiums
• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Schools and universities
• Public sidewalks and walkways
• Parking lots and garages
• Staircases and elevators
• Entertainment venues (theaters, stadiums, etc.)
• Public transportation areas (bus stops, train stations)
• Construction sites
• Parks and recreational areas
• Private homes and residences
• Swimming pool areas
• Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
• Banks and financial institutions
• Government buildings and courthouses

Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Call Our Mobile Slip and Fall Lawyers

If you were injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you would benefit from meeting with a licensed attorney who can assess your legal options.

The experienced attorneys at our firm have obtained millions for those injured by negligence. We take on the legal process, so our clients do not have to. We negotiate with insurers, gather evidence and advise clients through every phase of the legal process.  

Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.