Tripping over exposed cables or wires can lead to serious and painful falls not to mention significant injuries and damages. If you trip over exposed cables in a public place it is crucial that you understand your rights and legal options. Recovering compensation for your associated expenses is important, especially when your accident occured due to another party’s negligence. Read on and speak with a skillful Pike County, KY premises liability lawyer for more information.
Who is Liable for My Injuries?
When you are injured in a public place it can be confusing to understand who is responsible and liable for the resulting injuries and damages. In Kentucky, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment and conditions for those visiting their establishment. This is known as premises liability law and applies to both private and public property owners.
Under this law, an owner or manager should take reasonable action to identify and resolve any hazards or dangerous conditions to ensure accidents and injuries do not occur. By failing to do so they are responsible for compensating the victims of an accident that occurs on their property due to their negligence.
What Should I Do if I Trip Over Exposed Cables in a Public Place?
After tripping over exposed cables in public, the first thing you should do is check yourself for injuries. You may spot visible injuries right away like lacerations or bruising, or feel enough pain to know that you have a break or fracture. However, some ailments like whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, etc. do not present themselves immediately. Alert a worker or nearby witness of the accident and call for medical attention.
Next, evaluate the scene of the accident. Take note of the exposed wires and check for signs of negligence like a lack of warning signs, the cables carelessly placed, or other hazards that contributed to your injury. Take photos and videos and get the contact information of any witnesses. Make sure an accident report is filed with the building or venue so a paper trail is created.
Besides seeking medical attention for your injuries, one of the most important things you can do is consult an experienced injury attorney to learn more about your legal options. You can recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more if the accident occured due to the property owner’s negligence.
With the help of your lawyer, file a premises liability claim with the property owner’s insurance company. Present relevant evidence and medical information. If, however, your claim is denied or the settlement amount does not cover the entirety of your expenses, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner. Your attorney can help you understand your rights and options, navigate the legal system, communicate with relevant parties, and represent you. Speak with a skilled lawyer at Shane Hall Attorney at Law, PLLC today.
