How Liability Is Determined in Alabama Slip-and-Fall Cases
Alabama slip-and-fall injury lawsuits hinge on the legal principle that property owners are responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe for visitors. If you fall on someone else’s property, you must show they failed to meet this legal responsibility to recover money from them in an injury case.
In Alabama, a property owner’s liability toward their visitors largely depends on the visitor’s status:
- Invitees are individuals who have been expressly or implicitly invited onto a property for the benefit of the property owner. This category includes customers in a store or clients in a business setting. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, meaning they must keep their properties safe for invitees and warn them of any known dangers. If an owner finds unsafe conditions on their premises, they must correct the conditions promptly to prevent injuries.
- Licensees are people who enter a property for their own purposes but with the property owner’s permission, such as door-to-door salespeople. Property owners have a duty to warn licensees of known dangers that a licensee could not easily discover. However, they aren’t typically required to conduct regular property inspections on behalf of licensees.
- Trespassers are individuals who enter others’ properties without any right, invitation, or permission. Alabama property owners have minimal responsibilities with respect to most trespassers. They are not obliged to keep their properties safe for trespassers or warn them of any dangers, except they must not willfully or wantonly cause trespassers harm.
Alabama law has a special provision known as the “attractive nuisance doctrine” that applies to minor trespassers. If children are likely to be attracted by unsafe conditions on a property, such as unattended pools, property owners could be liable for injuries from these so-called attractive nuisances. Alabama property owners are responsible for taking reasonable steps to secure or remove these potential hazards to prevent children from harming themselves.
An Opelika slip-and-fall lawyer from Stokes Stemle, LLC, can gather and analyze vital case evidence to demonstrate liability in your injury case. We can also determine how your visitor status and other Alabama-specific laws might affect your situation.
What Are the Most Common Injuries People Suffer After a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
- Cuts and abrasions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Wrist or ankle injuries
- Elbow injuries
- Internal injuries
- Contusions (bruises)
- Psychological trauma
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur due to a wide range of preventable property hazards. Recognizing these common causes can help you identify what led to your accident and any responsibilities the property owner might have overlooked.
Here are some common examples of causes of slip-and-fall accidents in Opelika:
Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Opelika
- Unattended spills
- Cluttered store aisles
- Cracked or uneven pavement
- Loose or torn carpeting
- Poorly lit stairwells
- Waxy or slippery floors
- Snow or ice on walkways
- Potholes in parking lots
- Exposed cables or wires
- Loose floorboards or tiles
- Broken or missing handrails
- Unsecured rugs or mats
- Changes in floor level without warning signs
- Lack of appropriate signage for slippery floors
- Debris or trash on walkways
- Poorly maintained escalators or elevators
- Loose or missing grating on walkways or stairs
Talk to an Experienced Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in Opelika Today
Are you struggling with the aftermath of a slip-and-fall accident in Alabama? Feeling overwhelmed by physical pain and mounting bills? At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we’re here to prioritize your recovery and maximize your compensation.
Contact us anytime, 24/7, to learn more in your free consultation session.
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