Slip and fall accidents are more common than many people realize and can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions, or spinal cord damage. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property in North Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation under premises liability law.
Understanding Premises Liability in North Carolina
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. This means they must regularly inspect their premises, fix hazards, and warn guests about any dangers. When they fail in this duty, and you are injured as a result, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
The Challenge of Contributory Negligence
North Carolina follows the contributory negligence rule, meaning if you are found even 1% at fault for your fall, you may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it crucial to collect strong evidence immediately after the accident.
What You Should Do After a Slip and Fall
- Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Report the Accident: Notify the property owner or manager and request an incident report.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the hazard and your injuries, if safe to do so.
- Gather Witness Information: Get contact details from anyone who saw the accident, if safe to do so.
- Contact a North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney: Early legal advice can protect your rights and help build a strong case.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact us today by submitting our form or giving us a call at 704-333-1114.