Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. They can be a result of negligence or carelessness of an individual, business, or even the government. In Minnesota, the law recognizes that slip and fall accidents are common and can cause serious injuries. Thus, the state has put in place laws that protect people’s rights to seek compensation if they are injured in a slip and fall accident.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Minnesota, keep reading to learn more about your legal rights, what you need to do after an accident, and how to take legal action to seek compensation.
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The Basics of Minnesota Slip and Fall Law
A slip and fall accident occurs when an individual slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property due to a hazardous condition. If the property owner was aware of the hazardous condition and failed to fix it, they can be held liable for the injury that resulted from the slip and fall accident.
Under Minnesota law, property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe for visitors. If they breach this duty of care by failing to maintain their property or fix hazardous conditions, they can be held responsible for any injuries that occur as a result.
Contributory Fault Law in Minnesota
In Minnesota, the contributory fault law is used to assess liability in slip and fall accidents. This law allows the court to determine the percentage of fault that each party is responsible for in an accident. If the injured party is found to have contributed to the accident through their own negligence, their compensation award may be reduced according to their percentage of fault.
For example, if the court finds that the injured party was 50% responsible for the slip and fall accident, their compensation award would be reduced by 50%. If the injured party is found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, they may not be eligible to seek compensation at all.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Minnesota
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident in Minnesota, it is essential to take the following steps to protect your legal rights and build a strong case for compensation:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should still seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and document your injuries.
Report the accident to the property owner or manager. You should file a formal report with the property owner or manager as soon as possible after the accident. This will help create a written record of the incident and ensure that the property owner is aware of what happened.
Document the scene of the accident. Take photos of the place where you fell and any hazardous conditions that caused your accident. This evidence will be vital to building a strong case.
Obtain contact information from witnesses. If anyone witnessed your fall, get their contact information so they can be called upon to provide a statement.
Contact a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can review your case, provide legal advice, and help you seek compensation for your injuries.
How to Take Legal Action for a Slip and Fall Accident in Minnesota
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Minnesota, you have the right to take legal action to seek compensation for your injuries. Here are the general steps to follow:
Contact a personal injury attorney. A seasoned attorney can evaluate your case and provide legal advice on how to proceed.
File a claim with the property owner’s insurance company. Your attorney will file a claim with the insurance company, outlining your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Negotiate a settlement. The insurance company may offer a settlement to avoid trial. Your attorney will negotiate the settlement on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
File a lawsuit if necessary. If the insurance company is uncooperative, or if the settlement offer is inadequate, your attorney may file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
Conclusion
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Minnesota, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. However, navigating the complex legal system can be challenging, so it’s essential to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. By following the steps outlined above, you can protect your legal rights and increase your chances of a successful outcome.