People can slip, trip, and fall in Southaven because of wet floors anywhere and at any time. The humid subtropical climate makes the accidents more prevalent throughout Mississippi.
The heavy rainfall and increased humidity levels throughout the year increase the likelihood of injuries resulting from wet floor accidents in Southaven. If you sustained losses from a slip and fall accident, speak to a board-certified personal injury attorney at the Law Office of David E. Gordon.
Why Do Wet Floor Accidents Happen?
Falls, especially among older people, are a substantial health hazard in Mississippi. According to the Mississippi Department of Health, falls are a leading cause of severe and nonfatal injuries in the United States, and Mississippi ranks among the top ten states with the highest rates of fall-related injuries. Property owners or those responsible for the premises have a legal obligation to ensure the area is safe for visitors and free from avoidable hazards. When they fail to adhere to legal requirements, those who sustain damages have the right to take legal action and hold them responsible.
Visitor Types
The visitor type of the person that sustains injuries on someone else’s property plays a massive role in their eligibility to collect compensation for damages.
- Invitees: Enter a property for commercial purposes beneficial to the individual and property owner, so the landowner owes them the highest legal duty to keep the premises hazard-free
- Licensees: Enter with permission for personal reasons, and the property owner owes them the second-highest duty to keep the area safe
- Trespassers: Enter for their own purposes and without permission, and the landowner has no legal obligation to keep the premises safe for them
A Southaven attorney skilled in cases resulting from wet floor slip and fall accidents can review a case to determine which group the injured person belongs to.
Pure Comparative Negligence
Property owners commonly argue that the injured person shares liability for damages. In such cases, state law follows a pure comparative negligence rule. The Mississippi Code § 11-7-15 instructs that when the court finds the injured individual shares responsibility for the accident and the resulting damages, they can still collect compensation from the landowner for their portion of the fault. That means that even if the injured person is 90 percent responsible, they can still collect payments for ten percent of their damages from the other at-fault party.
Potential Forms of Compensation
Slip, trip, and fall accidents from hazardous conditions—including wet floors—can have devastating consequences, resulting in serious and life-altering injuries, long-term disability, and even death. After establishing liability, damages may include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost pay and benefits
- Past, current, and future doctor appointments and other medical costs
A dedicated legal professional in Southaven can help an injured individual pursue the financial recovery they deserve after a wet floor accident.
Call a Southaven Wet Floor Accident Attorney
Injuries can arise from hazards such as water puddles, grease, and slippery conditions. Unfortunately, accidents almost always happen because of negligence or inadequate maintenance by property owners.
When the case establishes liability, they may face legal consequences under the legal concept of premises liability. The Law Office of David E. Gordon is skilled in handling cases involving wet floor accidents in Southaven. They can guide you throughout the process and help you collect the compensation you need and deserve. Call today to schedule an appointment to review your case and legal options.
