Trip or Fall Hazards

Like motor vehicle collisions, a dangerous condition on property can involve negligence or legal fault.  Like a car collision, no one is automatically legally responsible. An injured person must prove fault to recover damages.  This legal requirement is sometimes misunderstood when an insurance company for a store or a homeowner offers to pay the medical bills of an injured person.  This is not an admission of negligence.  But many situations or conditions can be caused by negligence, such as failing to properly inspect and maintain business or residential property.  Violations of local or state building codes and disregard of practices in similar businesses are things an attorney can investigate to find who may be legally responsible for your injury.

If you are injured because of a dangerous condition on someone’s property, a lawyer can help you understand your rights under Iowa’s Comparative Fault Act.  If you may have a claim, careful and quick attention is always better.  Photographs may be needed to show how the area was maintained or the cause of the injury.  These should be obtained before any repairs are made, the weather changes or other circumstances occur that makes the dangerous condition difficult to prove.  An early consultation with an attorney familiar with property owner’s rights and responsibilities will help you to decide if you have a claim.