Slip and Fall Injury
You may be entitled to compensation for physical pain, medical expenses incurred and related losses as a result of a slip and fall injury.
Injured in a slip and fall? We’re here to help.
A sudden slip, trip, or fall can change your life in an instant. These accidents are a common cause of serious injuries in South Africa, occurring in shopping centres, restaurants, parking lots, or even private residences. These accidents often occur as a result of unsafe conditions that property owners or occupiers failed to address, such as wet floors, broken steps, loose mats, open manholes, uneven stairs, or defective railings.
If you were injured in a slip and fall incident because a property owner failed to keep their premises safe, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
What causes slip and fall accidents?
Common causes of slip or fall incidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors with no warning signs
- Broken or missing handrails
- Open manholes, drains, or uncovered holes
- Poor lighting or unmarked obstacles
- Uneven pavements, damaged stairs, or loose flooring
Our team has extensive experience handling slip and fall claims and understand that while these incidents are often dismissed as minor mishaps, they can cause life-changing injuries.
Who is liable for a slip and fall injury under South African Law?
In South African law, property owners and occupiers have a duty to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe for lawful visitors. When they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, they can held liable for the consequences. Our team of experienced lawyers is committed to ensuring negligent parties are held accountable.
Important things to know about compensation for a slip and fall injury.
- Each claim is unique: There are no fixed amounts for slip and fall compensation. It is determined based on harm suffered in your specific circumstances.
- Contributory negligence may affect your claim: If you were partly at fault for the incident, the amount of compensation may be adjusted in proportion to your degree of responsibility.
- Evidence is critical: Medical reports, expert assessments and witness testimony all strengthen your claim.
How LHL Attorneys Inc. can assist with your slip and fall claim.
Our firm can assist with your claim by investigating the circumstances of the accident, identifying the responsible party or parties, gathering all necessary evidence, and expert input and calculating the full extent of your damages – including medical costs, loss of income and pain and suffering.
Slip and Fall FAQs
What if I was partly at fault?
Even if you share some responsibility, you may still have a valid claim. Under South African law, compensation may be adjusted based on your degree of fault (contributory negligence). We assess this carefully to secure the fairest possible outcome for you.
How do I know if the property owner was negligent?
If a dangerous condition existed and the owner or occupier knew or ought reasonably to have known about it, but did not take steps to fix it or warn visitors, they may be legally responsible. We can evaluate your case and advise you.
Do I need to pay upfront to start my claim?
No. We work on a contingency basis – you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Can I still claim if the accident happened months ago?
Yes. As long your claim is initiated within the applicable legal time limit. In South Africa, most personal injury claims must be instituted within three years from the date of the incident.