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An accident in a public place can occur by chance due to the flow of people who usually frequent them. It is common to see parks, shopping centers, sidewalks and streets full of people and therefore they are prone to a fall due to structural defects, to name just one example. Learn about the types of accidents most common in a public place and how you can act if you are affected.
Broadly speaking, we can classify an accident in a public place as the injury suffered by a person when visiting a public establishment or space and that due to the damage it causes them has the right to claim compensation. Surely, some of the most common concerns associated with this topic is what can be understood as an accident of this type and who should be responsible, since when it occurs in a space where many people move, there can be several agents involved. That is why the best option is to leave these cases in the hands of lawyers.
Before knowing the procedure that should be followed in these cases, it is necessary to know what are the most common types of accidents in public places. Generally, they are associated with falls, stumbles or poor signage.
Types of accidents in a public place:
Accident in a public place due to pavement in poor condition:
It occurs when a part of the pavement is at an uneven level compared to the rest and can cause a slip. Also when there are tiles that are not in good condition and through which a person can suffer an ankle sprain or a fall.
Accident in a public place due to slippery floors:
Whether inside a commercial establishment or on the street, when the floor is wet or flooded by heavy rain, it becomes a risk for people, therefore if they fall and suffer a serious injury they can claim compensation.
Accident in a public place due to holes in the street:
When a pedestrian crosses the street or to avoid a hole is injured, they have the right to receive immediate medical attention and, depending on the degree of the injury, they will be able to sue for damages, since local and governmental entities must ensure the safety of their citizens.
Accident in a public place due to damaged sewers:
Perhaps it is one of the injuries that can cause the most harm to pedestrians, since walking down the street and stepping on a damaged sewer or grill involves a hard blow that can even result in a fracture. That is why as citizens, we also have the obligation to report this type of incident, in order to protect ourselves.
Accident in a public place such as businesses or shopping centers:
In these places there must be good signage and lighting and structures in optimal condition. If an accident occurs within a business, the owners must assume responsibility. Now, if the business is rented, it is the tenants who must pay the affected person the corresponding compensation.
In a shopping center the situation is similar, because if the failure comes from the building, for example, if part of the ceiling falls and injures a visitor, it will be the commercial establishment that takes charge of the situation.
Poorly constructed stairs or with some damage that prevents the passage of pedestrians, recently waxed floors, a highway incident due to a pothole, cables on the ground, lack of railings, damaged or wrinkled carpets, poorly placed merchandise, loose boards and in general any element that could cause a serious injury and that is installed in an area considered public, can also be classified as accidents in public places.At Conexión Legal we offer free advice for injuries from falls in public places; contact us through this channel using the WhatsApp icon or Schedule your Consultation and explore alternative solutions for your case.
How to claim compensation for an accident in a public place?
Since this type of accident occurs in a public place, people do not know who they should go to and why it is important to report such inconsistencies. If you have an accident like the ones we mentioned previously, you must report it as soon as possible.
If you are accompanied and do not require an ambulance due to the severity of your injuries, ask them to help you collect information associated with the fall, details such as where it happened, what time it occurred and what caused your accident. This in order to have evidence that allows you to prove the facts.
Also, you can resort to the local police to file a report, that is, have them take note of the accident, its causes and other details they consider necessary in the documentation. This will serve as additional evidence in your case.
Ask the people who witnessed the accident to serve as a witness in case you take your case to the courts. The above will help you give greater validation to your testimony and for the entities in charge of the process to corroborate the information.
Do not forget to go to a medical center so they can evaluate your injury. All the documentation they give you there, including medication bills and possible treatments, will serve as support for a lawsuit.
Of course, for your process to end in the best way possible, it is ideal that you consult with a lawyer specialized in this area, as they will help you navigate any doubts or problems that arise during the process and will guide you through each phase of the case.
At Conexión Legal we know that the law in the United States protects you and that if you are a victim of an accident in a public place you have the right to monetary compensation. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, reconstructive surgery, special lifetime care in case of disability, compensation for death or payment for lost wages, physical therapy, etc. To calculate the compensation, certain factors must be taken into account such as the location and traffic level of that area, the instruments or lack of elements that caused the accident and the severity of the injury or whether it even resulted in a fatality.
Our team will be in charge of investigating the accident and the scene to channel it to the appropriate lawyer, as well as gathering the necessary evidence for the process and guiding and accompanying you at all times to protect your rights.
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