When you attend an outdoor event or festival, the last thing you expect is to slip, fall, and injure yourself. But, when premises are not properly maintained, and dangers are present, the likelihood of an accident increases. If you’ve suffered harm in an outdoor slip and fall accident, the experienced attorneys at the Kohan Law Group are ready to assist you.
How do slip and fall accidents happen outdoors?
When you suffer a slip and fall accident outside, someone may be liable for your resulting injuries and losses, and though outdoor slip and fall accidents can happen for some of the same reasons as those indoors, there are different risks involved outside.
Some of the common causes of slip and fall incidents at outdoor events and festivals are as follows:
- Uneven ground
- Heavy foot traffic
- Slippery surfaces
- Ice or snow
- Inadequate lighting
- Poorly maintained lots and walkways
Suffering from a slip and fall accident is often caused by another person’s negligence. In other words, a party was responsible for keeping the premises safe, but they failed to take adequate steps to do so, leading to your injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents Can Result in Serious Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can cause intense pain, and depending on the specifics of your accident, you may face serious injuries, including the following:
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Sprains and strains
After a slip and fall accident, seek medical attention right away. A thorough examination can help you better understand the severity of your injuries and allow you to begin receiving proper treatment, and depending on the severity of your injuries, you may require extensive medical care.
When you need a high level of care, you may suffer the financial burdens of paying for your treatment, which makes for just one of the reasons why seeking legal advice and financial compensation is critical after a slip and fall.
Who’s at fault for a slip and fall accident at an outdoor event or festival?
Pursuing financial recovery for a slip and fall incident requires answering certain pivotal questions, including what (and who) caused your accident. Figuring out the “what” can often help lead to the “who,” as liability depends on what caused your accident.
A single party can be found at fault for your accident, although sometimes, several parties share responsibility. With that said, some of the parties that can be held responsible for your outdoor slip and fall accident at an event or festival might include any of the following:
- The property owner or occupier
- The company putting on the event or festival
- A vendor
- The party responsible for the property’s maintenance
Determining and proving liability can help get you one step closer to fair compensation for your injuries, but proving fault varies by case. Still, it’s important to prove your legal status (as an invitee, a licensee, or even a trespasser) on the property at the time of the accident, as it could show the level of care the responsible party owed you.
Regarding events and festivals, you would most likely be considered an invitee, someone invited onto another’s property for business purposes. As one, you’re owed the highest duty of care, which means the property owner or occupier must take steps to keep their premises safe for you and provide you with warnings of any known dangers.
Licensees are on an individual’s property for social purposes unrelated to business, and trespassers are not legally allowed onto an individual’s property at all. As such, they are owed no duty of care.
Consult with a Slip and Fall Attorney
If you’ve sustained injuries following a slip and fall accident at an outdoor event or festival, do not hesitate to speak with a qualified slip and fall lawyer. The legal team at the Kohan Law Group aims to represent your best interests and fight diligently for your right to favorable compensation. We proudly serve clients in Nassau County, Long Island, and the surrounding areas, so contact us today to schedule your consultation.