Slip and fall accidents in Minnesota can happen any time and anywhere. The streets don’t have to be filled with snow and ice, which is why it’s important to understand the steps you should take if you do take a tumble.

Many people view slip and falls as simply embarrassing incidents in public, but the truth is that these types of accidents can lead to some serious injuries: fractures, nerve damage, and even brain injuries.

That’s why if you’re involved in an accident of this nature, you should make sure you’re covering your tracks – you never know if you may need to bring a lawsuit down the line to cover medical expenses or reimburse for injuries.

Here’s what you need to know about slip and fall accidents in Minnesota and the steps you should take if you’re involved in one.

Have the Incident Documented

When you’re involved in a slip and fall accident, you must make sure that the incident is properly documented.

In a commercial establishment, you should make sure a manager writes up an incident report and that you get a copy. If your slip and fall was the result of a hazard, take photos and get the contact information of any eyewitnesses.

Go to the Doctor

After a slip and fall accident, you should see a doctor even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. There are injuries that at first may not appear serious, but in the long run, can become a source of significant issues.

When you see a doctor after an accident, you can make sure any injuries you have are identified and documented.

Talk to a Lawyer

An experienced attorney can help you to understand the process of filing a lawsuit as well as your rights in a slip and fall case. Getting an attorney early in the process will ensure that if you do bring a lawsuit, the settlement awarded adequately compensates you for your injuries.

The Statute of Limitation in Minnesota

In Minnesota, there is a limited amount of time you can bring a lawsuit related to a slip and fall case. Personal injury cases, like slip and falls, in the state have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the incident. If it’s a case involving property damage only from a slip and fall, then you have six years to file a lawsuit.

Comparative Negligence in Minnesota

Something else to be aware of in slip and fall cases is the idea of comparative negligence. This is the amount of responsibility you may bear in the fall that led to your injuries. If the court decides that you share some of the blame legally in the case, any settlement amount can be lower, or you may end up without any type of compensation.

Ultimately, if the case makes it to court, it is up to a jury to decide if you should have any amount of legal blame in the incident. For instance, you could be liable if you were wearing improper footwear, or you were on a part of the property where customers are not allowed to go.

Slip and fall cases can be complex, but as long as you cover the bases of what should be done after the incident, you have a good chance at recovering damages for your injuries.

About the Author:

A lifelong Minnesotan, founding partner Ronald R. Envall has spent his entire legal career fighting for the little guy, focusing on workers’ compensation, Social Security, and personal injury cases. He has been recognized by SuperLawyers as a Top Rated attorney in Duluth, placing him in the top 5 percent of all workers comp lawyers across the state. In his free time, Mr. Envall serves on the boards of several area government and nonprofit organizations and is a member of the Minnesota Association for Justice, which supports consumer rights.