Before filing a lawsuit for a slip-and-fall injury in Mississippi, an accident must have occurred while you were on the premises as an invitee. To confirm your status as an invitee, you must show that you visited the location for a mutual benefit such as for a business purpose. You may provide a receipt, ticket or other proof of purchase as evidence of your right to visit the establishment.
A Magnolia State resident visiting a local chain restaurant with his wife, for example, suffered significant injuries after falling on its wet floor. According to the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger, the couple filed a slip-and-fall lawsuit against the owner of the entire restaurant chain for its negligence in not providing an invitee with a warning of a dangerous condition.
After filling up his beverage in the self-serve area, the plaintiff’s fall onto the dining room floor was because of the lack of a wet floor warning. The injured man reportedly suffered mental and physical pain, as well as lost time from work. The loss of earnings, over $12K, made it impossible to pay his expensive medical bills.
Every commercial establishment owes a duty of care to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition. When there is a known hazard, a general duty exists to warn invited patrons of possible harm from a dangerous condition.
A noticeable sign, orange cone or barricade that prevents visitors from walking into an unsafe area is typically a sufficient warning. When an employee or manager fails to provide a warning, however, a legal action may help you to obtain financial relief for any damages. This may include medical expenses, reimbursement for time off from work and compensation for your pain and suffering.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and not intended as legal advice.
