Slip and fall accidents are often unexpected and painful, resulting in a variety of injuries. When someone is injured in a slip and fall, one of the most important things to consider is who is responsible for covering the associated medical expenses. Doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and other treatments are often expensive and debilitating if you are not financially prepared. The responsible party will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. For more information and to obtain skilled representation in your personal injury case, contact a Middlesex County premises liability attorney today.
Who is Responsible for Covering Medical Expenses After a Slip and Fall?
Depending on the details of the accident, one or more of the following individuals and entities may be responsible for covering medical expenses after a slip and fall.
Health insurance
The injured party’s health insurance will generally cover the medical bills associated with a slip and fall accident. They likely have insurance through their employer, spouse, family member, or a private company. Their policy will cover a significant portion of the treatment, though they will likely be required to pay copays and deductibles.
Workers’ compensation
Where and how the accident happened is also an important factor when determining who is responsible for covering medical expenses. If the slip and fall occured at work, workers’ compensation, or workers’ comp, may cover both the associated medical costs and the lost wages due to treatment and recovery. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that some employers are required to provide to their employees in case they are injured on the job. If the slip and fall happened at work then the company’s insurance may be responsible for covering the associated expenses.
The negligent party
There is also a chance that the slip and fall accident happened as a result of an individual’s negligence. This may be true if the fall occurred at a friend’s house, in a grocery store, on a public sidewalk, etc. Property owners have the legal responsibility of ensuring the safety of lawful visitors when they are on their property. This includes conducting regular inspections and maintenance, roping off dangerous areas, acting quickly to resolve hazards, and more. If a property owner or individual is negligent in their actions, they may be responsible for covering the costs associated with the individual’s injuries.
This can come in the form of liability insurance or through a personal injury lawsuit. Most home or business owners have liability insurance so the injured party can file a claim for compensation. If the claim is denied or the policy does not cover the entirety of the costs, the injured party may file a lawsuit against the negligent individual.
To learn more about your legal rights and options after being injured in a slip and fall, contact a skilled attorney at Stathis & Leonardis, LLC today.
