A Fox News Anchor Has Sued A State After A Slip And Fall
The state of Minnesota is now facing a slip and fall lawsuit that has been filed by Fox News anchor, Jeff Passolt.
TV Anchor Sues Minnesota After Falling On Sidewalk
Jeff Passolt, who recently retired after spending 38 years on television, recently filed a personal injury lawsuit against the state of Minnesota alleging the state was negligent and their negligence resulted in a fall that caused him serious harm.
One day during the winter of 2017, the news anchor was leaving an interview with Governor Mark Dayton. He was walking to his car which was parked near the Minnesota Judicial Center when he noted that a salt like substance had been put down. This wasn’t surprising given the fact that Minnesota is known for icy and snowy winters and he took the fact that the sidewalk needed to be treated into account.
He alleges that he very carefully stepped onto the sidewalk but despite his care, his feet shot out from underneath him and he landed hard on the ground. The fall caused him to break his hip.
He required extensive surgery involving the placement of screws and plates. His recovery was an easy one with his diabetes making the healing process more complicated. He will soon require a hip replacement.
His lawsuit claims that the state should have provided additional preventative measures and that there are products that “will provide traction to pedestrians even through changing conditions”.
With regard to compensation, Passolt is seeking monetary compensation to pay for his medical bills, lost earnings, physical pain, and emotional trauma.
In response, the state has stated that Passolt’s own negligence resulted in his fall and that they are not at fault.
When Is It Possible To File A Lawsuit Against A State?
When it comes to premises liability lawsuits, the state is no different than any other entity. When the state is responsible for the upkeep of a property, the state and the employees managing that property must take every step that would be considered reasonable to protect visitors.
This means regularly checking the property for hazards such as:
- Broken Steps
- Loose Flooring
- Exposed Wiring
- Wet Flooring
- Snow & Ice
- Broken Sidewalks
- Potholes
Upon the discovery of a hazard, those responsible must place warning signs around the area and take the necessary steps to remedy the situation.
How Do I Know If Reasonable Steps Were Taken To Prevent My Accident?
Although negligence can be glaringly obvious in some cases, in many it is not. This is why it’s incredibly important to contact a slip and fall lawyer as quickly as possible. An attorney can review the case and determine if negligence took place. Then, they can search for the evidence that is needed to support the claim.
Do Lawsuits Only Cover Specific Injuries?
Any serious injury can be the basis of a slip and fall lawsuit. Common serious injuries include:
- Broken Bones
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Cord Damage
- Nerve Damage
- Lacerations
- Tendon and Muscle Damage
The best way to determine if you have a case is to consult with an attorney who can advise you about your legal rights.
What Steps Should I Take After A Slip & Fall?
The very first step you should take is to seek medical care. Once you have received the care that you need, you should try to collect the following if possible:
- Photographs of your injuries.
- Copies of all relevant medical records.
- The contact information of any witnesses.
- Photographs of the scene and the hazard that caused the fall.
If the owner of the property of their insurance company contacts you, take notes of the dates and times, as well as what information was discussed. IT’s always good to start a journal so that dates and times can be easily recalled.
How Quickly Do I Need To File A Lawsuit?
A statute of limitations applies in each case but being hurt on government property can make the issue of the statute of limitations more complicated. Frequently these lawsuits must be filed much more quickly than traditional slip and fall lawsuits. Contact our law firm to learn more.
How Long Will It Take To Receive Compensation?
It’s no secret that lawsuits are never a quick process. At the earliest, plaintiffs may obtain the compensation they are seeking after a few months. Commonly, however, lawsuits can take more than a year to resolve.
The reason that many lawsuits take so long is that it takes time to compile the necessary evidence to support the claim. Then, if a settlement is proposed, careful negotiation takes place to ensure that the plaintiff is obtaining the maximum amount possible. If an agreement cannot be reached, then the case will go to court.
How Much Is My Slip And Fall Case Worth?
The amount that a plaintiff obtains can vary greatly from case to case. Each settlement or verdict is based on the losses that have been sustained by that specific plaintiff, such as medical bills, lost wages, physical suffering, and emotional trauma.
Can I File A Lawsuit If My Loved One Died Because Of A Slip And Fall?
Yes, it may be possible to pursue legal action on your loved one’s behalf if the injuries they sustained in a slip and fall accident resulted in their death. Generally speaking, the people who are eligible to file this wrongful death lawsuit include the parents, spouse, or children of the deceased.
Wrongful death lawsuits can provide the loved ones of the deceased with additional compensation for losses such as funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and lost benefits.
Why Should I Choose Philly Slip And Fall Guys?
Our legal team only practices premises liability law. You can rest easy knowing that we have the experience and the resources that you need to take on your case. We do our best to make sure our clients feel supported during each step of the legal process and that all of their questions have been answered to their satisfaction.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you after a slip and fall accident.
