Before we begin, what is a slip and fall accident?
The term "slip and fall" refers to personal injury claims in which a person has stumbled or fell on another's property and sustained injuries. It can even lead to death in some cases. Slip and fall accidents are a subset of the broader category of claims known as "premises liability."
A slip and fall mishap usually happens on someone else's 'premises,' or property that they maintain and own. It could also be a corporation. Such accidents are the legal responsibility of the property owner. If you have been injured in one of these accidents, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
What are some common causes of slips and falls?
On-premises slips and falls can occur for a variety of causes. However, not all of these accidents have the legal grounds to hold the property owner accountable.
The following are some of the most prevalent reasons for which a victim may be entitled to compensation:
A surface that is uneven or moist
Flooring replacements and/or ripped carpeting
Poor maintenance, such as small stairwells, poor lighting, and potholes in the ground.
Inadequate worker training in dangerous workplaces.
Rain, snow, and ice are all examples of bad weather.
In any instance, the plaintiff must have suffered injuries (however minor) in order to be entitled to compensation.
What should you do after a slip and fall accident?
Seek immediate medical attention
If you've been in an accident due to a slip or trip, the first thing you should do is seek medical help. Make sure to document all of your injuries. These medical records are an important piece of evidence that will aid you in receiving the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Report the Accident
Whether you slipped or tripped, in the event of an on-premises accident (whether it occurred at someone's home, on a sidewalk, or inside a store), report the occurrence right away. Make contact with the property's landlord, management, or owner. Before leaving the premises, make a note of the details of the accident and request a written copy of the incident report.
Document Everything That Occurs
If there were any witnesses, make a list of their phone numbers, addresses, names, and emails. This is an important step. The importance of witness testimony in advancing a legal claim could be critical. Also, take pictures of the precise spot where the accident occurred. Photograph any icy patches, broken stairs, or hazardous situations that contributed to the accident. Make a list of details, such as what you were doing when you fell, the time and date of the accident, and so on. Keep the shoes and clothes you wore during the accident in a secure location. These are all critical pieces of evidence.
Avoid Making Legal Statements
You have the legal right to refuse to make any legal statements. So, be calm and restrict your discussion with the manager/property owner to what is absolutely essential. Avoid using social media to provide details about the accident. Avoid making remarks to your insurance company until you've checked with your attorney first. Don't assign or accept any blame. Leave it up to the lawyer to handle everything.
Make an Appointment with a Lawyer
If you intend to pursue legal action, it's critical to select and work with an experienced slip and fall injury lawyer. The majority of trip, slip, and fall cases are complicated, making it difficult to determine who is at fault. As a result, relying on the creativity and skill of a seasoned and successful law firm is your best chance.
What kind of compensation should you expect for slip and fall cases?
Every incidence of a slip and fall injury is different. As a result, it's impossible to compare the effects to earlier outcomes. Your attorney will need to investigate the issue in order to determine a possible settlement figure. Most slip and fall settlements, on the other hand, tend to be in the $10K to $40K area (in the case of minor injuries). The amount can be much more if the injuries are severe.
To determine the compensation amount, the judge will examine the following factors:
Wages that have been lost
Medical expenses
Future monetary losses to be expected
Suffering and pain
Other expenditures associated with the recovery
Choosing an Attorney for a Slip and Fall Case
The majority of slip and fall victims are unsure whether or not they should hire a slip and fall injury lawyer. If you've been in one of these accidents, contact Burnes Libman right away. Our law office employs the greatest lawyers in the field, all of them have a proven track record. There's no reason to be trapped in a never-ending cycle of medical bills.
With its resourceful lawyers and extensive legal experience, our firm will assist you in obtaining the recompense you deserve. We've helped hundreds of consumers collect tens of thousands of dollars in claims in the past. Here's how our lawyers can assist you:
We handle complicated documentation on your behalf because the majority of slip and fall accidents are exceedingly complicated and perplexing. But don't be concerned! Our legal staff will gather all of the information so you can concentrate on your recovery and wellbeing.
We are concerned about deadlines, and we make the most of the limited time available to file the claim in order to achieve the best possible result. All of the deadlines in your case will be handled by our legal staff.
You're more than a case number to our attorneys; you're not just another case to win.
Visit our resource page at www.burneslibman.com/slip-and-fall-accident-lawyer for more information about slips and falls. For a free consultation, call (312) 726-6500 today.