When Does a Slip and Fall Accident Warrant Legal Help?
Slip and fall accidents are common, and they can lead to disability and even death. When these accidents are caused by another party’s negligence, and the victim has suffered significant harm and/or financial loss, it’s time to get legal help.
Oftentimes, it is difficult to determine who is responsible when someone is injured in a slip and fall accident. In fact, liability might involve multiple parties (e.g. a landlord, a construction company, a business owner, etc.). A lawyer can help determine who is at fault and ensure the right people are held accountable.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you should strongly consider hiring an attorney if:
- You were seriously injured. Serious injuries can lead to large medical bills, lost wages, and long-term effects. If your accident caused broken bones, head injuries, back or neck trauma, or other injuries requiring surgery or extended medical care, an attorney can help you recover compensation for these issues.
- The property owner or business may have been negligent. Property owners have a dutyto provide a safe environment. Wet floors with no warning signs, uneven surfaces or loose carpets, poor lighting or hidden hazards, and icy/snowy walkways that have not been resolved in a reasonable time can be considered negligence. If you suspect the property owner knew or should have known about a hazard, a lawyer may be able to investigate and prove liability.
- There is a dispute about fault. If the property owner is denying responsibility, a lawyer can collect evidence – like surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance logs – to challenge that claim.
- You’re dealing with an insurance company. If you think a slip and fall accident is due to negligence, it’s best to speak with an attorney before you are contacted by the insurance company. Insurers often minimize or deny claims and try to get accident victims to settle a claim quickly. An attorney can handle communications, negotiate a fair settlement, and ensure you don’t accept less than you deserve.
- You missed work or have long-term effects. If your injuries cause you to miss work, lose income, or affect your ability to earn in the future, an attorney can help calculate and recover those damages.
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident in a business, you can help protect your rights by reporting the incident to an employee and completing an accident report on site. Be sure to keep a copy of the report and document the employee’s name and other important details about the accident.
While not all slip and fall accidents warrant hiring an attorney, many accidents can be due to the negligence or actions of others. If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact Davis & Gelshenen LLP at 1-866-427-2121 for a free initial consultation with one of our Experienced, Trusted, and Recommended Personal Injury Attorneys. Davis & Gelshenen LLP handles cases throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio and will meet with you virtually, at our office, or at your home or other location convenient to you to discuss your case.