A slip and fall is one of the most common types of accidents but it can cause serious injuries. Head or back injuries, broken ankles or arms, or serious contusions can result from a slip and fall. These are considered premises liability cases. Victims of a slip and fall accident can claim damages if the accident was the result of the owner or custodian’s negligence. This applies to homeowners, businesses and government organizations when they fail to keep up or repair a property.
Business Slip and Falls
Accidents typically happen at businesses with a large amount of foot traffic such as casinos, grocery stores, restaurants, malls, parking lots and valets. The workplace is another place where many falls occur. Businesses have a responsibility to keep the workplace safe for employees and visitors. If your accident occurred in someone’s place of business, the business may be proved responsible for your injuries.
Indoor Falls Due to Negligence
A hazard such as standing water or a substance that makes a floor slippery is an owner’s responsibility to fix or clearly mark until it is fixed. Torn or worn carpets can cause serious accidents, as can obstructed or damaged stairs and handrails. If an aisle, walkway, entrance, or floor is not kept clear and passable, your accident may be attributed to an owner’s negligence.
Outdoor Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners have a responsibility to keep the outside of their property safe. Sometimes, accidents do occur. Sprinklers and water are a frequent cause of falls. Damage or obstruction to a walkway or entrance, inadequate lighting or the failure to label a hazard can cause people to slip as well. If a property owner has failed to fix an issue or clearly label it as a hazard, they may be liable in a premises liability case.
How We Prove Fault in a Slip and Fall Case
Proper collection of evidence is the key to building a solid case. The steps to building a solid case are threefold:
- Collecting and preserving evidence (includes photos of the area, full description of the accident, gathering witness contact information and statements, and obtaining detailed records of injuries and medical treatment).
- Notifying the property owner. In a premises liability case, the owner must be notified or aware that there is an issue, which gives them the opportunity to fix the defect. Hale Injury Law will prepare the evidence that shows clear fault and negligence.
- Prompt investigation. We begin investigating your case right away. We help you gather everything you need to begin a successful case. We will handle every step of your case including all negotiations with the property owner, their insurance company or their attorney.
Why Choose Hale Injury Law?
If you’re injured on a business premise, you want the best representation on your side. Hale Injury Law is one of the best slip and fall attorneys in Las Vegas and Henderson. We have a proven track record of successfully settling slip and fall settlements and give each of our clients the white glove experience they deserve. Our team of legal and medical experts is dedicated to making The Hale Difference a reality.
How Our Las Vegas Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys Can Help
One of the best decisions you can make after sustaining a slip and fall accident is retaining a qualified slip and fall accident attorney. The benefits of retaining qualified and professional legal care are plentiful, including a solid case built on the following:
- Thorough investigation of the incident
- Gathering of crucial evidence (photos of the accident area, detailed accident descriptions, witness contact information and statements)
- Detailed medical records and treatment documentation
- Expert negotiation with property owners and insurance companies
- Preparation for trial, if necessary
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Injury
If you’ve been involved in an accident, follow this four-step process:
- First and foremost, seek medical attention
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager
- Document everything – no detail is too inconsequential
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies or supervisors without legal advice
We get you help faster, get better results, and keep you informed every step of the way so you can focus your attention on your well-being and the needs of your family during a difficult time. Insurance companies are notorious for using subversive tactics to reduce your settlement and delay a timely resolution.
Your mental and physical health takes priority for us. We don’t try to settle quickly and take the low-hanging fruit. Instead, we exert pressure on insurance companies so that you receive an equitable outcome that is appropriate for your situation.
Common Damages in Slip and Fall Incidents
- Medical expenses (emergency room visits, surgery, and follow-up treatments)
- Lost wages and income (time off work, reduced earning capacity)
- Pain and suffering or emotional distress
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
- Adaptive equipment
- Pharmacy expenses
- Disability and disfigurement
- Punitive damages
- Property damages
- Diminished quality of life
You may be coping with some of the above damages for many years or maybe over your lifetime. These damages are a result of your injury at business location that should have been safe. Submitting a liability claim using a qualified slip and fall accident attorney can increase your chances of a successful and lucrative slip and fall settlement that could ease the burden of some of the damages listed above.
Common Types and Places for Slips and Falls
If you’ve been injured at a place of business, chances are you’ve experienced one of these common types of slips and falls.
Business Slip and Falls
These types of accidents occur in high-traffic areas, such as casinos, grocery stores, restaurants, malls, or parking lots. It’s the responsibility of businesses to ensure safety.
Indoor Falls Due to Negligence
These types of falls happen due to the following:
- Hazards like standing water, slippery substances, torn carpets
- Obstructed or damaged stairs and handrails
- Unclear or blocked walkways and entrances
Outdoor Slip and Fall Accidents
Outdoor slip-and-fall accidents usually occur when there are water-related hazards, damaged walkways, inadequate lighting, or unmarked hazards. Again, it is the property owner’s responsibility for outdoor areas (premises liability) to ensure business premises are safe for consumers and workers.
What If An Insurance Provider Contacts You?
If you are contacted by an insurance provider, avoid making these common mistakes:
- Say you are not hurt or speculate about injuries. However, DO make sure you mention everything that is hurting or causing you pain during your medical evaluation. Even little pains can be indications of something bigger that could get worse with time. If these little items are not mentioned when your injuries are evaluated, you could lose out on compensation down the road.
- Accept your first settlement offer. It’s in the insurance company’s best interest to settle claims as quickly as possible with as little money as possible. Always consult with an accident attorney–they can help advise you on how you can get the compensation you deserve.
- Admit fault or apologize. Always avoid admitting you were at fault–you may be falsely admitting to fault without even knowing it.
- Give an official statement without an attorney present. Once you give an official statement to an insurance company (yours or anyone else’s), that statement will be used for all future proceedings.
- Try to negotiate on your own, without an accident lawyer present. Words matter, and attorneys know how insurance companies can twist your words to undermine your case. Only negotiate with your accident lawyer present – this will save you from losing out on compensation that is rightfully yours.
The Best Slip And Fall Attorneys In The Business
When it comes to slip-and-fall accidents that happen at the workplace or business premises–don’t leave your recovery and financial compensation to chance. Hale Injury Law stands behind our mission of making a difference in the lives of everyday people. We treat our clients like family and we fight tirelessly for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
At Hale, your mental and physical well-being is our number one goal, and we are 100 percent dedicated to helping our clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact us today for a free consultation. Contacting us can make all the difference!