Accidents happen. Everyone slips and falls at some point in their life—and for many people, it’s as simple as getting up and brushing off the injuries. But for others, slipping and falling can result in serious injuries or even death. Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States. If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need an Esquire Law. A Salt Lake City lawyer can help slip-and-fall accident victims achieve maximum compensation through top-of-the-line representation. Get started with a free evaluation.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents
People slip and trip for a variety of reasons. Anything from sidewalk bumps to poor lighting can cause someone to trip and fall. Other hazards like loose carpets, wet tile floors, and spilled food and beverage products at supermarkets can lead to a nasty fall.
Unfortunately, many of these falls can result in serious injury. These accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability claims.
Legal Framework in Salt Lake City
Property owners owe a duty of care to anyone who lawfully enters their property. In the state of Utah, this means that a property owner or owners are held accountable for maintaining a safe environment for visitors. This could be anything from scheduled property maintenance to proper signage indicating any unsafe conditions.
In other words, to establish negligence in a slip and fall case, one must prove that the property owner had a duty of care, failed to sustain it, and that this negligence led to injuries, resulting in damages like medical expenses and lost wages.
To Prove Negligence, the Following Must Be Proved:
- There was a duty of care owed by the property owner.
- The property owner failed to sustain that duty of care. For example, they failed to address and fix dangerous conditions.
- As a result of their negligence, you were injured. The damages you suffered may include continuous medical bills, loss of income, or pain and suffering.
At a loss after a fall? Contact the Salt Lake City slip and fall attorneys at Esquire Law.
What Are Considered Dangerous Conditions?
Dangerous property conditions are usually the catalyst for premises liability claims. Property owners are responsible for fixing any type of damage or condition that may cause an injury. Some of these conditions include:
- Wet floors
- Potholes
- Exposed wires or cables
- Cluttered walkways
- Damaged carpets
- Spilled food and beverages
- Uncleared ice or snow
- Holes or cracks in sidewalks
- Bad weather conditions
- Poor lighting
If you’ve been injured due to poor or dangerous property conditions, get in touch with a seasoned professional at Esquire Law. Our phone lines are always open.
Common Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can lead to severe injuries that can cause months of missed work and years of medical or physical therapy bills. It’s also important to note that the older you are, the higher the risk you are of suffering a serious injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older. That said, anyone is susceptible to injury from a slip-and-fall accident caused by unsafe conditions. Some of the most common injuries we see at Esquire Law include:
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Cuts or lacerations
- Concussions
- Head injuries
- Dislocations
- Bruising
Head injuries can be fatal if not addressed right away. If you hit your head during a fall, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you’re on blood thinners.
Waiting a few days to seek medical attention can put you in a life-threatening situation if you suffer a head injury—plus, insurance companies will question you if you don’t get medical help right away.
Steps To Take After a Slip & Fall Accident
Slipping and falling can be embarrassing, but it’s important to put that embarrassment aside and focus on the following steps you should take after a fall.
1. File a Report
We understand that you’re ready to get away from the scene of the fall as soon as possible, but don’t leave until you’ve filed a report. Call the police and get your fall on record; this will only help build your case once you begin the legal process.
2. Gather Evidence
Make sure you document the scene if you can. Take photos of what you tripped on and collect contact information from any other eyewitnesses who may have seen the fall unfold. All of this information will only strengthen your case.
3. Get Immediate Medical Attention
Once you’ve reported the incident to law enforcement, head over to the hospital for immediate medical care. Head injuries can be deadly and may not show up right away. Get yourself checked out to nip any serious issues in the bud.
4. Don’t Talk With the Insurance Company
The property owner’s insurance company will likely try to contact you after your fall. If and when they do, don’t give a recorded statement. Their insurance company can hold anything you say against you, which is why it’s so important to speak with a personal injury lawyer first.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Esquire Law is experienced in handling slip and fall cases of all kinds. A Salt Lake City lawyer will help slip and fall victims identify the liable party, recover damages, and deal with insurance companies. Speak with a Salt Lake City personal injury attorney and get a free evaluation when you call Esquire Law.
How To Choose the Right Lawyer
Choosing the right Salt Lake City lawyer for your slip-and-fall case is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Look for a lawyer who has been practicing personal injury cases for an ample amount of time.
You should also be looking for a lawyer who has handled slip-and-fall cases in the past and has a full understanding of how they work.
Finally, choose a lawyer who is willing to go to trial. Sometimes cases need to be taken to court, and when they do, you need a reliable and experienced lawyer by your side.
At Esquire Law, we have a proven track record of handling personal injury cases and premises of liability claims. Taking legal action after a fall is hard, but it doesn’t have to be when you contact the lawyers at Esquire Law. We’re dedicated to your long-term success, health, and well-being following a slip and fall.
Compensation in Slip and Fall Cases
When it comes to compensation, Utah has shared fault rates. This means that if you were between 50% to 100% at fault for your accident, you wouldn’t be able to receive compensation. However, if you were under 50% at fault for the accident, your compensation amount will be reduced. For example, if you were 30% at fault, then 30% would be reduced from your compensation award.
The best way to secure maximum compensation is to contact an experienced Salt Lake City slip and fall lawyer. Esquire Law can help you reach the highest compensation possible for your case. slip and fall compensation typically covers:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Scarring
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional pain
- Loss of companionship
- And more.
The Legal Process for Slip and Fall Cases
The statute of limitations for a slip and fall case is four years from the date of the accident. For the best possible outcome, get started early and contact a lawyer at Esquire Law. If you miss a deadline or allow four years to pass, you will no longer be eligible for compensation.
In some cases, slip and fall accidents may be considered strict liability. This means that you’re not required to prove you suffered injury due to negligence of a property owner or reckless act. Keep in mind that these cases are rare and should be consulted with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Get started with a free, confidential evaluation from an Esquire Law lawyer today.
FAQs on Slip and Fall Accidents
Should I speak with insurance companies after a slip and fall accident?
Esquire Law highly recommends that you do not give a statement to an insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance companies are concerned about making a profit and anything you say can and will be held against you. Before all else, talk to an attorney first.
Should I speak to an insurance adjuster about my slip and fall injury?
If you’ve been injured after a fall, an insurance adjuster will likely want to speak with you and get a written or recorded statement on file. Don’t give a written or recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney who has experience handling slip and fall cases. As mentioned, anything you say can be held against you.
Will a warning sign impact my slip and fall injury claim?
A case may still be valid even though a warning sign or caution sign was out. Warning signs must be visible for customers and guests to see. If they can’t see it immediately, then the fault will still fall on the property owner. Contact Esquire Law and let our lawyers evaluate your case.
Do I have a claim if I fell because of a faulty handrail?
If you have fallen on a faulty handrail, we recommend that you document it with pictures. Get pictures or video of the faulty handrail as evidence and seek immediate medical care following the fall. Once you’ve received medical care, contact an attorney to make sure all evidence is acknowledged and preserved. From there, we’ll find out if the handrail was up to code.
Do I have a claim if I slipped on a faulty step?
You might have a claim if you slipped on a faulty step. Was the step up to code? Did the construction of the step meet certain code requirements? Did it meet certain measurements? All of these factors must be determined before building a case. Get in touch with an attorney from Esquire Law; we can determine whether you have a faulty step case or not.
Who is liable for a slip and fall on city property?
You likely have a case for a slip and fall accident on city property. The city is responsible for maintaining the safety of sidewalks and any other areas on city property; so if you’ve fallen and injured yourself, contact an attorney at Esquire Law. Get a personal injury attorney on the case early to take action against a governmental agency.
How much is my slip and fall case worth?
It’s hard to determine a blanket number for the value of slip-and-call cases. When determining worth, we take a look at factors like the severity of your injury, current and future medical treatment, and whether you had any fault or involvement in the case. The only way to put a price on your case is to call a personal injury lawyer at Esquire Law.
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Talk With the Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Esquire Law
It takes a second to fall, but the injuries can last a lifetime. Slipping and falling is scary enough, but the legal process can leave you feeling hopeless and confused. Luckily, you don’t have to feel at a loss thanks to Esquire Law. The Salt Lake City attorneys at Esquire Law are no stranger to slip and fall injuries.
Our team takes your injuries seriously and promises to fight for your right to maximum compensation. Working with Esquire Law means you’re working with us on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay us unless we win your case. We also offer free case evaluations. Get started at Esquire Law; we’re open 24/7 to take your call.