Under Alabama law, premises liability refers to the area of law that holds property owners accountable for injuries that occur on their property. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors.
If you’ve suffered a premises injury from a slip and fall or other accident, you could be facing medical bills, lengthy rehabilitation programs, missed work, and more. These types of cases can occur anywhere—a business, home, apartment complex, mall, playground, grocery store, department store, or even a parking lot. You could even get hurt at work.
Navigating a premises liability claim can be complex and challenging. If you have been injured on someone else’s property, it is crucial to seek legal counsel from an experienced premises liability attorney in Montgomery, Alabama. An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Injuries Sustained in Trip & Fall Accidents
Slips and falls are usually unexpected and can happen just about anywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults in particular are at risk for injuries caused by falls. A slip and fall accident can result in one or more of the following injuries or others:
- Nervous system injuries caused by head trauma and neck trauma, including nerve damage, spinal cord damage, or a traumatic brain injury
- Severe strains, sprains, fractures, and broken bones
- Neck and shoulder injuries such as whiplash
- Back injuries, including slipped discs or even paralysis
- Emotional trauma, including a fear of falling or of leaving the house
In addition, slip and fall injuries can lead to thousands of dollars in medical costs, lost wages, ongoing physical therapy, and other expenses. These costs are hard for anyone to bear, and you deserve compensation for these and the other costs of your injury. An experienced slip and fall injury lawyer will advocate on your behalf to get you the compensation you need to fully heal from your injuries.
Proving Liability in Your Slip & Fall Case
Proving liability in a slip, trip, and fall case is a delicate and complex process. Each case is different, and hinges on both the property owner’s safeguards against slips and falls, and your own care when navigating the space leading up to your fall.
In most cases, the injured party must prove that the accident was caused by a dangerous condition, and that the property owner or manager knew of that condition. In addition, the dangerous condition must have presented an unreasonable risk, and the injured party must prove that a reasonable person would not have anticipated the condition.
Furthermore, to prove that a property owner knew of the dangerous condition before your injury, you must prove one or more of the following:
- The owner created the condition
- The owner knew of the condition and failed to fix it
- The condition existed for long enough that it should’ve been discovered and corrected prior to your slip and fall accident.
What to Do After a Slip & Fall Accident
1. Get Treated
Your first priority after any injury should be to your health. If you’ve been hurt by your slip and fall or other premises injury, see a doctor so your injuries can be properly documented. You’ll also want to see the doctor to catch any injuries that might not be immediately apparent, as some injuries’ symptoms don’t appear for days or even weeks.
The medical report generated by the doctor will serve as important evidence as you seek compensation for the damages your injury has generated.
2. Report the Accident
No matter where your trip and fall happened—whether it was in a store, in the halls at work, on a sidewalk, or even at a friend’s house—report the accident to the manager, owner, or landlord of the property. Get the details of the event in writing from them in a written report and request a copy before you leave. You’ll also want to report the incident with your insurance company, since the property owner will do the same.
3. Document Everything
Be sure to collect the names, addresses, phone numbers, and other information of all potential witnesses at the scene. If you decide to pursue a legal claim, their testimony could help your case.
In addition, be sure to take photos of the exact place you fell as well as any stairs, slippery floors, or other contributing factors to your accident. Write down what you were doing, how you fell, and other details like the time and date of your fall. Finally, store the clothing and shoes you were wearing somewhere safe, as they could also serve as evidence in your upcoming legal action.
4. Don’t Talk to Anyone
Talk to the property owner or manager as little as possible before calling a lawyer or going to court. Don’t post details relating to your injury on social media, and don’t give a statement to any insurance company. The most important advice to remember is to not admit fault, but also not accuse the other party. It’s the court’s job to determine liability and who owes damages to whom.
5. Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Finally, finding an experienced personal injury lawyer to advocate on your behalf will ensure that you receive the most compensation possible to account for all the damages you’ve suffered. Many trip and fall cases are difficult to prove, so it’s especially important in these cases to call a knowledgeable slip and fall lawyer to help you with your case.
How Can a Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Your Case?
If you’ve suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may be wondering how to protect your rights and seek compensation. Slip and fall lawyers play a crucial role in assisting through this challenging time. Here’s how they can help:
- Legal Knowledge: Slip and fall lawyers possess a deep understanding of laws related to personal injury and premises liability.
- Investigation: They will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and assess liability.
- Determining Liability: Your slip and fall attorney will identify responsible parties and establish liability.
- Negotiating with Insurers: Slip and fall lawyers negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Calculating Damages: They will help assess the full extent of your damages.
- Statute of Limitations: Ensuring your case complies with legal time limits.
- Peace of Mind: You can focus on recovery while your lawyer handles the legal aspects.
- No Fees Unless You Win: Most injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
Keep in mind, seeking legal representation can be a crucial step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve after a slip and fall accident.
Find a Slip & Fall Injury Lawyer Near Montgomery
If you find yourself grappling with the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, the uncertainty and unexpected consequences can be overwhelming. At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we understand the challenges you may face—ranging from substantial medical bills to the impact on your work and ongoing therapies. In times like these, you need a dedicated advocate by your side to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
