Practice AreasSlip-and-Fall

Have You Had a Slip-and-Fall?

Slipping and falling can lead to serious injuries, and if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. An experienced slip-and-fall attorney at the Halperin Law Center can help you map out the best course of action to get you the recourse you deserve.

Many people are unaware that there are laws pertaining to injuries that happen on someone else’s property. That area of the law is known as premises liability. Everyone from your grocer, your friend, your local coffee shop owner, and your employer must ensure that all who enter their respective properties are safe from injury. If they fail in that duty and you’re injured as a result, you can file a personal injury claim against them. This claim is meant to compensate you for the injuries you’ve suffered and the monetary and non-monetary ways your accident has affected your life.

Filing such a claim is seldom easy or simple, and people don’t like to be sued. many state laws, like Virginia’s, often favor the property owner rather than the injured guest. In determining whether or not you have a meritorious premises liability case, you should consult a personal injury attorney who is experienced in liability cases, such as the attorneys at The Halperin Law Center, to assist you with your case. 

What Is A Slip-and-Fall Injury?

Slip-and-Fall Accidents vs. Trip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents and trip-and-fall accidents are virtually the same but are differentiated by the cause of the fall. A slip is usually related to liquid or ice, and a trip would be linked to a tripping hazard, such as a loose floorboard or an object in your path. These types of falls are compensable when they happen on someone else’s property and if negligence is found to have played a role in the accident. Some of the injuries that may qualify your claim are:

  • Broken and fractured bones
  • Back and spine injuries
  • Twisted ankles and leg muscle injuries
  • Sprains and strains

Occasionally, slip-and-falls cause life-altering injuries that have long-term effects on your health and livelihood. Recovery will never look the same for any two victims; however, filing a claim for your injuries could help you recover the cash compensation to help you recover more comfortably while things like your medical bills and lost income are covered. Some life-changing injuries that can impact victims of a slip-and-fall include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Permanent or temporary loss of bodily function
  • Disfigurement
  • Debilitating back pain
  • And others

The day you suffer an injury of this magnitude will likely be one of the hardest of your life. When you’re unsure where to turn for help, one of our experienced Halperin Law Center attorneys can lend a compassionate ear and help you fight for the fair compensation and justice you deserve.

Determining Responsibility for Slip-and-Fall Compensation

SLIP-AND-FALL COMPENSATION

Whether you sustained your injuries in the produce aisle at the grocery store, walking through a hotel lobby, or while standing on the porch at an acquaintance’s house, the basic concept behind recovering compensatory damages remains the same—you have to be able to demonstrate that the at-fault party’s negligence was the sole contributing factor. 

This is because Virginia applies some of the toughest standards in the nation when it comes to personal injury plaintiffs. For example, Virginia is one of the four pure contributory negligence states. This Draconian doctrine provides that claimants who are found to be even one percent liable for having caused their own injuries are barred from recovering compensation in a personal injury claim. 

Whereas some other states practice a far more relaxed standard for recovery, Virginia is one of the states where you will need to overcome high hurdles if you are going to be successful in obtaining compensation. The good news is that an experienced attorney can help you investigate, prepare, and file a slip-and-fall claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a case?

This answer depends on a variety of factors, but in summary, the injury-causing accident must be the result of the wrongful act of another person or company. According to the Virginia Contributory Negligence law, in most circumstances if you are at all responsible for the accident or injury, you cannot recover. That being said, you should not necessarily trust the opinion or advice of an insurance company or claims adjuster as to whether or not you are at fault or contributed to the accident, as they may not (and likely do not) have your best interests in mind. Contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury or wrongful death law to make this determination.

What is my case worth?

Though very common, this is a difficult question to answer at the beginning of a case. Each case is different, involving multiple factors, many of which may be unknown at the time of your injury. In short, these types of cases are designed to compensate you for damages (physical and financial) you have suffered. The amount of compensation depends on factors such as: severity of the injuries and whether they were permanent or disfiguring; if a hospital stay was required; the amount of time (and/or pay) lost from work; the amount of your past and future medical bills; whether or not surgery was required; and/or available insurance coverage. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine the relevant specifics of your situation and estimate the potential value of your case.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

The amount of time you have to make a claim from the date of the accident/injury depends on where the accident happened and the type of claim you are making. In Virginia, it is generally 2 years from the date of the injury, however there are some governmental claims that must be brought within a year. In the District in Columbia, it’s usually 3 years from the date of injury. In Maryland, it’s typically the same. However, there are exceptions, and you should contact a trial lawyer who specializes in personal injury or wrongful death cases in order to determine how long you have to file a claim.

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Whether you’ve been involved in an auto accident, a civil rights violation, or a personal injury, you can rest assured knowing a top-rate Richmond lawyer at Halperin Law Center will give you personalized attention, guidance, and support you deserve. We work tirelessly to help win the compensation and justice you deserve in your case.

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