A slip and fall could just be a minor spill, or it could turn into a life-changing event. Broken bones, head injuries, and even soft tissue injuries can have long-lasting consequences. Property owners should keep their premises safe, taking steps to prevent accidents. If you’ve been hurt after a fall, our Sun Valley personal injury lawyer will gladly evaluate your case.
At Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers, we look out for you when others fail to. Since 1997, we’ve helped over 30,000 clients recover over $1 billion in damages. Consult our slip and fall lawyer in Sun Valley. Your case review is free and absolutely confidential.
Property Owners and Their Duty Towards Others
When you visit someone else’s property while going about your lawful business, they are required to take reasonable action to protect you from hazards. That means that if they know of a danger, they must address the matter immediately, close off the area, or display clear warning signage.
This responsibility is known as a duty of care, and if a property owner fails to observe it, and you are injured, you can hold them liable for the damages you suffered. It’s a principle that applies to all types of property, from malls and hotels to apartment blocks and private homes.
Your right to safety applies as long as you are lawfully present. If you are a shopper, guest, tenant, tradesperson, or even a casual visitor, you are entitled to expect safe premises or fair warning of any hazards.
Other Parties Who May Be Liable For Slip and Fall Accidents
In general, if an accident is caused by someone directly employed by the property owner, the property owner must accept responsibility. However, it’s worth noting that property owners are not the only parties who may be liable for slip and fall accidents. In certain circumstances, other parties may be to blame. They include:
- Tenants
- Cleaning contractors
- Property maintenance companies
- Manufacturers or suppliers
It’s one more reason why these cases can be more complex than they initially seem, calling for a thorough investigation. Clear determination of liability is a fundamental first step toward securing compensation.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
To claim compensation for your injuries, your slip and fall attorney in Sun Valley must show that the liable party knew, or should have known, about the danger, and that they failed to take steps to address the risk. Slip and fall accidents are often caused by:
- Floors that become slippery after spills, leaks, or mopping
- Poor lighting that prevents you from seeing a hazard
- Poorly maintained outdoor paving or bad design choices that give rise to hazards
- Uneven flooring, damaged carpeting, or clutter that causes people to trip, slip, and fall
After a slip-and-fall accident, many people blame themselves, believing they were clumsy or should have been more careful. Nevertheless, even if you share some degree of liability, other parties may be primarily to blame, as they should maintain safe conditions and warn visitors about any hidden dangers.
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How the Law Determines Fault in Slip and Fall Accidents
If you have been injured after slipping and falling, you may be eligible for compensation from negligent parties or their insurance companies. Consult a lawyer to determine if you should file a premises liability claim. If you qualify, your Sun Valley slip and fall lawyer must show that:
- The property owner, or some other party, had a duty of care to keep you safe
- They should have known about the hazard and  failed to meet that duty through something they did or failed to do
- You were injured as a direct result of their failure
- You have sustained measurable losses because of your injury
The primary defenses defendants raise include denying they knew about a hazard, claiming that the danger was obvious and you weren’t paying attention, or insisting that your injuries must have happened elsewhere. Your lawyer must be ready to counter these arguments with facts gathered during their investigation.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
Some slip and fall accidents are minor and involve nothing more than a few bruises. Nevertheless, you should report your fall to the building’s management and get medical attention as soon as possible. Although some injuries are obvious right away, you may not immediately realize how badly you were hurt. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones, especially wrists, hips, and ankles. Older adults are particularly vulnerable.
- Brain injuries are a serious concern if you sustain a blow to the head. What seems like a straightforward concussion may have long-term implications.
- Soft tissue injuries, such as torn ligaments and strained muscles, may be more serious than they initially seem, limiting movement for weeks or even months.
Getting prompt medical attention will help your case and protect your health. Our Sun Valley slip and fall attorney will seek ways to help you, even if you only realized how badly you were hurt some time after your fall. However, a delay in getting medical help can complicate your case.
Compensation You May Claim After a Slip and Fall Accident
If your lawyer can show that someone else was liable for your accident, they must compensate you for your damages. These include:
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs: This covers costs such as emergency care, medications, medical devices, and physical therapy.
- Lost earnings while you are unable to work: If you were severely injured, this may also include loss of future earning capacity, making it even more important that you get a fair settlement.
- Pain and suffering: These damages address the physical and emotional pain you suffered because of the accident and your injuries.
- Other damages as a result of your injuries: For example, the toll a long-term disability takes on your quality of life and relationships can be severe.
In all instances, compensation should reflect the full extent of your losses, not just the immediate costs you’ve incurred. Your lawyer will know how to determine what compensation may be due to you under NRS § 41.130.
Why Our Clients Choose Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers
Slip and fall cases can be extremely complex. They require investigation, a determined pursuit of compensation, and a lawyer with considerable experience. Our slip and fall lawyer in Sun Valley meets and exceeds these criteria and has access to experts who can support your case with their evidence.
We know that every case is different. Some may involve a single incident. Others are characterized by a pattern of neglect. For example, there may have been repeated complaints and breaches of safety regulations. Whatever lies behind your case, we aim to achieve a fair outcome in which you receive the compensation you qualify for.
Our law firm builds relationships through compassionate, client-focused service. Each of our clients is an individual seeking justice, not a case number. We’re proud of the many glowing testimonials we have received, and pledge to support you in your quest for justice. We are available 24/7. When you need us, we are there for you.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation With a Sun Valley Slip and Fall Lawyer
We don’t just take the easy cases. We often tackle tough cases that other lawyers don’t want to handle, and we are getting verdicts. As your slip and fall lawyer in Sun Valley will confirm, accidents on public or private property often fall into this category.
You may think there’s nothing you can do to offset your losses, but you should not give up hope. Allow Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers to evaluate your case. All you have to do to get an experienced lawyer’s opinion is to accept our offer of a cost and obligation-free first consultation. Call us today.