Norfolk Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injuries in Norfolk and throughout Virginia. Depending on the circumstances, a slip and fall accident can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to broken bones, head injuries, and permanent nerve damage. In extreme cases, a slip and fall accident can cause tragic fatalities. Yet, they are largely preventable if property owners take the necessary steps to maintain the property and make sure that any potential hazards are addressed in a timely manner.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, and you believe that the property owner’s negligence created the dangerous conditions that caused your injuries, it is highly recommended that you contact the Norfolk slip and fall accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC at your earliest convenience.

What Are Examples of Dangerous Property Conditions?

According to the National Flooring Safety Institute, approximately 8 million people visit the emergency room each year due to slip and fall accidents. The following are examples of some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents that can result in serious injuries:

Poorly lit stairwells
Loose of broken stairs and railings
Spills that cause slippery conditions
Loose rugs or floorboards
Defective bricks, tiles, or sidewalks
Snowy or icy surfaces that have not been cleared away
Exposed wiring
Clutter or debris on the floors

What Steps Should I Take After a Slip and Fall Accident?

There are a number of steps you should take in the moments following a slip and fall accident that will help ensure that the negligent parties are held liable for the accident and that you recover the damages to which you are entitled.

Report the accident to the property owner. Make sure that you notify the property owner that you were injured in a slip and fall accident on their property. If the accident occurred on commercial property, report the accident to the highest-ranking person available. The longer you wait to report the accident, the more difficult it may be for you to recover compensation.
Take pictures. Do not hesitate to take as many pictures of the hazard that caused the accident as you can. This may include pictures of an icy parking lot, a poorly lit stairwell, or an uneven concrete sidewalk. If you hesitate to take pictures, the property owner could clean up, or repair the hazards that caused your injuries, making it very difficult for you to recover damages.
Seek immediate medical attention. Whether you go to the nearest emergency room or your personal physician, it is crucial that you get treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. If you put off getting treatment, the insurance company may assume that your injuries must not be severe; in this case, they may not award the financial compensation you deserve.
Talk to witnesses. If there were people in the vicinity when the accident occurred, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
Notify your insurance company. Contact your insurance company and let them know that you were injured in a slip and fall accident. Provide a detailed description of how you were injured, where the accident occurred, the hazard that caused the accident, and who owns the property.
Contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer. It is in your best interest to contact a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. A dedicated lawyer will discuss the details of your case, address any questions and concerns you may have about the claims process, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.

How Do I Prove That the Property Owner Is Negligent?

In order to successfully prove negligence in a slip and fall case, you must be able to demonstrate the following elements of negligence:

Duty of Care: You will need to prove that the property owner had a legal obligation to ensure that the property is safe and free of any hazards.
Breach of Duty: You will also need to establish that the property owner failed to take the necessary steps to maintain a safe property. For example, if the property owner failed to clear ice and snow from a parking lot, did not clean up a spill on the floor, or failed to repair a broken light, these are examples of a breadth of duty.
Causation: If you are able to prove that the breach of duty caused your injuries, the property owner will likely be liable.
Proximate Cause: You must also prove that the property owner’s breach of duty resulted in your injury or harm.
Damages: Finally, you must show that you suffered damages as a result of the injury.

Slip and fall accidents can be challenging to prove without the assistance of an experienced slip and fall lawyer on your side. Often, the property owner will claim that they were unaware of the dangerous condition or that you were partially to blame for the accident. It can be challenging to prove that the property owner was aware of the hazard and failed to take the necessary steps to fix it or provide adequate warning of the hazard. A dedicated slip and fall lawyer will protect your legal rights, determine whether the property owner was negligent, and negotiate with the insurance company to pursue the best possible settlement outcome.

What Damages am I Entitled to if I am Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident?

If you can successfully prove that the property owner was negligent, you may be eligible for the following damages:

All medical expenses associated with the accident
Lost wages if your injury prevents you from being able to return to work
Loss of future earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident in Virginia, and you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner, you must file your claims within two years of the date of the accident. If you file your claim after the statute of limitations has expired, your claim will likely be denied and you will be unable to recover any damages. A dedicated slip and fall lawyer will assist you with the claims process and make sure that your claim is filed well before the statute of limitations expires.

How Can a Slip and Fall Lawyer Assist Me With My Case?

While you may be able to handle your case if your injuries or losses are minor, and there are no complex legal issues that complicate your case, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced slip and fall lawyer if your injuries are more serious, or the property owner is challenging your claim. A slip and fall lawyer will assist you with your case in the following ways:

Provide an honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company and the liable parties’ attorneys.
File your case in court, if necessary.
Manage pretrial matters like motions and jury instructions.
Negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.

Norfolk Slip and Fall Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Represent Victims of Slip and Fall Accidents

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a slip and fall accident that occurred on someone else’s property, do not hesitate to contact the Norfolk slip and fall lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC. Our highly skilled legal team will conduct a thorough investigation into the details of the accident, determine who is liable for your injuries, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. Call 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.