Strong Advocacy After A Slip-And-Fall
Slip-and-falls are one of the most common types of personal injuries. They can happen anywhere but are most common in retail stores, restaurants and parking lots. Slip-and-falls can result in painful injuries, making it difficult to work and enjoy your life.
At Wiseman Law Firm, PLLC, our attorney has been providing legal support for slip-and-fall injuries for over two decades. He understands the challenges that come with dealing with injuries such as:
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
These injuries can leave you with a long and painful recovery. We offer a free consultation to answer your questions and help you get started seeking compensation for your injuries.
Slip-And-Fall Accident FAQ
There is a lot of misinformation about slip-and-falls and victims’ rights. Read our FAQ about this subject to get some general facts.
What is a slip-and-fall?
In a legal context, a slip-and-fall accident occurs when a property owner fails to keep the premises reasonably safe and free from traps like slippery floors, uneven sidewalks and broken handrails. If the owner fails to repair such a hazard or post a warning, and a legal visitor to the property (like a shopper at a grocery store) falls and hurts themselves as a result, the owner may be responsible for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
How long after a slip-and-fall do I have to file a claim? What if I am still recovering from an injury and can’t file yet?
In Virginia, the law says that you have two years from the date of your injury to file. Unfortunately, you generally cannot pause this time limit to recover from your injury.
What is a store owner responsible for in terms of the safety of their space for customers?
Store owners are responsible for creating and maintaining reasonably safe conditions for their customers and others with the legal right to be there. They must take reasonable steps to either 1) repair or 2) warn people of a hazard they know about or reasonably should have known about. For example, if there is a cooking oil spill in a grocery store, the store should clean it up or put up a sign warning customers to avoid the area.
Can compensation from a slip-and-fall cover missed time at work?
Yes. Lost past and future wages are both types of damages that you can seek in a personal injury lawsuit. Had the store owner negligence not occurred, you would not have gotten injured in the store and been forced to miss work or quit your job. Therefore, the store is responsible for the wages you have already lost and expect to lose in the future.
Common Causes Of Slip-And-Falls
Many factors can contribute to a slip-and-fall accident, including wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, debris on the floor, poor lighting, hazardous materials and unsafe equipment. Slip-and-falls can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor bruises and sprains to more severe damage, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and fractures. In some cases, slip-and-fall accidents can even be fatal.
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injury does not feel serious at the time, a medical professional can help you establish the timeline and cause of your injury.
Contact Us Today
At Wiseman Law Firm, PLLC, our lawyers has been helping people who have been injured on someone else’s property for over 25 years. He understands the challenges that you are facing, and he is here to provide the legal support you need. To make an appointment for your free consultation in our Parkersburg office, call 304-314-4768 or contact us online.