Slip and Fall Lawyer in Provo
Most of the time, you don’t give a second thought to visiting your favorite locations like grocery stores, shopping centers, and the homes of friends and family. You expect these places to be reasonably safe for you and your family. What happens when the unthinkable occurs and a slip-and-fall accident causes a significant injury? Can you recover money for your injuries? Who is responsible for properly maintaining a property? How can a slip and fall accident lawyer in Provo help you?
Slip and fall accidents are no laughing matter. They can cause traumatic injuries and significant financial losses. That’s why the team at London Harker Injury Law is here to help. Our slip-and-fall injury lawyers in Provo understand what it takes to mount a compelling accident-injury claim that gives you the best opportunity to recover the money you deserve.
Don’t walk away from a slip-and-fall accident in Provo. Call our office at 77CARCRASH and discuss your situation with an experienced attorney. A Provo personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and your next steps in pursuing the compensation you need.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is the area of law that governs slip-and-fall accidents. In Utah, property owners must ensure their property is reasonably safe and free from hazards for guests and visitors. That can mean conducting regular maintenance on their property, warning guests of potentially unsafe conditions, and taking reasonable steps to address safety concerns and dangerous conditions.
To prove a property owner is liable for slip-and-fall injury under premises liability, you, the injured individual, must establish that the property owner owed them a duty of care, meaning they had the right to be on the property. You must also show the property owner failed to reasonably uphold their duty of care by failing to address dangerous conditions, properly maintain their property, or warn you about a potentially hazardous situation. Finally, you must also establish that you suffered an injury and associated financial losses because of the careless property owner’s actions.
There are certain exceptions to these rules. For example, most property owners are not liable if a trespasser gets hurt. However, trespassing children come under a different set of rules and complications. Talking to an experienced Provo premises liability attorney is the best way to understand your rights after a slip and fall incident.
Reasons Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
Slip and fall accidents happen for numerous reasons. When a property owner fails to take care of their property or won’t address safety hazards they know or should reasonably know about, accidents can happen with devastating consequences. Most slip-and-fall accidents result from slips, tripping hazards, and inclement weather. The most common reasons that slip and fall accidents happen in Provo include:
- Icy surface
- Snow
- Spills or wet flooring
- Torn carpets and rugs
- Uneven walkways
- Exposed wires or loose cords
- Products blocking paths or store aisles
- Loose stairs
- Loose handrails of stairs lacking handrails
- Unmarked hazards
- Potholes
- Poor lighting conditions
Do not take a slip-and-fall accident lightly. Talk to a Provo slip and fall accident attorney as soon as possible.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
It’s a shocking statistic, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in the United States. Falls are not traumatic only for older individuals. They can cause significant injuries to anyone. Some of the most common injuries associated with slip and fall incidents can include:
- Broken bones, especially arms, wrists, hips, and knees
- Neck and spine injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Dislocations
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Sprains
- Strains
Falling, especially in a public place, can feel embarrassing. Don’t dust yourself off and continue as if nothing happened. Falls can cause significant injuries requiring medical intervention. Always seek medical help immediately after a fall.
Where Do Most Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?
Slip and fall incidents can happen almost anywhere. Property owners must regularly address potential safety concerns and hazards to protect their guests and visitors. However, some locations are more prone to slip-and-fall accidents than others. Locations where an individual may experience a slip and fall accident include:
- Private homes
- Grocery stores
- Shopping centers
- Stores
- Parking lots
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Restaurants
- Office buildings/workplace
- Pools
- Sports arenas
Many homeowners, businesses, and property owners have insurance coverage for the purpose of covering the expenses related to a slip and fall incident on their property. However, you should never accept money from anyone, including an insurer, without first discussing your situation with a skilled Provo slip-and-fall accident lawyer.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
Did you know that your actions after a slip-and-fall accident can significantly impact your ability to recover maximum compensation for your injuries? Your first reaction after falling may be to shake it off and walk away. That may be the worst thing you can do after a slip-and-fall accident. Instead, consider these steps to help protect you and strengthen your compensation claim after falling on a careless property owner’s property:
- Report the accident to the property owner – After an accident, you must report the incident to the property owner, a supervisor, or an on-duty manager. Typically, you will need to fill out an incident report. Keep your report detailed and only include facts. Ask for a copy before you leave.
- Seek medical attention immediately – Never hesitate to seek medical attention for your injuries. The signs of concussion and head trauma can sometimes take hours or days to manifest. The immediate treatment gives you the chance of a more favorable prognosis. Additionally, medical records are valuable evidence in a premises liability claim. Without them, an insurer can potentially deny your claim.
- Document the scene – When possible, document the scene thoroughly. Did you slip on a rumpled carpet? Take photographs of the area and ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Save your shoes and clothing – Keep the shoes and clothing from the accident safe, intact, and untouched. It is best to place these items in a plastic bag and store them for your attorney.
- Contact a lawyer – Slip and fall claims can be complicated. Get an attorney as soon as possible to help you navigate the process.
- Keep records – Keep records of your medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, pay stubs, and any other records of your financial losses. These documents can help your attorney estimate the value of your claim.
- Avoid posting on social media – Never post information about the incident on a review site or social media. It is wise to avoid posting anything online until your attorney resolves your claim.
Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident
Suppose you were injured in a slip-and-fall incident on someone else’s property due to a property owner’s careless actions. In that case, you might be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Sometimes, you can attempt to recover compensation via an insurance claim. In other situations, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can review your unique situation and outline your legal options.
How much money you can recover from a slip and fall incident varies. The cause of the accident and the severity of your injuries are two crucial factors that can play a role in the value of your claim. Although each claim is unique, generally, accident victims can seek money for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Working with an experienced Provo slip and fall accident lawyer is essential. You can’t trust an insurance company to keep your best interests in mind when company profits are on the line. An attorney is your advocate. They can review your claim and calculate the fair value of your losses, then negotiate on your behalf for the money you deserve.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit After a Slip and Fall Incident?
While most slip-and-fall accident victims file an insurance claim seeking compensation for their losses, there are instances where filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the best option for seeking the money you need. However, you have limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit in Provo. Utah gives individuals four years from the accident date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
It is never in your best interest to wait to consult a Provo slip and fall accident lawyer, even if you are working with an insurer. Some insurers drag out the claim process, diminishing the time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit to “run out the clock.” Wait too long, and you may lose the ability to file and be stuck accepting an unfavorable settlement offer from the insurer. Additionally, evidence vital to building a solid case can be lost or destroyed in four years.
What happens if you file a lawsuit after the legal deadline? The court can dismiss your case, and you lose the ability to pursue maximum compensation in court.
Get an Experienced Provo Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer on Your Side Today
Are you ready to explore legal options following a Provo slip and fall accident? The legal team at London Harker Injury Law can help. Let us review your situation and sit down with you to outline your options for seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.
Call our Provo office at 77CARCRASH today to set up your free consultation.
