Although most of us are careful while out walking around, slip, trip, and fall accidents are quite common, usually resulting in scrapes, bruises and soreness. A particularly bad fall can cause serious injuries, however, that may require a prolonged recovery period and ongoing medical treatment. Some falls may even result in permanent disabilities or fatalities. When these accidents are caused by the negligence of another party, it may be possible to recover damages by pursuing a premises liability lawsuit.
Located in McLean, Alavi Law, PLLC is a premier slip and fall attorney serving clients throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have extensive experience handling slip, trip, and fall claims and a proven track record of being dedicated advocates of the injured. We are well versed in the applicable premises liability laws and work tirelessly to help our clients obtain the compensation they deserve.
What is premises liability?
In Virginia, premises liability laws are essentially designed to protect the public. In sum, all private, commercial, and public property owners are required to maintain their property and provide a safe environment to pedestrians and visitors — neighbors, mail carriers, patrons, vendors, passers by, and others.
Nonetheless, slip, trip, and fall accidents frequently occur as a result of all types of hazardous conditions — wet floors, broken steps, cracked or raised sidewalks, icy or snow-covered parking lots, poorly lit areas, and other dangerous conditions. When an injury occurs because the property was not maintained or a visitor was not adequately warned about a hazard, there may be grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.
If you have been injured in a slip, trip and fall accident due to the negligent or intentional conduct of another party, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. By enlisting the services of Alavi Law, PLLC, you will have peace of mind knowing that experienced premises liability attorneys are fighting to protect your best interests.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Although slip, trip, and falls can be caused by our own carelessness, or clumsiness, when another’s negligence is the underlying reason for the accident, there may be a valid basis for any injury claim. Examples of such negligence include:
- Wet, icy, or slippery surfaces
- Broken stairs/poorly secured banisters
- Torn or uneven carpeting
- Debris/obstructed walkways
- Poorly lit walkways or hallways
- Uneven or warped flooring
- Poorly secured rugs
- Failing to warn visitors about a hazardous condition
- Failing to take prompt action to remedy a hazard
Our team thoroughly investigates the circumstances of a slip and fall accident, collects and documents evidence, identifies and interviews witnesses, and, when necessary, consults with medical and other experts to build a successful claim. We are committed to helping you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.
Common Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries
Injuries sustained in a slip, trip, and fall accident can vary depending on the type of fall — whether from a height, down the stairs, off a ladder, on a raised sidewalk, for instance, as well as factors such as the age and fitness level of the accident victim. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most common injuries that result from slip, trip, and falls are:
- Hip fractures
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Fractures and sprains
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
If you have sustained a serious injury in a fall, the team at Alavi Law is here to assess whether you have a valid slip, trip, and fall claim and to help you get back on your feet. In short, premises liability lawsuits can be filed when property owners neglect to remove dangerous obstacles, make necessary repairs in a timely manner, or fail to put up warning signs about hazardous conditions that should be in the process of being repaired.
Who is liable in a slip and fall accident?
It is worth noting that slip, trip, and fall accidents can occur anywhere — at the homes of neighbors, on sidewalks and playgrounds, in retail stores and theaters or at government buildings and parking lots. Our attorneys will determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim, help identify the responsible party, and investigate and document the circumstances of your accident. Above all, we will work strategically to prove the negligent party’s liability and to help you obtain the maximum compensation.
How do I know if I have a viable slip, trip, and fall claim?
In order to have a valid claim, we must be able to prove that the property owner in question failed to properly maintain the property and/or failed to warn others of any existing hazards. Moreover, it is necessary to show that the property owner was aware, or should have been aware, of the hazard and failed to protect the public from being injured on the premises.
Damages You May Recover in a Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensatory damages, which includes economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are designed to compensate you for lost wages, medical expenses, lost earning potential, and other financial losses. Non-economic damages address losses that cannot be assessed monetarily, such as pain and suffering, permanent injury, and loss of enjoyment of life — companionship, spousal relationships, emotional support.
In addition, punitive damages may be awarded if the party’s conduct that caused your injuries was particularly egregious. Punitive damages, which are capped by state law, are designed to punish the responsible party and to discourage similar misconduct by others.
Contact A Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today!
If you have been injured in a slip, trip, and fall accident, you may be afraid and confused, not knowing where to turn. That’s when you should call us. We will advise you of your rights, assess the merits of your claim, handle all the details of the case, and guide you through the legal system, while you focus on recovering physically and emotionally.
Because slip, trip, and fall claims are complex, requiring you to prove the other party’s liability and to validate your injuries and losses, it is crucial to have the level of legal counsel that we are uniquely qualified to provide. We bring to bear significant legal knowledge and ample resources and are highly regarded for our history of pursuing successful premises liability claims. Get in touch with us today by calling the office or completing the contact form on our website.
