When you experience a slip and fall, the consequences can range from slight inconveniences to serious injuries that impact every aspect of your life.
At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, our Oklahoma City slip and fall attorney understands your challenges after such an accident. We are committed to helping you with the complexities of a premises liability case and protecting your rights.
We can negotiate with the property owner's insurance company and demand just compensation for your serious injury. Learn more about a slip-and-fall claim below. Then, contact us to schedule a free case review.
Our Oklahoma City Slip & Fall Attorney Defends Your Rights
When you are involved in a slip and fall injury*-and-fall accident, the impact is often physical and emotional. Our legal team is here to protect your rights during the legal process. We can hold negligent property owners accountable and demand the compensation you require for your injuries and losses.
Our approach requires a thorough investigation of the incident, detailed documentation of your injuries, and aggressive negotiation with insurance companies. We know the tactics insurers use to reduce payouts, and we are prepared to counter these strategies to protect your interests.
Our commitment is to provide you with the support and representation you need to overcome the challenges of a slip-and-fall accident.
Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip and fall incidents can occur for countless reasons, many of which involve negligence on the part of property owners or managers.
Wet or Slippery Surfaces
One of the most common causes of slip and fall incidents is wet or slippery surfaces. These hazards require immediate attention to prevent falls from spilled liquids, freshly mopped floors, or tracked-in rain and snow.
Uneven Flooring
Uneven flooring, such as cracked tiles, loose floorboards, or abrupt edges, can easily cause someone to trip and fall. Property owners are responsible for maintaining flooring in safe condition and warning of potential hazards.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can make it challenging to see obstacles or changes in the walking surface. Proper lighting is essential in hallways, staircases, and public areas to ensure safety.
Obstacles in Walkways
Items left in walkways, such as cords, rugs, or debris, can pose tripping hazards. The property owner must keep walkways clear and safe for visitors.
Weather-Related Hazards
Ice, snow, and rain can create slippery conditions outside buildings. Property owners should manage these natural accumulations promptly to reduce the risk of falls.
Legal Implications of Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall incidents and slip and fall attorneys are under premises liability, which holds property owners responsible for catastrophic injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions.
Premises Liability Law in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, premises liability law requires property owners to maintain a safe environment for all lawful visitors. This responsibility means property owners must regularly inspect their premises and promptly address any hazardous conditions.
Duty of Care for Property Owners
The duty of care can shift depending on the visitor's status, such as invitee, licensee, or trespasser. Generally, the highest duty is owed to invitees or those who enter someone else's property for business purposes, such as customers in a store.
Types of Properties Where Slip & Fall Accidents Occur
Slip and fall accidents can occur in various locations, presenting unique challenges in proving premises liability claims.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are frequent for slip-and-fall accidents due to spilled liquids, dropped items, or poorly maintained entrances and exits.
Restaurants
Restaurants may see slips-and-fall accidents from spilled food and drinks, recently mopped floors without proper signage, or dim lighting in dining and walking areas.
Workplaces
Slips-and-falls in the workplace can occur from various hazards, including loose carpeting, cluttered floors, or slippery surfaces near entrances.
Hospitals
Hospitals must manage spill risks from liquids, ensure that flooring is safe, and handle any tripping hazards to prevent falls among patients and visitors.
What Do You Do After a Slip & Fall Accident?
- Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, getting a medical evaluation to document any harm caused by the fall is important.
- Report the accident. Notify the property owner or manager immediately. Be sure to ask for a copy of the accident report for your records.
- Document everything. Take photos of the accident scene, including any conditions contributing to your fall. Also, the names and contact information of witnesses must be obtained.
- Keep records. Preserve all medical records and receipts related to your treatment, as well as records of any other expenses caused by the accident.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies. Only provide statements or accept offers from insurance representatives after consulting your lawyer.
- Consult with a slip & fall lawyer. Call a lawyer who specializes in slip-and-fall incidents. They can share guidance and protect your rights.
- Follow your lawyer's advice. Work closely with your attorney to ensure all necessary steps are taken to support your claim effectively.
How We Investigate Slip & Fall Accidents
Investigating a slip-and-fall accident involves several critical steps to gather evidence and build a strong case.
Our initial investigation focuses on documenting the scene of the accident. We collect photographs, security camera footage, and witness statements to establish the conditions that led to your fall. This evidence is crucial in any liability claims and demonstrating negligence on the property owner's part.
We also review maintenance records and safety protocols to determine whether the property complies with applicable safety standards. This information can help show that the property owner did not take proper steps to prevent the accident.
What We Need To Do To Prove Fault in Slip & Fall Accidents
Proving fault in a slip-and-fall incident requires us to demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known of the hazardous condition and did not correct it in a reasonable time. We also need to show that this negligence directly resulted in fall injury accident or in your injuries.
Gathering and presenting this evidence effectively can be hard, but our experienced attorneys are skilled in navigating these complexities. We work to ensure all sides of your case are addressed.
Factors Influencing Compensation for Slip & Fall Accident Victims
- Severity of injuries. The more severe your injuries, the greater the potential compensation, especially if long-term care or rehabilitation is needed.
- Impact on quality of life. If your injuries affect your ability to work, enjoy life, or perform daily activities, these factors will be considered in determining compensation.
- Medical expenses. Compensation typically covers all medical treatments related to your injuries, including future medical needs.
- Lost wages. If you miss work due to your injuries, compensation for lost wages will be considered.
- Pain and suffering. Non-economic damages such as emotional distress are also compensable, reflecting your injuries' physical and emotional impact.
Timeline of Your Slip & Fall Case
The horizon of a slip-and-fall case can shift depending on its complexity and the parties' ability to reach a settlement. Typically, cases can take several months to a year or more to resolve.
The initial stages involve gathering evidence and documentation and filing a claim financial compensation. If the case goes to trial, it can be extended further, but many cases are settled before reaching court.
How Richardson Richardson Boudreaux Advocates for Your Rights
At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, we use our extensive knowledge and experience to advocate for the rights of slip and fall injury victims. We understand your challenges and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Our approach involves thorough legal representation and sincere support throughout your case. Effective advocacy combines strong legal strategies with a commitment to client care. By focusing on both, we strive to achieve results that make our clients' lives easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are common in slip & fall accidents?
Common injuries include fractures, brain injuries, spinal cord injury victims back injuries, and soft tissue injuries, which can vary in severity.
How can I prove the property owner was negligent?
Proving negligence typically involves showing that the person's property or owner knew about the hazardous condition and did not take appropriate steps to remedy it.
What compensation can I receive for my injuries?
Compensation may include any medical bills and expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Slip & Fall Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a slip-and-fall accident, don't hesitate to ask for legal assistance. Richardson Richardson Boudreaux can see if you are eligible for a slip and fall lawsuit or a premises liability claim. We encourage you to see a doctor for your fall injuries first. Then, let us hold the property owner liable through a premises liability lawsuit claim. Contact our Oklahoma City Slip & Fall Attorney today to schedule a free consultation with our legal team."
