What should I do if I've been injured in a slip & fall accident?
Most businesses and homeowners carry liability insurance to protect them in the event that someone is injured while on their property. The owner or possessor of a residence, land, or place of business has the duty to exercise reasonable care for the protection of those individuals who are invited to come upon the premises; i.e. individuals visiting for business or pleasure. In such cases, the owner, company, or person must inspect the premises to discover any dangerous conditions and warn the invitee of dangers upon said premises. Those injured by a negligent owner or possessor of a premises may recover damages for their injuries, including loss of income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, etc. The San Francisco, California slip and fall attorneys of Mary Alexander & Associates stand ready to provide you with strong representation in your slip and fall case, and take the worries of dealing with insurance companies off your shoulders.
Who might be liable for injuries I suffered while on someone else’s property?
The law provides that those who have control of a property – the owner, property manager, tenant (including a business on-site), or other party, depending on the circumstances – have a duty to follow reasonable standards to keep visitors safe. That means that they must inspect the premises regularly and eliminate potential dangers – and always warn visitors of any hazards. If they don’t meet those standards – say, by allowing or ignoring dangerous conditions on the property – they may be held responsible for any injuries that result. Premises liability laws are designed to protect you – and when you are not protected, to give you the means to obtain fair compensation for the harm you have suffered.
What should I do if I have been injured on someone else’s property?
As with any injury, the first thing you should do is to seek medical attention. Do not delay. Injuries can often be more severe than they seem, and delaying medical care can make them even worse. Many victims often blame themselves for what happened – chalking up a slip or fall to clumsiness or carelessness – when, in fact, the injury might very well have been caused by someone else’s negligence. That’s why it is important to consult with a lawyer experienced with handling premises liability cases.
It was a simple accident – couldn’t any lawyer handle my case?
Any lawyer can handle it – but it’s a lawyer who specializes in premises liability that’s in the best position to maximize your recovery; to get you the full amount of damages that you deserve. That’s because these cases aren’t as simple as they may seem. Often, the property owner, manager, or tenant has an insurance policy that covers this type of injury, and it will be the insurance company that litigates the case. Because they fight these cases so often, insurance companies have become tough, savvy, and all too often, successful defendants. A law firm with its own history of taking on these cases knows the strategies a defendant will invoke, and the nuances of the procedures. That makes such a firm – like Mary Alexander & Associates – the best possible advocate for those injured on someone else’s property.
What damages might I be able to recover?
Your recovery will always depend on the facts of the case. But, in general, those injured by a negligent property owner, or other responsible party, may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses incurred as a result of the incident
- Loss of income while recovering from the injury
- Compensation for pain and suffering
How will I pay for your services?
It’s simple: Unless we recover a financial award or settlement, you don’t owe us a dime. That’s because we handle premises liability cases on a contingent-fee basis. In short, that means the risk is all ours: You pay us only if we’re successful. And if we are unable to recover an award or settlement, you pay us nothing. Expenses work the same way. We pay all costs of the litigation, and get reimbursed only if we successfully conclude the case. Think of it this way: It may be your lawsuit, but it’s always our risk. That’s why you can be assured that if we take your case, it’s because we fully intend to win it.
