Slip & Fall

Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable

In any state, property owners, whether public or private, have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a safe condition for guests. This responsibility entails promptly addressing issues like cleaning up spills, providing clear warnings about wet floors, ensuring adequate handrails on stairs, and repairing broken or deteriorating steps. When property owners fail to fulfill these obligations, innocent individuals can sustain injuries, and it becomes crucial to hold them accountable.

At Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD, our team of slip and fall lawyers possess extensive experience representing victims of slip, trip, and fall accidents throughout various regions. With over 100 years of combined experience and a track record of recovering millions of dollars for our clients, we are well-prepared to help you confront negligent property owners and their homeowners’ or commercial insurance providers. You should not be burdened with the consequences of a property owner’s negligence on your own, including expensive medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Did you experience a slip, trip, or fall due to hazardous public or private property conditions? Contact our slip and fall lawyers at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD by dialing (847) 944-9400 and discuss your rights during a free consultation.

When Is a Property Owner Liable for a Slip & Fall Accident?

Slip and fall cases fall under premises liability, a branch of personal injury law. These statutes dictate that property owners, whether they own public or private land, must maintain their premises and ensure they are safe for lawful entrants. This means that property owners are responsible for addressing unsafe property conditions they were aware of or should have reasonably known about. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of the duty of care property owners owe to guests.

How To Prove A Slip, Trip & Fall Accident

To bring a slip and fall claim after a fall on someone else’s property, you must establish the following:

• You were lawfully on the property when the injury occurred.
• The injury resulted from a hazardous condition the property owner knew or should have reasonably known of.
• The property owner did not take reasonable steps to remedy, remove, repair, or warn others about the hazardous condition.
• You suffered quantifiable damages (economic or non-economic) as a result of your injuries.

If all these elements are met, you can hold the property owner legally accountable for your injuries and resulting damages, such as medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, future lost earnings, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.

What Are “Dangerous Conditions?”

In premises liability law, a “dangerous condition” refers to any property condition that could foreseeably cause harm to another person. This means the condition must pose some level of risk that the property owner or any reasonable person could reasonably expect might result in injury or harm to someone else.

Examples of dangerous property conditions frequently contributing to slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven surfaces
• Potholes
• Deteriorated sidewalks
• Torn or damaged carpeting
• Absence of handrails
• Recently mopped or waxed floors
• Spilled liquids
• Defective stairs or steps
• Inadequate lighting
• Insufficient or improper signage

Common Injuries From Slip & Falls

These and other unsafe conditions can and often do lead to severe accidents. Contrary to a common misconception that slips and falls are not serious, they are, in fact, a leading cause of numerous significant accidents. Slip and fall victims often sustain severe or even catastrophic injuries such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, including concussions.

These injuries can have a profound impact on the victim’s financial stability, necessitating extensive and ongoing medical attention and potentially rendering them unable to work. Additionally, they can significantly affect the victim’s physical and emotional health and well-being.

What To Do If You Fall On Someone’s Property

Following a slip and fall accident, you can file a personal injury claim against a negligent property owner. After seeking appropriate medical care to ensure your safety, your next step is to contact an experienced premises liability slip & fall accident attorney who can help you understand your rights and build a case to maximize your recovery.

The sooner you reach out to our slip and fall injury lawyers at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD, the sooner we can begin gathering evidence and investigating the facts of your case. We often collaborate with medical experts and other specialists to determine the cause and severity of your injuries and their likely impact on your life. This approach enables us to present your case in the most compelling manner possible. Contact a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible.

Slip and Fall FAQ

How much should I settle for in a slip and fall claim?

The fair settlement amount for your claim depends on the specifics of your accident. For instance, if your fall resulted in a hip injury requiring several surgeries and extended bed rest, your settlement may be higher than if you suffered an ankle sprain, leading to a week off work.

Our slip and fall lawyers are trained to identify any damages in your case that may cause you to be eligible to receive monetary and non-monetary compensation.

Do I need an attorney for a slip and fall lawsuit?

While you are not required to have a lawyer represent you in a slip and fall claim, there are several reasons you may want to consider it:

• Our slip & fall accident attorneys can help establish who is at fault for your injuries.
• Our slip & fall accident attorneys can help prove what losses you have suffered and deserve compensation for.
• We will fight on your behalf to ensure you get a fair settlement.
• Our firm only gets paid if we win your case for you! That means you have nothing to lose by consulting with our attorneys and taking steps to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Do most slip and fall cases settle out of court?

Yes. Most personal injury cases are settled outside of court. This is because going to court can be expensive for both parties and when possible, insurance companies prefer to settle outside of court. Although some people may assume they do not need a lawyer to represent them, this needs to be revised. By hiring a professional premises liability lawyer, you can rest assured that you have an advocate working to secure fair compensation, whether through negotiations or in court.

Request a Free Consultation With A Slip & Fall Attorney Today

At Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD, the primary objective of our personal injury lawyers is to assist you in recovering after a severe accident or injury. Whether you experienced a slip, trip, or fall at a friend’s home, workplace, grocery store, hotel pool, or public park, our slip and fall lawyers are prepared to advocate for you and your recovery.

Request A Free Case Evaluation