Greensboro Slip and Fall Lawyer

Greensboro Slip and Fall Attorney

Slip and fall accidents can often have serious and long-lasting consequences. Broken or fractured bones, head or spine injury, damage to nerves or internal organs, or other often debilitating conditions can leave victims disabled or with chronic pain. After a serious injury caused by a slip and fall on someone else’s property, a Greensboro slip and fall lawyer at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can guide you through the process of recovering damages.

An experienced Greensboro personal injury lawyer can be a valuable asset to have on your side.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents are common in North Carolina, as they are in the rest of the United States. These kinds of accidents often happen at a private residence, a business, or on public property. In fact, over eight million falls end with a visit to the emergency room, and one million of those are a result of slip and fall accidents, according to a recent report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some of the most common slip and fall injuries include:

• fractures
• broken bones
• traumatic brain injury
• concussion
• spine injury
• injuries to joints such as the knees, hips, shoulders, wrists, or elbows
• sprains and other muscle damage
• bruises and cuts
• damage to internal organs

Understanding Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall cases, also known as premises liability cases in legal settings, can often seem straightforward. A person sustains an injury because of a slip or fall. But the type of injury itself does not necessarily mean there are grounds for a legal claim. To recover damages, someone else’s actions must be part of what caused the injury, a concept known as liability.  To have grounds for a personal injury claim, certain conditions must be met, such as:

• Negligence means someone did not take the appropriate level of care that most reasonable people would take in a given situation. For instance, if a retailer’s employee fails to post a wet floor sign after mopping, the company or property owner may be liable for negligence if a customer slips and sustains injuries.
• Intentional harm means someone else’s intentional actions resulted in the injury. For a slip and fall case, an example might be someone creating a hidden hazard with a rope or slippery substance as a prank.
• Strict liability means someone knows there are dangerous circumstances on the property, and they may be liable for the injuries, even if the injuries are not the result of negligence or an intentional wrong. One example is a broken sidewalk outside of a grocery store.

Proving Slip and Fall Claims in North Carolina

To win a slip and fall case in North Carolina, you generally have to prove that the property contained unsafe conditions, someone else was responsible for the condition of that property, and your injury is a result of reasonable care not being taken with the property.

Property owners must take reasonable care of their property to prevent injuries to people on the property, like inspecting the property regularly for safety issues, repairing unsafe conditions, or informing visitors about them. The injured person generally has to show that the property owner is responsible for the circumstances that led to the injury.

Certain common conditions can increase the risk of a slip and fall accident occurring. These can be easy to overlook and may include:

• floors that are wet with spills, wax, polish, or cleaning products
• carpet or flooring with tears
• improper safety rails or other safety equipment
• debris, clutter, or other obstructions in a walkway
• weather conditions like rain, sleet, ice, or snow
• poor lighting
• damage sidewalks, potholes, or other uneven ground
• poor design, like narrow or steep stairwells

FAQs

How Hard Is It to Win a Slip and Fall Claim?

In Greensboro, the difficulty in winning a slip and fall claim depends on the facts of the case. Winning a claim means meeting the goals of the person who was injured, which can vary from one case to the next, depending on the individual, the nature of the injuries, and their specific needs. Not all slip and fall cases have to go to trial. In many cases, your personal injury lawyer can resolve the case outside of court.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Greensboro?

Most personal injury lawyers in North Carolina charge on a contingency basis, which means they take their fee as a percentage of the total settlement amount. This often helps clients dealing with high medical bills and lost income because they don’t have to pay fees up front. If your lawyer works on a contingency basis, the percentage they take from your settlement will depend on factors like how long they worked on the case, their experience, and more.

How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth in North Carolina?

For slip and fall cases, North Carolina does not have a cap for pain and suffering, also called non-economic damages, like mental anguish, emotional distress, and the disruption of your daily life caused by your injuries. However, the amount for pain and suffering depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the health and age of the injured person, and the extent to which the person’s life is impacted.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Slip and Fall Cases in North Carolina?

The statute of limitations on slip and fall cases in North Carolina is generally 3 years from the date of the injury. This means that a claim must be filed within 3 years to seek compensation for damages. There are some exceptions, such as a shorter limit for medical malpractice and possible extensions for minors or individuals who are incapacitated. In some cases, when the injury is not immediately apparent, such as nerve damage, there may also be an extension.

Your Greensboro Slip and Fall Lawyer

A serious injury from a slip and fall accident can often change your life and lead to physical, financial, and emotional burdens. When these injuries are the result of someone else’s actions or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to recover your damages. The skilled and compassionate team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, is ready to advocate for your rights today. Contact our office to discuss your legal options.