Charlotte Slip and Fall Lawyer

Charlotte Slip and Fall Attorney

HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED ON SOMEONE ELSE’S PROPERTY?

It’s easy to trust that owners of retail stores, hotels, and restaurants that are open to the public have done the right thing by making sure their property poses no danger to you or others. But sometimes this isn’t the case, and someone is injured. An individual slips and falls on an object, an uneven, poorly maintained sidewalk, or a hazard in a parking lot. These situations often cause serious injury. That’s when you should turn to a Charlotte slip and fall lawyer.

Recovery From Slip-And-Fall Injuries

If you have been injured by slipping and falling due to someone else’s negligence, you have legal options. Under North Carolina premises liability law, the person or entity responsible for your injury could be liable for compensation to pay for:

• Medical expenses, whether past, present or future
• Lost wages while you recover and cannot work
• Future wages that are lost due to your injury
• Emotional distress from the incident

After a slip and fall accident, reach out to an experienced premises liability attorney to help you investigate the accident, collect evidence of liability, and begin crafting your case for compensation.

Common Causes for Slips and Falls

While slips and falls can happen anywhere for a variety of reasons, they most commonly occur on someone else’s property due to a preventable hazard. In the older population alone, there are over 14 million falls every year. Understanding the common causes of these injuries can help you stay safe and recognize when a property owner is at fault for your accidents.

Common causes of slips and falls include:

• Wet floors. Spills, recently mopped floors, or water can create a slippery surface.
• Uneven surfaces. Broken tiles on the floor, cracked sidewalks, and uneven carpeting create fall risks.
• Obstructions. Leaving boxes, extension cords, or other debris in the middle of walkways creates tripping hazards.
• Poor lighting. Poor lighting makes it difficult to see hazards on the floor.
• Lack of handrails. Missing or damaged handrails on steps or ramps increase the chances of a fall.
• Ice and snow. Property owners can be liable for a fall on ice or snow if they fail to clear their walkways in a timely manner.

Determining Fault in a Slip and Fall Case

In a slip and fall case, it’s essential to determine who is at fault for you to pursue compensation for your damages. In most cases, the property owner is liable for falls that occur on their premises. This is because they have a responsibility to ensure the property is safe for visitors and to warn of any potential hazards.

To determine fault, you’ll need proof that the property owner acted negligently. Evidence you can use to determine liability includes:

• Photos and videos
• Incident reports and maintenance logs
• Statements from witnesses
• Surveillance footage
• Your medical records

North Carolina follows a pure contributory negligence system. Most states follow a modified comparative negligence system, which means your compensation award is reduced by your share of fault.

However, North Carolina does not allow you to recover damages if you contributed to the accident. This is why it’s essential to work with a Charlotte slip and fall attorney to make sure the other side doesn’t unfairly put any fault for the accident on you.

The Elements of Negligence

With 11.9% of all adults falling within the past twelve months, it’s important to know what you have to do to pursue damages. In order to recover compensation, you have to establish the four elements of negligence. This is a legal standard that not only establishes liability but also proves that you suffered damages warranting compensation.

The four elements of negligence you must prove include:

• Duty of care. This refers to a property owner’s responsibility to make sure their premises are safe.
• Breach of duty. When the owner fails to warn of a hazard or fix a fall risk, they’ve breached their duty of care.
• Causation. You must show how the breach of duty resulted in your accident.
• Damages. Simply suffering a fall isn’t enough to file a slip and fall claim. You must prove that you suffered damages, such as medical bills or lost wages.

Working with an experienced lawyer makes establishing negligence easier. Your attorney can investigate your accident and collect evidence to prove these four elements.

Assistance From An Experienced Team Of Lawyers

At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we are experienced with handling cases for victims of slip-and-fall accidents and other personal injury claims for those in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Together, our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for maximum compensation.

Whether through tough negotiations or skillful litigation, we are dedicated to helping our clients get back on the road to recovery. We know how important it is for injury victims and their families to recover the compensation they need to get their lives back on track.

That’s why we provide compassionate legal support throughout your case. You should be focused on healing, not taking on insurance companies.

FAQs

How Hard Is It to Succeed in a Slip and Fall Case?

How hard it is to succeed in a slip and fall case largely depends on the complexity of your case, the strength of your evidence, and the experience of your attorney. In a straightforward case with strong evidence managed by a lawyer with a long track record of success, your chances of recovering compensation could be quite high. Conversely, if you lack evidence or partner with an inexperienced lawyer, you could be facing an uphill battle.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall Case?

While you technically don’t need to hire an attorney to oversee your slip and fall case, your chances of success are much higher when you partner with a lawyer. Attorneys are familiar with the state’s slip and fall laws, which help them effectively negotiate settlement agreements and argue for you in court.

What’s more, you’re likely still recovering from your injuries. The last thing you should be worrying about is collecting evidence and preparing your case.

What Evidence Is Most Important in a Slip and Fall Case?

The most important pieces of evidence in a slip and fall case when it comes to proving liability include photographs or videos of the accident scene, surveillance footage of the accident, and witness testimony.

Additionally, you’ll need evidence that shows what damages you’ve incurred. This can include copies of your medical bills and doctors’ visits costs, pay stubs showing your lost wages, and anything that can show how much pain and suffering you’ve endured.

How Long After a Fall Can You Make a Claim?

After a slip and fall, you generally have three years to file a claim for compensation. This statute of limitations is outlined in NCGS 1-52. However, there may be exceptions to that deadline.

For example, the state follows the discovery rule, meaning the clock doesn’t start ticking until you discover or should have discovered that you suffered an injury due to the fall. What’s more, minors under 18 have the statute of limitations tolled until they turn 18.

Don’t Delay: Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer Before It’s Too Late

If you or a loved one suffered a personal injury in Charlotte on another’s property, reaching out to a lawyer right away is crucial. Hire a slip and fall lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC, today before time runs out.

In North Carolina, injured parties have only three years to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations period. If you fail to file a claim within that time, you will be barred from any chance of recovery.

Call our team today: 704-333-3456. If you have a question, send us an email. Free consultations are always provided. We’ll discuss your case, help you understand your legal options, and get to work crafting an effective strategy for pursuing full compensation for your damages.