Slip-and-Fall Lawyers in Dayton, OH Helping You Get Back on Your Feet After a Bad Fall
When you run errands or walk on a city sidewalk, the last thing on your mind is suffering a serious injury. However, a slip-and-fall accident can happen when you least expect it–and usually with no fault of your own. If you’ve been injured in a fall, don’t wait to get the help you need. We understand that recovering from a serious fall can be difficult both physically and emotionally. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step of your case and help you get back on your feet. With over 40 years of experience helping victims of slip-and-fall accidents, we know what it takes to build a successful claim.
At The Attkisson Law Firm, our attorneys understand the pain and anguish you experience after a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident in Dayton, OH. When the hazardous or negligent conditions of someone else’s property caused your injury, they can be held accountable, either through careful settlement negotiations or litigation in a courtroom, to seek proper compensation. Contact our Dayton slip-and-fall accident attorneys at 937-918-7555 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Do Slip-And-Fall Accidents Occur?
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur anywhere for various reasons. Some of those reasons may include:
- Snowy or icy conditions
- Damaged pavement in a parking lot, sidewalk, or driveway
- Broken or uneven staircase
- Defective railings
- Poor or inadequate lighting
- Unmarked wet floors
- Any sort of spilled liquid or debris
- Torn or loose carpeting or flooring
A shop, restaurant, private property, and more can be the sources of dangerous conditions and hazards hidden through the property. When you slip and fall on the property of someone else, who is responsible for your injuries?
Many times, property owners are aware of these hazardous conditions but fail to take corrective action. In some cases, they may even be negligent in maintaining their premises. If you’ve been injured, as a result, our Dayton slip-and-fall accident attorneys can help you hold them accountable.
What are Common Types of Injuries Caused by Slip & Falls?
Slip and fall accidents can be severe, especially for the elderly or those with preexisting medical conditions. Insurance companies try to argue oppositely, though. Insurance representatives often say that a slip and fall “can’t” cause serious injuries because falling over is a day-to-day occurrence. A look at the medical evidence from many slip and fall cases can quickly prove otherwise.
Common injuries suffered by people who slip and fall can include:
- Multiple broken bones
- Hip fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries and brain damage
Treating any of these injuries can be as costly as it is painful. The compensation that you are provided from the liable party, and their insurance company, should cover everything, including what you will incur from the accident and endure in the future. A lot of the time, an insurance company will try and lowball you, so be sure to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t hesitate to call The Attkisson Law Firm for help.
How Can You Determine Liability in a Slip & Fall Accident
Proving fault in a slip and fall accident can be difficult. If you fell and no one else was around, then it will be initially unclear how someone else could be to blame. After all, most slips and fall accidents are not caused by someone else’s negligence. Rather, the injured person takes a misstep or becomes off-balance and falls on their own.
How can you prove that the proprietor is to blame for your slip and fall? Tangible evidence might be needed to show that the hazard that caused you to slip was there for a while and that the property owner did not do enough to take care of it.
Evidence that we might be able to use to build your case includes:
- Security camera footage
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Photos and recordings from passersby
- Property safety records
If the hazard that caused your slip and fall accident should have been cleared by the property owner before you encountered it, then you might have a strong case on your hands. The key to many such cases is whether or not the hazard was addressed in a “reasonable” manner by the property owner. For example, it is not reasonable to expect a grocery store to clean up a spilled carton of juice the next minute after a customer drops it. But it is reasonable to expect the spill to be cordoned off within just a few minutes and then mopped up.
Statute of Limitations for Your Case
Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases, including slip and fall cases. The statute’s start date is usually on the day of the accident. Although, it can start later if your injury is not immediately recognizable. In that case, the statute could begin on the day that your injury became noticeable or diagnosed.
Do not wait too long to take legal action, though, even if the two-year statute of limitations is far off. The longer you wait, the more time you give the opposition to build its counterarguments. Also, evidence of liability will become thinner as time goes on, to the point that you might entirely lose proof that otherwise would have escalated your case to success. Instead, call us at 937-918-7555, and we will review your case.
How Helpful are Personal Injury Attorneys?
Due to the complex nature of slip-and-fall accidents, immediately involving an attorney can be beneficial. It is important to document the state of the accident scene as accurately as possible, whether by taking photos, collecting witness accounts, or even visiting the scene again if possible. Furthermore, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and help negotiate with insurance companies.
We strive to prove that the property owner either knew about the hazardous condition that caused your fall, should have known about it, or caused it. We will assert that you acted as any reasonable person would have given the situation and that your actions neither caused nor contributed to the fall.
Fighting for the Maximum Amount of Damages
We are committed to seeking justice for accident victims across Ohio. Damages can provide financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. When the insurance company refuses to pay what you are due, we are not afraid to take the case to court. Slip and fall accidents can be difficult. If you fell and no one else was around, then it will be initially unclear how someone else could be to blame. After all, most slips and fall accidents are not caused by someone else’s negligence. Rather, the injured person takes a misstep or becomes off-balance and falls on their own. Tangible evidence might be needed to show that the hazard that caused you to fall was not naturally occurring but rather the result of negligence on behalf of the property owner.
Get Compassionate Legal Counsel on Your Side
When it comes to slip and fall accidents, you might be wondering if you have a case. After all, it can be difficult to prove that someone else is at fault for your fall. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family, and we will do everything in our power to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
We will leverage our 40+ years of combined experience and long track record of substantial success to fight for you. With office locations around the greater Dayton area, you can meet our award-winning team where it is convenient for you. If you are too injured to leave your home comfortably, then we can arrange to visit you instead. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 937-918-7555.