One of the most common types of injuries are those resulting from slips and falls. Although these sound like minor accidents, they can cause serious injuries that cost the victim emotionally, physically, and even financially.
Every day, tons of slip and fall accidents happen. But little do the victims know that they may have a potential claim in their hands. If you, or anyone you know, has been injured after a slip and fall accident, the owner of the property where the accident occurred may be liable for damages.
Contact our lawyers today to find out if you have a potential slip and fall claim against the property owner. We can help you get the compensation that you deserve for the injuries that you sustained, your medical bills, your lost wages, as well as pain and suffering.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Being the most common types of accidents, slips and falls can happen anywhere, anytime. They can happen either in your home or on the property of another person. If your accident occurred in the latter, the property owner may be held liable if it’s found that the accident was due to negligence or fault on their part.
Here are some common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Damaged walkways, sidewalks, driveways, etc.
- Environmental conditions
- Improper maintenance or repairs
- Inadequate or total lack of lightning
- Lack of security or maintenance
- Unmarked hazardous areas
- Unsafe surfaces
Common Types of Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
Because slip and fall accidents are so common, it’s easy to disregard them and think that they’re minor accidents. But these can lead to serious injuries, depending on the area where the accident occurred and how it occurred.
While some people only experience minor strains, sprains, or wounds after a slip and fall accident, others have more severe injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Knee damage
- Nerve damage or spinal damage
- Shoulder or other bone dislocations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
What To Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident
What you do immediately after your slip and fall accident can either help or hurt your chances of recovering damages. So it’s important to be informed of what you should and should not do. Of course, your first priority is to call for medical assistance. Check to see if you sustained a severe injury. Not all injuries may be apparent at first glance, which is why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately in case the injury worsens later on.
After you’ve received medical treatment, report the accident to the property owner or manager immediately. Tell them about your accident and inform them that it was caused by factors in their premises. However, don’t give any written or recorded statements as the wrong statements can limit your reward.
It’s helpful to have an attorney with you when speaking to the property owner and the insurance company. They can ensure that the liable parties do not try to get out of paying your compensation or conducting tactics to limit what you can receive.
Also, make sure to compile all filings and documents that relate to your accident as these can serve as evidence in court to support your claim. Some important things to have include, but are not limited to:
- Communications with the property owner and insurance company
- Expense records related to the accident
- Medical bills
- Work absences
Premises Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident in Denver
If you had a slip and fall accident on the premises of another, the owner of that property may be held liable to pay for any expenses you incurred, wages you have lost, as well as damages for pain and suffering. They can be proven to be at fault because of their failure to properly maintain or prevent hazards in their premises.
Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall Accident in Denver
The statute of limitations imposes a time limit on your ability to recover damages for your accident. According to section 13-80-102 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, you only have two years from the date of the accident to make your claim. After this time has passed, you can no longer sue for damages.
Liability of a Government Entity
If a government entity is the owner of the property where you sustained your injuries, there are different rules that apply. Because of governmental immunity, the injured party only has 180 days from the date of the accident to give formal written notice of the claim.
Without filing a written notice, you cannot seek compensation for your injuries and damages. It’s important to work with an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Denver who can make sure that you meet the requirements of your case and successfully make your claim for the compensation that you deserve.
Why Work With a Slip and Fall Attorney
Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries. But it’s hard to focus on your recovery if your case is demanding so much from you. Working with a slip and fall attorney can help ensure that you meet all the requirements of your case, gather all the evidence needed, and formulate a sound strategy that will increase your chances of getting compensation.
A seasoned slip and fall attorney knows exactly what is needed to navigate your case. Your lawyer will guide you through the process while protecting your rights and interests. With a Denver slip and fall attorney, you have a better chance of being awarded damages. Further, your lawyer will handle everything for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
Starting a Claim After a Slip and Fall
If you, or anyone you know, has been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to know what you have to do to make a claim. Here are the steps you need to take after your accident:
- Seek medical attention
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager
- Inspect the scene of the accident
- Gather evidence, such as photos of the site, names and contact numbers of witnesses, etc.
- Speak to your Denver slip and fall attorney
- With your lawyer, communicate with the insurance company
- Participate in settlement negotiations with the liable party
- If the settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney will file your slip and fall lawsuit.
What You Need to Prove to Win a Slip and Fall Case in Denver
To win a slip and fall case in Denver, you need to establish that the accident occurred and that the property owner was at fault due to improper maintenance or other factors pertaining to their property. The following elements must be proven in court:
- That the property owner had a duty to keep their premises safe for all visitors, passer-byers, employees, etc.
- That the property owner knew or should have been aware of the dangerous conditions in their property
- That the property owner failed to fix or conduct the necessary measures to keep the property safe
- That the property owner was at fault for the dangerous condition that caused your injury.
What Kind of Damages are Available in a Slip and Fall Case?
Victims of a slip and fall case are entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Your attorney can help you claim the following:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
Contact Us Today
Our lawyers have years of experience helping clients make their rightful claim in a slip and fall case. We know exactly what you need to win and can conduct sound strategies that will help you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Our Denver slip and fall lawyers will handle everything for you, supporting you throughout this life-changing feat. We work day in and day out to help you win your case while you sit back and focus on your recovery. Contact us today.