You’ve probably seen the bit written into a television show or movie. A customer trips and falls, splaying onto the floor. That customer sues for millions of dollars – only for the audience to laugh it off. They were, after all, faking it. And yet, slip and fall accidents happen on a frequent basis, often causing far more damage than actors and actresses would have you believe. Sometimes, only a personal injury lawyer can understand the severity of a true slip and fall accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the carelessness of another individual or entity, contact our Virginia injury attorney team at Hilton & Somer. We listen, care, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
#1: What Can Be Described as Slip and Fall?
According to Find Law, “Thousands of people each year are injured, many seriously, from slipping and falling on a floor, stairs, or other surface that has become slick or dangerous. Even ground that has become uneven to a dangerous degree can lead to severe injuries.”
Each slip and fall case involves a variety of factors that differ from other cases. It can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to label an accident as slip and fall as soon as it occurs. Rather, you’ll need to stop and ask yourself, “If the owner of this establishment had been more careful, would I have fallen?”
An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to determine whether or not your accident can be considered a slip and fall.
#2: How to Prove Fault
As the plaintiff, you are responsible for proving a few things. First and foremost, you must prove the property owner could have prevented the accident. Property owners are rarely held responsible for things a reasonable person could have avoided, such as tripping over a riser.
Second, you must prove one of the following situations applies:
- The property owner and/or an employee should have known about the dangerous condition that injured you.
- The property owner and/or an employee knew about the condition but did nothing to fix it.
- The property owner and/or an employee caused the dangerous condition directly.
#3: The Importance of Contacting an Experienced Virginia Injury Attorney For Representation
There are many other considerations involved when filing a slip and fall personal injury lawsuit, including proving you didn’t cause the accident yourself, negligence, and liability. A personal injury lawyer can walk you through these steps, one by one.
If you or a loved one has been injured during a slip and fall accident, contact our experienced Virginia injury attorney team, Hilton & Somer, at (703) 560-0700 .
