Slip And Fall lawyer St. Paul, MN
A slip-and-fall accident can bruise more than your pride. In fact, slip or trip and fall injuries can cause serious injury and leave you out of work for weeks. Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors, free of slip and fall hazards or defects that can make an accident more likely.
Filing a suit for a slip-and-fall accident sometimes gets a bad rap, but if you’re unable to work and have mounting medical bills from an accident you didn’t cause, then you have the right to demand that the at-fault party pay for your losses. A skilled St. Paul, MN, slip-and-fall lawyer can build a case of negligence against the property owner and fight for just compensation in your claim. Contact Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. today for a free consultation.
How Can A St. Paul Slip And Fall Lawyer Help Me?
Don’t be surprised if the property owner or their insurance company tries to blame you for falling. They may claim you were careless, wearing the wrong shoes, or should have known better than to walk where you were walking. Insurance companies can get creative when it comes to blaming victims, so you need savvy legal representation to combat their claims.
Your slip-and-fall attorney can investigate the incident and build a case proving negligence on the part of the property owner or manager. They can use photos and videos, witness statements, and medical records to demonstrate that the property owner failed in their duty to keep you safe. And, experienced attorneys also know how to properly value your losses, from medical care to your pain and suffering.
Fighting For Fair Compensation In Slip And Fall Claims
Injuries from a slip-and-fall accident can be deceptively serious. Many people instinctively put out their hands to break the fall, which may cause broken or sprained wrists. Sprained or broken ankles are another common injury, as are painful neck, back, and spinal cord injuries. It may be hard for you to work while you’re healing or even take care of your own personal needs.
Rehabilitation from soft tissue damage, which commonly occurs in slip-and-fall accidents, can be painful. You may have to miss even more work to regain your abilities. Your settlement should cover your medical care and any unearned wages from time missed at work. You may also have chronic pain, and your settlement can cover pain and suffering, and emotional distress, too. We fight to secure the maximum value in your case, whether through out-of-court negotiations or in a courtroom.
Do You Need Help After A Slip And Fall Accident?
If you’ve been hurt after slipping and falling, we want to help you. A St. Paul slip and fall lawyer from Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., can investigate your accident and provide personalized legal advice for your next steps. We offer a free consultation, so call today to schedule yours!
Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents And How To Prove Negligence
As a St. Paul slip and fall lawyer can confirm, slip and fall accidents are a frequent cause of injuries, often leading to significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health problems. Understanding the common causes of these accidents and knowing how to prove negligence can be crucial for victims seeking compensation.
Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents
1. Wet Or Slippery Floors
- One of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents is wet or slippery floors. Spills, cleaning processes, and even weather conditions can create hazardous surfaces. Property owners have a responsibility to promptly clean up spills and post warning signs to prevent accidents.
2. Uneven Surfaces
- Uneven surfaces, such as cracked sidewalks, loose flooring, or abrupt changes in floor level, pose significant risks. These hazards are often found in poorly maintained properties and can lead to severe injuries if not addressed properly.
3. Poor Lighting
- Inadequate lighting in stairwells, hallways, and parking lots can cause accidents by obscuring potential hazards. Proper lighting is essential for ensuring that people can see and avoid obstacles in their path.
4. Obstructions
- Items left in walkways, such as boxes, cables, or debris, can cause people to trip and fall. Property owners must keep pathways clear and ensure that temporary obstructions are well-marked and easy to navigate around.
How To Prove Negligence In Slip And Fall Cases
To successfully claim compensation for a slip and fall accident, it is crucial to prove that the property owner or manager was negligent. Here are the key elements needed to establish negligence:
1. Duty Of Care
- The first step is to demonstrate that the property owner owed you a duty of care. This means showing that the owner was responsible for maintaining a safe environment. For example, store owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for customers, and landlords must ensure that rental properties are safe for tenants and visitors.
2. Breach Of Duty
- Next, you must show that the property owner breached their duty of care. This involves proving that the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take appropriate action to fix it. Evidence such as maintenance records, witness statements, and photographs of the hazard can be crucial in establishing this breach.
3. Causation
- It is essential to prove that the property owner’s breach of duty directly caused your accident and injuries. Medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony can help establish this link between the hazardous condition and your injuries.
4. Damages
- Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Detailed documentation of your injuries and financial losses will be necessary to support your claim.
Conclusion
Slip and fall accidents can result from a variety of hazardous conditions, often due to negligence on the part of property owners or managers. Understanding the common causes of these accidents and knowing how to prove negligence is vital for victims seeking compensation. Working with a St. Paul slip and fall lawyer from Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. can significantly increase your chances of a successful claim, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Top Mistakes To Avoid After A Slip And Fall Accident
As a St. Paul, MN slip and fall lawyer can confirm, slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores to parking lots, and they often result in serious injuries. Whether it’s a broken bone, a sprained ankle, or a head injury, the aftermath of a slip and fall can be overwhelming. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can greatly impact your ability to recover compensation. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes that can jeopardize their case. Here are the top mistakes to avoid after a slip and fall accident.
1. Failing To Report The Accident
One of the most common mistakes people make is not reporting the accident right away. Whether you slipped at a store, restaurant, or someone else’s property, it’s essential to report the incident to the property owner or manager as soon as possible. Failing to do so can give the impression that the accident wasn’t serious or didn’t happen at all. When reporting the accident, ask for a written incident report, and make sure to get a copy for your records.
2. Not Seeking Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Many slip and fall injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Delaying medical care can worsen your injuries and make it harder to prove that the accident caused them. Be sure to visit a doctor, explain the circumstances of the fall, and follow any recommended treatment plans.
Additionally, your medical records will play a key role in documenting the severity of your injuries and connecting them to the slip and fall accident.
3. Not Documenting The Scene
One of the biggest mistakes is leaving the scene without gathering evidence. If you’re physically able, take photos or videos of the area where the fall occurred. Capture any hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting, that may have contributed to your fall. Documenting the scene right away is important, as conditions can quickly change, and the property owner may fix the issue before an investigation.
In addition to photos, collect the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements may help support your claim if there’s a dispute about what happened.
4. Not Consulting A Slip And Fall Lawyer
One of the biggest mistakes is not hiring a lawyer early in the process. Slip and fall cases can be complex, requiring a thorough understanding of premises liability laws and the ability to prove negligence. An experienced slip and fall lawyer will know how to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Without a lawyer, you may miss out on the full compensation you’re entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Conclusion
A slip and fall accident can have lasting consequences, but avoiding these common mistakes can help protect your legal rights and increase your chances of recovering compensation. Report the accident, seek medical attention, document the scene, and consult a St. Paul slip and fall lawyer from Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. to guide you through the legal process. Taking the right steps after a slip and fall can make all the difference in your recovery.
St. Paul Slip And Fall Infographic
St. Paul Slip and Fall Statistics
Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injuries in the U.S., accounting for over 1 million emergency room visits annually. Falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional injury deaths, with older adults at the highest risk. Workplace falls makeup 16% of all workers’ compensation claims, particularly in industries like construction and healthcare.
In retail and hospitality, slips on wet or uneven surfaces are common causes. The CDC reports that falls result in $50 billion in medical costs each year.
Slip And Fall Lawyer FAQ
Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries, ranging from broken bones to head trauma. If your accident occurred due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. A St. Paul, MN slip and fall lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and hold responsible parties accountable. Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about slip and fall lawyers and how they can assist you.
1. What Does A Slip And Fall Lawyer Do?
A slip and fall lawyer specializes in premises liability cases, where a property owner’s negligence leads to an injury. These lawyers represent individuals who have been injured in slip and fall accidents, ensuring they get fair compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A slip and fall lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court.
2. When Should I Contact A Slip And Fall Lawyer?
You should contact a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner a lawyer gets involved, the better they can gather crucial evidence, such as photos of the scene, witness statements, and any video surveillance footage. Additionally, each state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a personal injury claim. Delaying action may result in you losing your right to pursue compensation.
3. What Types Of Compensation Can I Recover In A Slip And Fall Case?
In a slip and fall case, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages if you’ve missed work due to your injury
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Compensation for permanent disability or long-term effects
A slip and fall lawyer will assess the full extent of your damages and work to maximize the compensation you receive.
4. How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Slip And Fall Lawyer?
Most slip and fall lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement or court award if you win your case, typically ranging from 25% to 40%. This arrangement ensures that the lawyer is motivated to get you the best possible outcome since their payment depends on your success.
5. What Must I Prove To Win A Slip And Fall Case?
To win a slip and fall case, you must prove the following elements:
- Duty of care: The property owner or manager had a duty to keep the property safe for visitors.
- Breach of duty: The owner or manager failed to address a dangerous condition (e.g., a wet floor, broken stairs, or poor lighting).
- Causation: The dangerous condition directly caused your slip and fall accident.
- Damages: You suffered injuries or losses as a result of the accident.
A slip and fall lawyer will help you gather evidence to support these elements, making it easier to build a strong case.
St. Paul Slip And Fall Glossary
Slip and fall accidents can lead to significant injuries, unexpected medical bills, and financial challenges. At Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., we work with individuals in St. Paul, MN, who need experienced legal representation to pursue justice after these incidents. Below, we explain some key terms related to slip and fall cases, providing clarity for those navigating this legal process.
Premises Liability
Premises liability is the foundation of most slip and fall cases. It holds property owners or managers accountable for maintaining a safe environment. When hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces, result in an injury, the property owner may be legally responsible. For example, a client we assisted fell on icy steps outside an apartment complex where no salt had been applied. The property owner’s negligence directly contributed to the injury, and we successfully pursued compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
Duty Of Care
Duty of care refers to the legal obligation property owners or occupiers have to keep their premises safe for visitors. This means promptly addressing hazards like spills, broken railings, or obstructed walkways. When this duty is neglected, accidents happen. A recent case involved a grocery store where a spill was left unattended for hours, causing a customer to slip and fracture her wrist. Proving the store’s failure to uphold its duty of care was critical in achieving a favorable outcome for our client.
Breach Of Duty
A breach of duty occurs when a property owner or manager fails to uphold their legal responsibilities. Examples include not posting warning signs for wet floors, neglecting to repair broken stairs, or allowing clutter to obstruct walkways. These oversights often lead to injuries that could have been prevented. In one notable case, we represented a client who tripped over loose carpeting in a hotel lobby. The hotel’s failure to address the hazard led to a settlement that covered our client’s medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Comparative Negligence
Comparative negligence can play a significant role in slip and fall cases in Minnesota. It addresses situations where both the injured person and the property owner share some level of fault. For instance, if a visitor ignored visible warning signs and slipped on a freshly mopped floor, their compensation could be reduced based on their share of responsibility. We help our clients navigate this challenging aspect of the law, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve, even in complex scenarios.
Damages
Damages are the financial compensation sought in slip and fall cases to cover the impact of an injury. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. In one case, we secured $1,475,000 for a client who suffered brain damage after falling due to inadequate lighting in a parking garage. This settlement helped cover ongoing medical care and provided support for the client’s family.
Case Results That Matter
At Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., we have a proven record of securing significant compensation for our clients. From $3,100,000 in a wrongful death case to $1,200,000 in another, our work demonstrates our commitment to helping individuals rebuild their lives after a slip and fall accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact us today. We’re here to provide the legal support you need to recover and move forward. Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to discuss your case.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, working with an experienced slip and fall lawyer can significantly improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, a lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and that your case is handled professionally. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need—contact a St. Paul slip and fall lawyer from Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. as soon as possible to explore your options.