Columbia Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
It is an all-too-common scenario: you’re walking in a parking lot, on a sidewalk, or in a store, and you slip and fall. There may have been a spill that wasn’t cleaned up or an obstacle in your path that you weren’t able to see. Whatever the reason, you’ve suffered a serious slip and fall injury as a result. Now you’re wondering what to do next. A skilled personal injury lawyer could advise you on your legal options.
Injuries from slip and fall accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, and even paralysis. In fact, over 1 million people every year require emergency medical treatment as a result of slip and fall accidents. And according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the average cost for the treatment of this type of accident is over $30,000. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may wonder what your rights are and whether you have a personal injury claim. Contact a Columbia slip and fall lawyer to learn more about filing a lawsuit for damages.
What is a Slip and Fall Injury?
A slip and fall accident occurs when you slip, trip, or fall due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. This can be someone else’s personal residence or a commercial business, like a store or restaurant. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but they are most common in places like parking lots, sidewalks, stairs, and grocery stores. There are many different factors that can contribute to a slip and fall accident. Some of the most common include:
- Wet or icy surfaces
- Spills
- Uneven surfaces
- Loose carpeting or floor mats
- Tripping hazards
- Poor lighting
A hardworking attorney could help you determine if another party was responsible for your injuries after a slip and fall in Columbia.
What to Do if You’ve Suffered an Injury Due to a Slip and Fall
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to have them examined by a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions, may not be immediately apparent. It’s also important to try to make note of what caused you to fall and the surrounding area. Try to take photos of the scene if possible. This can be helpful evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Once you’ve sought medical attention and gathered evidence, you’ll need to decide whether to file a civil lawsuit. This can be a confusing decision to make on your own, especially if you’ve never had to deal with anything like this before. That’s why it’s important to consult with an seasoned personal injury lawyer in Columbia who can evaluate your case and help you make the best decision for your situation.
What Rights Do You Have if You’ve Suffered a Slip and Fall Injury in Columbia?
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But before filing a lawsi, there are some important factors to consider.
Slip and Fall Statute of Limitation in Columbia, MO
The first consideration is the statute of limitations. In Missouri, you have five years from the date of your accident to file a suit. If you don’t file a claim within that time frame, you may be barred from doing so. This may seem like a long time, but it’s important to remember that these cases can take months or even years to resolve. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit, you may not be able to get the compensation you deserve.
Shared fault
The second factor is comparative negligence. This means that if you are partly to blame for your accident, your compensation may be reduced. For example, if you were wearing flip-flops in a grocery store and slipped on a wet floor, attorneys for insurance companies or the store may try to argue that you are partially at fault for wearing improper footwear. If successful, a court may find that you are 20% at fault for the accident, for example. This would mean that you would only be entitled to 80% of the compensation you would otherwise be entitled to.
To get the maximum amount of compensation in a fall injury lawsuit, contact a skilled lawyer in Columbia.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Assist with Your Slip and Fall Claim?
To have a valid personal injury claim, you must be able to prove that the property owner was negligent in some way. This means that they failed to take reasonable care to prevent or fix the hazardous condition that caused you to fall and sustain injuries. This is not always easy to do.
A lawyer can also help determine who is at fault, which isn’t always clear. Although the property owner is responsible for maintaining a safe environment, it’s not uncommon for another party to try to say you’re at fault. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Columbia can help with this process. A legal representative will investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather evidence to prove that the other party is at fault. An attorney will also handle all the paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company. This will allow you to focus on your recovery.
Contact a Diligent Columbia Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident, the Law Offices of Chris Miller can help. Our knowledgeable Columbia slip and fall lawyers have worked on countless personal injury cases in Columbia. We’ll review your case, help you understand your options, and build the strongest possible case to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.