Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC
Suppose you are walking through the grocery store, picking up odds and ends, when you suddenly slip and fall on a spill. Or, maybe you are walking upstairs at an apartment complex, and you trip and fall on the stairs because of inadequate lighting. When someone is injured because a property owner failed to resolve dangerous conditions, the injury victim has the opportunity to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for their losses. If you or someone you love has been harmed, a Charlotte, NC slip and fall accident lawyer from Edwards Injury Law is here to help. Contact us today.
How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls result in over eight million hospital emergency room visits every year. Slip and fall accidents, in particular, account for one million of those visits. The majority of fatal falls occur in individuals over the age of 75 and at ground level in homes.
With the severe consequences of slip and fall accidents, property owners and managers must ensure hazards are resolved as quickly as possible. In the event a dangerous situation cannot be remedied in a timely fashion, visitors need to be notified of the problem so they can avoid it altogether.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?
A slip and fall accident can occur just about anywhere – including public and private properties. Common locations for public falls include grocery stores, shopping malls, parking lots and garages, government buildings, apartment buildings, restaurants, and job sites. Falls on private properties are most likely to occur in or around homes.
There are a number of preventable hazards that cause slip and fall accidents. Some of the most common include debris or spillage, torn carpet, inadequate lighting, snow and ice accumulations, loose floorboards or stairs, missing railings, and cracks or potholes in the pavement.
No matter where your accident occurred, we are prepared to thoroughly investigate your accident to determine why it happened and who to hold accountable for your injuries. We understand the challenges you are facing and are prepared to guide you through the process to give you the best chance of recovery.
What Are Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
A slip and fall accident has the potential to result in catastrophic or fatal injury. When a person loses their balance, they risk coming into contact with different surfaces and objects. The most common slip and fall injuries we see clients recovering from include the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries. When a person hits their head during a fall, they could sustain a concussion, contusion, or another type of brain injury. Recovery depends on the severity of the damage and the type of medical intervention possible.
- Broken Bones. While some broken bones can be set with a cast, compound fractures and other severe breaks may require surgery, physical therapy, and other procedures. A single broken bone can set a person back with work for weeks or months.
- Spinal Cord Injuries. The spinal cord is an incredibly delicate structure. A slip and fall could result in significant back pain, neck injuries, or even paralysis.
Regardless of the injuries you sustained in your fall, a slip and fall accident attorney provides you with the resources and guidance you need to determine if filing an injury claim is suitable for your situation.
How Do I File a Premises Liability Injury Claim?
Filing a premises liability claim in North Carolina is a complex process. Working with an attorney well-versed in state laws and compensation recovery is advisable. Individuals who are legally on a property, meaning they are a customer, tenant, or guest, are protected under state premises liability laws.
What Are North Carolina’s Premises Liability Laws?
Per state law, there are three types of property in North Carolina: property owned by a person, property owned by a company, and public property. Your lawyer will help you establish who had control over the property to ensure you are filing your slip and fall claim against the at-fault individual or entity.
In order to file a successful slip and fall claim, there are a number of elements that must be present to prove the property owner was negligent. To start, you must show that the property owner owed you a duty of care – which implies you were allowed on the property. Then, you need to establish the dangerous condition that caused your fall and that the owner or operator knew or should have known about the problem.
Once you explain how the property owner failed to abide by the duty to you, you can highlight your injuries and the related damages. Damages include losses like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim?
Slip and fall claims are subject to a statute of limitations. Statutes of limitations vary by state, so it is crucial to be aware of the timeline you are restricted to. In North Carolina, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. If you fail to file on time, you will render yourself ineligible for recovery. When you work with a slip and fall accident lawyer, you can rest assured that your case will be filed promptly, so you don’t have to worry about deadlines or forfeiting your chance to take action.
How Our Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Edwards Injury Law, we are aware of the challenges our clients face after an accident. As a black- and veteran-owned law firm, we dedicate our practice to serving those who find unsuspectingly find themselves in difficult situations. Even if you are not yet aware of the extent of your injuries or losses after a fall, we can meet to discuss your accident and determine if you have grounds for a claim. Should you choose to move forward with a claim as our client, we will be by your side throughout the entire process to ensure you don’t settle for less than you are owed. Contact us today to get started.
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