
A slip-and-fall case is unexpected and overwhelming. A sudden fall can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. A Norwich slip-and-fall lawyer can help you file a claim to recover compensation for your losses and hold negligent property owners accountable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
At Suisman Shapiro, over 80 years of legal experience and knowledge of slip-and-fall laws are used to build a strong claim for accident victims. We understand how life-changing a slip-and-fall case can be, which is why we pursue a full recovery through strong negotiations and skillful case preparation. Throughout the claims process, our attorneys provide personalized guidance and relentless advocacy.
Slip-and-fall laws allow you to file a claim against a property owner whose negligence led to an accident. This type of premises liability claim extends to hazards like snow and ice, which is especially important in Norwich, where icy walkways into stores along West Main Street or a slipper apartment complex parking lot are a serious hazard. Other common examples of accidents in slip-and-fall claims we handle and Suisman Shapiro include:
The injuries sustained in a slip-and-fall accident can be severe. Falls make up 21% of all unintentional injury deaths, and are especially prevalent in older adults, with 3 million emergency department visits due to falls in older adults. Fall victims often suffer from injuries such as:
A Norwich slip-and-fall lawyer can evaluate the severity of your damages, including a comprehensive list of your losses in a slip-and-fall claim. Some common damages that can influence the amount of compensation you receive are:
Filing a claim against a property owner can be daunting. A Norwich slip-and-fall attorney can reduce your anxiety during this process by explaining the slip-and-fall laws and helping you navigate each step of the claims process. A lawyer can also communicate and negotiate with the at-fault party, working to reach a settlement or file a claim before the two-year statute of limitations.
When it comes to building a claim that pursues a full recovery, skilled legal guidance is invaluable. A lawyer can establish the property owner’s liability and prove what damages you have suffered. They can also negotiate for a settlement that covers all of your losses.
A good settlement for a slip-and-fall claim depends on your damages. A fair settlement should not leave you with outstanding damages that are not covered by the settlement. Avoid accepting a settlement offer without consulting a lawyer who can calculate a fair award based on your unique damages and can negotiate to increase an offer that is too low.
Many types of evidence can be used in a slip-and-fall claim. If you hire a slip-and-fall lawyer, they can gather evidence from the accident scene and throughout your recovery to support your claim. Common types of evidence used in these claims include police reports, incident reports, witness statements, surveillance camera footage, photographs of the hazard, medical records, and pay stubs.
One common defense to a slip-and-fall case is arguing that the hazard was obvious, leading a reasonable person to notice and avoid the danger. Other defenses include arguing that the injury was a result of the victim’s distraction, was self-inflicted, or that you were trespassing when the injury occurred. A lawyer can build an argument that challenges likely defenses in your slip-and-fall case.
Yes, slip-and-fall cases can be hard to prove, especially without a lawyer. These cases require carefully proving a property owner’s responsibility to maintain the property, their neglect toward a hazard, the cause and effect relationship between the hazard and your injuries, and the damages you have suffered. A lawyer’s understanding of how to establish negligence and analyze evidence can help you prove a slip-and-fall claim.
Filing a claim helps you hold property owners accountable for failing to maintain a safe environment for visitors while also recovering compensation. Contact Suisman Shapiro for a free case consultation to learn how we can pursue a full recovery after a fall.