If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in La Crosse, you may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages, all while trying to figure out what went wrong and who’s responsible. Our La Crosse slip and fall accident lawyers can help.
At Anidjar & Levine, founded in 2005, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our La Crosse personal injury lawyers today to learn more about your options.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, at any time, and are often caused by hazardous conditions that could have been prevented. You might be walking down a grocery store aisle, strolling through a parking lot, or climbing a set of stairs when suddenly, you find yourself on the ground.
Common causes of slip and falls include wet or slippery floors, uneven or cracked sidewalks, inadequate lighting, and cluttered walkways. You may also slip on spills, trip over cords or wires, or fall due to broken handrails or loose carpeting.
Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions, but when they fail to do so, you may be left to deal with the consequences.
Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases
When pursuing a slip and fall claim, you’ll need to prove that the property owner or manager was negligent in their duty to ensure your safety.
This involves demonstrating that they breached their duty of care, allowed hazardous conditions to exist, and failed to warn you of potential dangers.
Duty of Care Breach
In traversing public spaces, you rightfully expect a certain level of safety and security. As a visitor, customer, or guest, you have a reasonable expectation that the property owner or manager has taken the necessary steps to ensure your well-being.
However, when a property owner fails to uphold this duty of care, it can lead to serious injuries. To prove a breach of duty, you must show that the property owner:
- Owed you a duty of care
- Failed to meet that duty
- Caused your injury as a direct result of that failure
If you can establish these elements, you can hold the property owner liable for your slip and fall injuries.
Hazardous Conditions Exist
Hazardous conditions can include slippery floors, uneven walkways, and poor lighting, among others. If you’ve fallen due to one of these conditions, you’ll need to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it.
You’ll also need to show that their negligence directly caused your injury. By gathering evidence and building a strong case, you can increase your chances of securing fair compensation for your slip and fall accident.
Failure to Warn
You’re likely aware that property owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for visitors, but did you know that failing to warn about hazardous conditions can be considered negligence?
This is a significant aspect of proving negligence in slip and fall cases. As a visitor, you have a right to be informed about potential dangers on someone else’s property.
To prove failure to warn, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to warn you. Some examples of reasonable warnings include:
- Posting clear signs indicating the hazard
- Providing verbal warnings to visitors
- Installing barriers or cordons to prevent access to the hazardous area
Calculating Slip and Fall Damages
You’re likely wondering how to calculate the damages you’re entitled to after a slip and fall accident.
Calculating damages involves determining the monetary value of your losses, including economic and non-economic damages.
To calculate your damages, you’ll need to evaluate the following:
- Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any other healthcare-related expenses.
- Lost wages: If you’ve missed work due to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical and emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
A La Crosse slip and fall accident lawyer can help you accurately calculate your damages and fight for fair compensation.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
When dealing with insurance companies, it’s essential to remember that their primary goal is to minimize payouts, not to ensure you receive fair compensation for your slip and fall injuries.
You’ll likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster soon after filing your claim. Be cautious when interacting with them, as they may try to obtain statements or evidence that can be used against you.
Here are three things to keep in mind when communicating with insurance companies:
- Be honest but brief: Provide only the necessary information and avoid speculating about the accident or your injuries.
- Don’t accept their first offer: Insurance companies often make low initial offers, hoping you’ll accept a quick settlement. Don’t settle until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
- Don’t sign anything: Never sign a document or release without reviewing it carefully and consulting with your lawyer.
Contact Our La Crosse Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys
You’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, and now it’s time to take action. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. A La Crosse slip and fall accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
With our help, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle the rest. Get a free case evaluation with Anidjar & Levine, then visit our blog page for more information.
We Can Help.
