Whenever it comes to the workplace, there are times where there are floors being mopped, due to the fact that they are dirty and need to be cleaned. This happens in many businesses, whether that is a restaurant, a local store, a movie theater, and more.
When a floor is being mopped or has been mopped, a caution sign is often put up, which warns people of the danger of slipping and falling, due to the floor just being mopped. However, there are times where this is not the case, and because a sign is not put up, there are instances where an individual slips and falls onto the floor. Now; some of the consequences that can transpire from slipping and falling onto a hard floor, could include a broken back, a spinal injury, or a concussion. In such cases, Richmond personal injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the responsible parties accountable.
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Slip and fall lawyer Richmond, VA
In other words, when a slip and fall happens, due to the fact that the business did not put up a warning sign, the person who was injured has a right to take legal action. One of the strongest ways to do this, would be through contacting a slip and fall lawyer Richmond, VA residents rely on. What such lawyers aid in assisting with, are ensuring that all questions are answered, in relation to how the fall happened, where it happened, what kind of injuries did the person suffer, and more. The reason why such questions are important, is because they aid in breaking down each case, from a multi-faceted approach.
I Slipped and Fell On a Cruise Ship, What Happens Now?
The main thing passengers on board a cruise ship expect to happen is that they will have a great time. Rarely does any passenger actually anticipate getting injured while they are on vacation. Many people choose to book cruise ship tickets because they expect the ship to be safe and enable them to explore far away lands in a unique way. However, every year passengers get injured or even pass away while on cruise ships, due to slip and fall accidents that could have been prevented.
As a slip and fall lawyer Richmond, VA victims trust from MartinWren, P.C. has seen before, some of the most frequent reasons that people on board a cruise ship sustain injury is because of lack of security, failing to maintain the cruise ship to provide a reasonably safe area, or failing to abide by policies and procedures. If you or someone you care about finds themselves injured while on a cruise ship, here are some steps to take next:
- Immediately get yourself medical attention and report the incident to a member of management or supervisory staff
- Take photographs of your visible injuries and the area in which you were hurt, including signs that the ship was poorly maintained (such as broken steps, slippery area, lack of handrails, etc.)
- When completing a report about the injury accident, stick only to facts and be mindful of what you state. The cruise ship likely already has a legal team prepared to handle injury cases when they arise, and may use what you say to minimize your claim and avoid a lawsuit.
- When you get home, follow up with your physician about treatment. Gather copies of all medical documentation pertaining to your injuries.
- Consult with a Richmond slip and fall lawyer, as our team has represented injured slip and fall victims in the past. It is important that you find a legal team shortly after returning home, as you may only have a period of time to file a lawsuit.
You may want to have your lawyer review the details of your ticket purchase, as many cruise line companies may attempt to restrict your legal rights when you agree to a ticket contract. While you may not have realized you signed up or agreed to such a contract, the cruise line may argue that your consent was implied by going on board the ship. One of the main ways that a passenger’s rights may be hindered through purchasing a ticket is by changing the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a set period of time that you have to take legal action for a case.
Any and all evidence will be useful when meeting with a lawyer about your case against the cruise ship line. Specifically, having photographs, video, witness statements, and medical documentation that describes your injuries can be particularly helpful. Your Richmond lawyer slip and fall team may contact witnesses who saw your injury accident happen for an official statement.
Slip and fall lawyer Richmond, VA
Moreover, it is important that a business does not alienate its audience, so that there can be different types of cases handled. An example of this is MartinWren, P.C., which has a strong focus on different types of cases. For example, while slips and fall cases are handled, such as civil litigations, family aspects, business aspects in relation to the greater conduct issues of a company as a whole, that assess whether workplace injuries other than slips and falls have been common and more. This aids in increasing a strong audience, in which the business focuses on a multitude of different types of cases.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe for everyone. If they fail to do that, people are in danger of suffering slip and fall accidents, which can result in serious injuries, like broken bones, head injuries and spinal cord injuries. If you have suffered a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other losses.
Here are some common causes of slip and fall accidents.
- Wet floors. When many people think about slip and fall accidents, they likely imagine wet floors. The truth is that wet floors are responsible for a large percentage of slip and fall accidents in the U.S. every year. For example, if someone spills juice or milk in a grocery aisle and it does not get cleaned up promptly, a customer could slip on it and fall. Freshly mopped floors can also increase the risk of slip and fall accidents.
- Poor lighting. In order to see where they are going in dim or dark places, people need proper lighting. Without good lighting, they are more likely to fall. Poor lighting is another common cause of slip and fall accidents.
- Weather. Certain weather conditions, like rain and snow, can also result in slip and fall accidents. Although it might not be possible to control the weather, it is possible to shovel sidewalks and pour salt on icy sidewalks. Taking these simple measures can help prevent slip and fall accidents.
- Improper shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes can also contribute to slip and fall accidents. This is especially common around swimming pools because the concrete is very slippery. It is important for everyone to wear non-slip shoes to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents.
- Clutter. The more clutter there is on the floor, the more likely someone will suffer a slip and fall accident. If there are various items blocking walkways, people can easily trip over them and get hurt. Property owners are responsible for keeping their floors free from clutter so that these accidents do not occur.
- Defective handrails. People depend on handrails when they’re climbing the stairs at malls, apartment complexes and hotels. If the handrails are defective, people are in danger of losing their balance and falling down.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents Infographic
Do You Need a Lawyer For a Slip and Fall Accident?
Many people get into slip and fall accidents and make the mistake of thinking that the accident is not serious enough. Often, slip and fall accidents in public can lead a person to feel embarrassed. When this is the case, the victim may feel more pressure to brush off their injuries and avoid talking to a supervisor or property owner because they do not want to make a big deal out of it. However, this is where a lawyer would tell you to do things differently. Your Richmond slip and fall lawyer would tell you that one of the most important things you can do is to notify the property owner of the accident as quickly as possible.
What Can a Lawyer Do For Me?
So, once you have notified the property owner and are on your way, should you reach out to a lawyer? Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may feel that you have the situation under control. You’ll get a quick medical checkup, then call the property owner’s insurance to let them know what happened, right? This is not the best way to proceed with a slip and fall claim. A lawyer can bring professionalism and years of experience to your claim by helping ensure you have everything squared away, by getting paperwork filed on time, and by making sure that you are protected throughout the process.
Can a Lawyer Help Show Who is At Fault?
Absolutely. Often, property owners will try to push some or all of the blame onto the slip and fall victim. Were you texting? Were you wearing high heels? Were you eating a sandwich? Any of these could contribute to you being partially at fault for the accident and the other party’s insurance will gladly use anything they can against you to lower a settlement claim or try to take the settlement completely off the table.
How can I show the losses I sustained?
A lawyer can help to quantify the losses you sustained as a result of the accident. That means if you are injured so badly you cannot work for 6 months, a lawyer can show how the accident directly impacted your ability to work and provide for your family. They can gather pieces of evidence like paystubs, missed opportunities for a raise or promotion, and your medical bills to establish what you are missing out on financially.
Will a Slip and Fall Lawyer Negotiate For Me?
Working with insurance can be daunting and it can also mean you are saying things directly to the insurance agent that they will use against you during the negotiation process. When this is the case, you want your slip and fall accident lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. This can give you the peace of mind you need during the legal proceedings that you have someone by your side who is fighting on your behalf. You should not hesitate to get your lawyer involved in your legal case.
Slip and Fall Lawyer Richmond, VA
Moreover, it is important that a business does not alienate its audience so that there can be different types of cases handled. An example of this is MartinWren, P.C., which has a strong focus on different types of cases. For example, while slips and fall cases are handled, we also handle other cases, such as civil litigations, family aspects, and business aspects in relation to the greater conduct issues of a company as a whole that assess whether workplace injuries other than slips and falls have been common. This aids in increasing a strong audience, in which the business focuses on a multitude of different types of cases. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you with your slip and fall claim, reach out to MartinWren, P.C. to speak with our Richmond slip and fall accident lawyer now.
Richmond Slip and Fall Statistics
According to the Center for Disease and Control and Prevention, over 4.5 million people are injured in slip and fall accidents each year in the U.S. Of these, about 300,000 people are hospitalized and 35,000 die.
Richmond Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
Understanding The Role of Insurance Agents During a Slip and Fall Claim
Our Richmond, VA slip and fall lawyer knows that it can be easy to want to tell everyone what happened to you after a slip and fall accident. Whether you want to explain your side of things or you simply want to vent to friends and family (a completely normal response), things can become especially tricky when an insurance agent calls and asks you for information. It is important to understand the motives that insurance agents have and how speaking to them will affect your claim.
Aren’t insurance agents ever motivated to ask questions because they’re simply being nice?
We aren’t here to tell you that insurance agents aren’t nice people. There will even be many insurance agents who speak with people who have genuine sympathy for the person who got into an accident. That said, sympathizing with the accident victim simply is not what they get paid to do. While an insurance agent may come off as sympathetic and nice, they’re asking questions because they have a job to do and they want to get as much information out of you as possible.
What can I usually expect when speaking with an insurance agent?
Our Richmond slip and fall lawyer knows that an insurance agent will likely come across as extremely friendly, caring, and wondering what they can do to help. This is all an extremely clever strategy to ensure they get you to come clean with as many details as possible regarding the accident. They want you to talk about what happened, what your injuries are like, and how you are recovering.
What should I do if the insurance agent asks to record the conversation?
The insurance agent who calls you will likely ask to record the conversation. In fact, they may be so good at what they are doing that they make it seem like less of a request and more of an obligation. You are not legally obligated to speak with an insurance agent about the accident and you are certainly not legally obligated to have a recorded conversation with them. This is the time they will use what you say against you and it will make it much simpler for them if they have your conversation recorded.
What should I do if the insurance agent denies my claim?
The insurance agent may outright deny your claim and state that there is no evidence of your injuries, your claim has no merit, or the accident was your fault. Whatever their excuse is, they make it seem like you don’t have an opportunity to fight back. If you were not coming at your claim with the help of a lawyer, you may be tricked into believing you have no other options. However, your lawyer knows that if they deny your claim for incorrect reasons or in bad faith, you can still fight for a fair settlement or take them to court.
When you are ready to go up against the insurance company for your accident, reach out to MartinWren, P.C. to speak with our Richmond slip and fall lawyer today.
Understanding Slip And Fall Accidents In Virginia
In the state of Virginia, slip and fall accidents, often categorized under “premises liability,” involve situations where a person is injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, as a Richmond, VA slip and fall lawyer understands. While these accidents can occur anywhere, from shopping centers to private homes, Virginia’s laws have specific criteria and nuances that both victims and property owners should be aware of. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, get in touch with MartinWren, P.C.
The Notion Of Negligence
For a slip and fall claim to be successful in Virginia, the victim (plaintiff) must prove that the property owner (defendant) was negligent. Specifically, the plaintiff must demonstrate:
- The defendant had a duty to ensure the safety of the premises.
- This duty was breached by allowing a hazardous condition to exist.
- The defendant knew or should have reasonably known about the danger but failed to address it.
- This negligence directly resulted in the plaintiff’s injuries.
Contributory Negligence In Virginia
A trusted Richmond slip and fall lawyer knows that Virginia is one of the few states that adheres to the strict doctrine of “contributory negligence.” This means that if the injured party is found even slightly at fault for their injuries, they may be barred from recovering any damages. For instance, if it’s determined that the injured person was not paying attention to where they were going or was wearing inappropriate footwear, they might not receive any compensation.
Time Constraints For Filing A Claim
Virginia law mandates a specific window during which a slip and fall claim can be filed, known as the statute of limitations. For personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents, this period is two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline typically means the plaintiff forfeits the right to file a lawsuit regarding the accident.
Our Role In Slip And Fall Cases
Navigating the intricacies of Virginia’s slip and fall laws requires expertise and experience. With our seasoned team of legal professionals, we understand the challenges these cases can pose. From determining the validity of a claim to strategically maneuvering through the potential pitfalls of contributory negligence, we remain a steadfast advocate for our clients.
Advocating For Your Rights
Slip and fall accidents can be more than just physically painful; they can lead to financial strain and emotional distress. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial, especially in a state like Virginia with its specific set of rules and potential challenges. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a slip and fall accident, it’s vital to act promptly and seek expert legal guidance. We are here to offer the support, expertise, and advocacy you need during such trying times. Reach out to us, and let’s work together to ensure that your rights are protected and justice is pursued.
When you have been injured following a slip and fall accident, turn to someone you can rely on during this time. Reach out to MartinWren, P.C. to speak with our Richmond slip and fall lawyer now.
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MartinWren, P.C., Richmond Slip and Fall Lawyer
400 Locust Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
