Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries. If your accident happened because someone else failed to address a hazard on a property they are in charge of, they may be liable.
Our slip and fall accident lawyer in MacDonald Ranch can assess the potential for building a strong case for compensation.
At H&P Law, we go beyond managing insurance claims. With over $100 million recovered on our clients’ behalf, we seek fair outcomes that help our clients recover after life-changing accidents.
Call our Las Vegas personal injury lawyer for a free case evaluation.
Premises Liability in Slip and Fall Accidents
If you are a visitor to someone’s premises, they’re expected to take reasonable steps to keep you safe. If they are aware, or should be aware, of a circumstance that places you at risk, they need to act promptly.
Although it may not be possible to repair a problem like broken paving right away, they should warn you or keep you away from hazards.
Examples of common hazards that lead to slip and fall accidents include:
- Uneven or slippery paving
- Wet floors or spills
- Loose, buckled, or torn carpeting
- Ice or snow on paving or stairs
- Clutter or debris
- Unmarked changes in floor level
- Defective stairs
Possible liable parties include the premises owner, a tenant, a contractor, or even a government agency. Sometimes, several parties share liability.
For example, if a contractor left debris in a walkway, and the property owner was aware of it, but neither party took reasonable steps to prevent an accident, both the property owner and the contractor may be liable.
How Our MacDonald Ranch Slip and Fall Lawyer Investigates Your Accident
Your lawyer must determine what caused your fall, connect it to your injuries, and identify who was responsible. We begin our investigation by listening to your version of events. After that, we may:
- Inspect the accident scene and get images or video of the hazard
- Obtain and preserve any CCTV footage of your accident
- Talk to witnesses who saw your fall or who knew about the hazard that caused it
- Review maintenance and premises inspection records to see whether the responsible parties knew or should have known about the hazard
- Consult experts like safety engineers or building code specialists
- Gather medical records showing that you sustained injuries because of the fall
Your slip and fall attorney in MacDonald Ranch must show that someone was negligent, and that you sustained specific damages as a result.
We know what evidence you need to prove a premises liability claim, and we will use it to tailor an applicable strategy.
What Happens if You Were Partly to Blame For Your Slip and Fall Injury
Being a little incautious and sharing some of the blame for your injury does not necessarily mean you aren’t eligible for compensation. In accordance with Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.141, you can claim damages if you are not more than 50% to blame for your accident.
If you share a percentage of fault that is 50% or lower, you can still claim the percentage of your damages that others were to blame for. Defendants will begin by looking for ways to show they weren’t at fault. If they can’t do that, they will try to show that you shared fault. An effective attorney strives to protect your right to compensation.
How Defendants Attempt to Shift the Blame For Slip and Fall Accidents to Plaintiffs
Without strong evidence in your favor, defendants can employ a variety of tactics that may reduce the value of recovered compensation or prevent you from claiming any damages.
For example, they may say that:
- You were distracted and weren’t watching where you walked
- You ignored warnings
- You wore inappropriate shoes
- You entered an area where the hazard was obvious
Insurance companies may even encourage you to talk about your accident, carefully recording anything you say that might affect your credibility or the outcome of your case. Rely on our MacDonald Ranch slip and fall attorney to handle your case and deal with other parties on your behalf.
Allow Your Lawyer to Calculate Your Damages and Evaluate Settlement Offers
You may be aware of the types of damages you can seek in Nevada slip and fall accidents, but you may not know how to value or claim them. Your lawyer will assess your accident and work to build a case to substantiate any claims for damages. These may include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Effects on quality of life
- Loss of consortium
They will take a long-term view with your best interests in mind. If you have already received a settlement offer, allow your lawyer to evaluate it before committing to anything. A prompt settlement is not necessarily a fair one that you should consider accepting.
How You Can Contribute to a Positive Outcome in a Slip and Fall Accident Case
There is much you can do to help your lawyer build a case on your behalf. Gathering evidence on the scene of the accident can be very helpful, but you should not endanger yourself.
If you are seriously hurt, wait for help to arrive. A witness or companion may be able to help you gather accident scene evidence. Failing that, your lawyer can investigate.
Your priorities are:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Record witness information and get images of the accident scene and its surroundings.
- Report the accident to a property owner, manager, or tenant, and obtain an incident report
- Follow medical advice to optimize your recovery.
- Avoid giving recorded statements or posting information about your accident on social media.
- Consult a lawyer as soon as you can.
Once you have us on your side, we will handle all the details on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we navigate the process. We will always aim for a fair outcome that benefits you, keeping you updated on our progress with your case.
Claim your Free Case Evaluation Today
If you’re dealing with costly and painful injuries after a slip and fall accident, it’s time to discover your options. Get advice from our experienced slip and fall lawyer in MacDonald Ranch.
We’ll help you determine whether you have a case and what it may be worth to you. Call us today.
