If you slipped, tripped, or fell while at a store or on another person’s property, you may have a claim to hold the property owner responsible for medical bills or lost income. Still, going through this legal process can be overwhelming and confusing without help from a knowledgeable attorney.

If you were injured because a property owner was negligent and failed to maintain a safe premises, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A Louisa County slip and fall lawyer could answer your questions, help you understand your legal rights, and fight for any compensation to which you may be entitled.

What Do Slip and Fall Accident Cases Look Like?

A person may slip and fall for many reasons. A carpet may be torn or create a tripping hazard, the floor may be wet due to a spill, or there may be slick ice or snow around the property’s sidewalks. Regardless of its cause, if the property owner is aware of a slipping hazard and fails to address it, they may be legally responsible for any visitors’ resulting injuries. Under state law, a person who is injured in a slip and fall accident may file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit to help cover medical bills and other expenses. In either case, certain laws will apply. If you decide to file a claim, Virginia Code Annotated § 8.01-243 allows you two years to bring a lawsuit for damages after a slip and fall accident.

In these cases, an injured party must be able to show that the property owner or business’s lack of care caused their accident. Therefore, there are several points that an attorney in Louisa County must establish in a slip and fall case. These include:

  • Showing that the injured party’s harm was caused by a hazardous condition on the property
  • Establishing that the property owner knew of the hazard
  • Arguing that the property owner failed to address the hazard
  • Proving that the injured party did not contribute to or cause their injuries

A lawyer could assist you in making a strong insurance claim or bringing the matter to court if the insurance company refuses to pay the appropriate amount of compensation.

Contributory Negligence in Trip and Fall Cases

Contributory negligence refers to the degree of fault you might have in causing your injuries. For example, if you were inebriated or acting recklessly at the time you were injured, the property owner may claim you caused or made your injuries worse. Under Va. Code Ann. §8.01-34, if the court finds that you contributed even slightly to your injuries, you may not be able to claim any compensation in a lawsuit or insurance claim. Because of the danger that these accusations can have on a slip and fall case, it is important to go through this process with a Louisa County lawyer who could review the evidence and make a strong argument against contributory negligence.

Speak with a Louisa County Slip and Fall Attorney

If you have been injured in a slip and fall incident at a business or another property and you think it may have been caused by the owner’s lack of care, you should reach out to an attorney to learn more about your legal options. A Louisa County slip and fall lawyer could review the facts of your case and help you determine whether you are due compensation. Call The Warren Firm today to schedule a consultation.