Richmond Slip & Fall Lawyers
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, and while we should all be careful and watch where we are going, it’s unreasonable to expect the average person to always be hypervigilant about the possibility of a slip and fall everywhere they go. If you are crossing an obviously wet or slippery surface, you know to take extra care, but there are many slip and fall dangers that you don’t know about until after a serious slip and fall accident has happened, leaving you in pain or disabled with a severe injury.
Because slip and fall accidents can so easily happen, property owners have a duty to keep their premises free of dangers or to put up warnings whenever their floors are wet or slippery. If they don’t take these simple measures, they can and should be held liable for a slip and fall accident on their property.
Virginia premises liability law applies to slip and fall accidents in the Commonwealth, and there are many particulars of the law that can impact whether or not you can hold a property owner liable for your slip and fall injury on their premises. At Latham & Martin, our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in Virginia premises liability law and highly experienced in taking on such cases. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident on someone else’s property in communities like Petersburg, Hopewell & Colonial Heights in Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield or surrounding counties, call Latham & Martin for a free consultation with our experienced and successful Richmond slip & fall lawyers.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls in Richmond
A slip and fall accident occurs when a person loses their balance due to a slippery surface, leading to a fall that can cause serious harm. The resulting injuries may range from minor bruises to severe fractures or head trauma. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Recently mopped or waxed floors
- Slippery outdoor or indoor surfaces caused by rain, snow or ice
- Spilled food or drinks in a grocery store, restaurant, bar or nightclub, retail store or any place where food or beverages are sold, served, or people are allowed to have them
- Loose, wet, misplaced or missing floor mats at store entrances
- Icy sidewalks and parking lots
- Leaking refrigerated cases or wet produce aisles in a grocery store
- Condensation dripping or leaking from an air conditioning unit
Your Legal Rights After a Slip and Fall in Richmond, Virginia
Property owners are obligated to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors. This includes maintaining flooring, lighting, and other aspects that might lead to slip and fall accidents. If they fail to do so, and you suffer an injury as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. In Virginia, the duty of the property owner varies depending on whether the accident victim was considered a licensee, invitee, or trespasser when the accident happened. For customers in a store, for example, the property owner might have a duty to routinely inspect the premises, clean up any spills, and put up a “wet floor” sign until the surface is dry. For others, though, the owner and employees might only have a duty to warn of existing, nonobvious dangers the property owner already knows about. Because the legal intricacies of a slip and fall claim can be complex, it’s essential to get an experienced premises liability lawyer who knows the law and will ensure property owners are properly held liable.
Key Factors in a Slip and Fall Claim
A slip and fall claim falls under premises liability law, which is a subset of personal injury law. Personal injury claims are generally based on negligence, and in order to be successful on a claim, the injury victim will need to be able to demonstrate all of the following:
- Duty of Care: The property owner’s responsibility to maintain safe premises, depending on whether the victim was a licensee or an invitee
- Breach of Duty: The failure of the property owner to uphold that duty
- Causation: A direct link between the breach of duty and your injury
- Damages: The losses you’ve suffered due to the injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
How Latham & Martin Can Help With Your Slip and Fall Claim
Navigating the legal process can be complicated, especially when dealing with the emotional and physical stress of an injury. At Latham & Martin, we’re committed to providing comprehensive legal support to those in the Richmond community who have been affected by slip and fall accidents. You can expect all of the following when you retain us to handle your slip and fall claim:
- Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach to meet your needs.
- Proven Expertise: Our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury law and are well-versed in Virginia’s legal system.
- No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact Latham & Martin Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Richmond, Virginia, the dedicated attorneys at Latham & Martin are here to help. We understand the challenges you face and are ready to guide you through the legal process. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, please call us at 804-821-0090 or fill out our online contact form. Let Latham & Martin stand by your side. Together, we’ll seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
