Charlotte Slip and Fall Attorneys
A fall can change your life. If the wrong part of your body lands against a sharp or hard surface, you could suffer serious injuries. You will likely face enormous medical bills and be forced to take time off work, worsening the financial burden. If your fall resulted from a dangerous condition, such as a slick surface or uneven flooring, you may seek compensation through a personal injury claim.
At Stewart Law Offices, our Charlotte slip and fall lawyers are committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they need to cover their losses and move forward. We have been successfully representing personal injury victims for over 25 years, and, with over $35 million recovered, our results speak for themselves.* We want to make a difference in your life during this challenging time and will make every effort to make the legal process as efficient and painless as possible. One of our attorneys can meet with you at your home or in the hospital, and we will be available 24/7 to answer your questions. Our team is also sensitive to the financial challenges you are undoubtedly experiencing, which is why you pay us nothing unless we secure a favorable settlement or verdict.
If you recently slipped and fell but are unsure whether you have a case, turn to the experienced Charlotte slip and fall lawyers at Stewart Law Offices. We provide a free legal consultation to discuss the injury and whether you may have a viable slip and fall injury case.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Every slip and fall injury can potentially disrupt the victim’s life significantly. However, some injuries can be so severe that they require months or years of recovery. The affected individual may face overwhelming medical bills and permanent disability. The experienced Charlotte, North Carolina slip and fall lawyers at Stewart Law Offices can help you seek compensation for these losses.
Our team has provided legal services for those who have sustained injuries such as:
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries
- Fractured or dislocated bones
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Organ damage or internal bleeding
- Back, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Severe sprains and strains
In the most extreme cases, a slip and fall accident can be fatal. If you have lost a loved one in such an accident, our slip and fall attorneys can support you in filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
Slip and fall incidents can occur for many reasons, including:
- Slippery surfaces – Leaks, spills, and recently cleaned floors can be hazardous, particularly if the site lacks warning signs.
- Uneven flooring – Uneven sidewalks, loose floorboards, and cracked tiles can cause people to lose their balance and fall.
- Inadequate lighting – When hallways, stairwells, and parking lots have poor lighting, individuals cannot see potential hazards.
- Weak handrails – If handrails on platforms or stairs are weak or missing, individuals may lack the support they require to keep themselves upright.
- Cluttered walkways – When cables, debris, or boxes are left in walkways, they can quickly become tripping hazards.
- Loose carpeting – Carpeting must be securely fastened to the floor. Otherwise, it can cause individuals to lose their footing and fall.
If you were injured by any of these dangerous conditions on someone else’s property, an experienced slip and fall lawyer from our law firm can gather evidence to prove liability.
Understanding Premises Liability Law in Slip and Fall Cases
The goal of a slip and fall claim is to help a victim recover compensation for injuries and other losses. However, a person is not automatically entitled to financial compensation when they slip and fall on another person’s property. Prevailing in a slip and fall case requires an understanding of premises liability laws, which govern when a property owner is legally held responsible for injuries that occur on their property.
After reviewing the details of what happened, our Charlotte slip and fall attorneys take the time to explain your rights and legal options.
To successfully bring a slip and fall claim, you must prove:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care – Generally, a property owner owes a duty of care to lawful visitors, including invited guests, patrons, and customers. When you visit a store or are invited into a friend’s home, for example, the property owners typically owe you a duty of reasonable care to keep the premises safe. A property may not owe a duty of care to someone who is trespassing.
- A dangerous defect existed on the property – Examples of dangerous defects that can trigger premises liability include slick surfaces, uneven flooring, loose railings, and inadequate lighting.
- The property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the dangerous defect – For a property owner to be held liable, they must have been aware of the defect. For example, if a spill in a grocery store occurs and someone slips immediately after the defect appears, it would be difficult to claim the property owner was aware of the issue. A property owner may become liable for defects they were not directly aware of if they should have been aware of the problem. If a spill occurs in a grocery store and the slick surface is allowed to stand for hours, for example, a case could be made that the property owner should have been conducting regular cleanings and inspections and, therefore, should have been aware of the spill.
- The property owner did not address or resolve the dangerous defect – Keep in mind that not all defects can be entirely resolved as soon as they are discovered. A property owner may not be liable if they took adequate steps to warn visitors about a defect. In the example of a grocery store spill, placing a bright, unambiguous “warning: wet floor” sign would likely be considered sufficient in the eyes of the law.
- You were injured because of the dangerous defect – Simply discovering the existence of a dangerous defect does not mean you have a case. You must be able to demonstrate that the defect directly caused your injuries.
Recovering Damages Through a North Carolina Slip and Fall Claim
A slip and fall claim allows a victim to obtain compensation for economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party. Economic damages, also called “special compensatory damages,” are quantifiable, while non-economic damages, also referred to as “general compensatory damages,” are not. We can help you understand what your claim may be worth, and we fight to maximize what you recover.
Our Charlotte slip and fall lawyers will work to secure compensation for all losses, including:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (such as a broken phone, watch, or jewelry)
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Can I Recover Compensation If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
North Carolina is one of only four states that follows the principle of contributory negligence. Under this rule, a person who has suffered slip and fall injuries is ineligible to recover compensation if they are partially at fault for their losses. As such, the other party’s insurance company may do everything they can to pin some of the blame on you. Working with a skilled North Carolina slip and fall attorney can help demonstrate that the other party is entirely at fault, thus protecting your right to compensation.
What Is the Deadline to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit In Charlotte
In North Carolina, you have only three years from the date of the slip and fall to bring a personal injury claim. You will be barred from taking legal action and recovering compensation if you miss this deadline, which is why it is essential to get legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.
Should someone suffer fatal injuries due to a slip and fall, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate has the right to file a wrongful death claim for the benefit of the victim’s surviving loved ones. In these cases, the personal representative will have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. Our compassionate Charlotte wrongful death lawyers will fight for the justice of your loved one.
Contact Our Experienced Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
The physical, financial, and emotional repercussions of slip and fall accidents can be devastating. However, if a property owner’s negligence is responsible for your injuries, it is essential to remember that you have a right to seek compensation for your losses.
The skilled Charlotte slip and fall attorneys at Stewart Law Offices have been successfully fighting for injured individuals for over 25 years. Our recent results include a $1 million award for a slip and fall injury*, so we know what it takes to achieve the outcome you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with a slip and fall accident attorney in Charlotte, NC.