A customer at a grocery store in Layton slips on an unmarked spill in the produce aisle, suffering a fractured wrist that requires surgery and months of recovery. A visitor to a local apartment complex trips on uneven stairs, leading to a severe back injury that limits mobility. However your slip and fall injury occurred, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering if someone else is at fault.
At Siegfried & Jensen, your highly experienced Layton slip and fall lawyer has served over 35,000 accident victims and injury survivors. We are committed to holding property owners accountable for unsafe conditions. Contact a reputable Layton personal injury lawyer today to learn more about your legal options.
Top Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Layton
Slip and fall accidents often result from property owners failing to maintain safe conditions or provide adequate warnings about hazards. These accidents can happen in public spaces, private properties, or workplaces, and they frequently cause serious injuries. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in Layton include:
Wet or Slippery Floors
Wet or slippery floors caused by spills, leaks, or cleaning solutions are some of the leading causes of slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners have a responsibility to address these hazards or post warnings under Utah Code § 78B-6-1101. When these hazards are ignored, visitors can suffer severe injuries such as fractures or head trauma.
Uneven or Damaged Walking Surfaces
Uneven sidewalks, cracked pavement, or damaged floors pose significant risks to pedestrians. Property owners are required to inspect and repair unsafe walking surfaces to prevent accidents. Your Layton slip and fall attorney can help you determine if the property owner failed to fulfill this duty and contributed to your injuries.
Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, and parking lots can make it difficult to see hazards, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Property owners are responsible for providing proper lighting to keep visitors safe. Failing to maintain adequate visibility can result in injuries that could have been prevented.
Lack of Proper Handrails
Stairs, ramps, and walkways without secure handrails can make it difficult to maintain balance, leading to dangerous falls. Utah premises liability law holds property owners accountable for failing to install or maintain handrails in these areas. Injuries caused by falls on unsafe stairways often include broken bones, spinal injuries, and concussions.
Cluttered Walkways and Debris
Walkways and common areas cluttered with debris, boxes, or objects create dangerous tripping hazards. Property owners must keep walkways clear to prevent visitors from falling. Failing to remove clutter can result in injuries that disrupt your ability to work, care for loved ones, or perform daily activities.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall accident lawyer serving Layton, call (801) 266-0999
How a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Layton Can Help Establish Liability
Proving liability in a slip and fall case requires demonstrating that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injuries. Establishing fault involves understanding the property owner’s duty of care and the legal elements of negligence. Some of the most important steps for proving liability in a slip and fall case.
- Demonstrate the property owner’s duty of care – Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises and protect visitors from foreseeable hazards. This includes inspecting the property regularly and addressing unsafe conditions.
- Prove a breach of duty – A breach occurs when a property owner fails to repair hazards or provide adequate warnings. For example, leaving a spill unattended or failing to fix a damaged stairway constitutes negligence.
- Connect the hazard to your injuries – You must show that the unsafe condition directly caused your injury. Evidence such as medical records, photographs of the hazard, and eyewitness statements can help prove this link.
- Document damages – Damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Learn more about recovering compensation on our ”How do I get compensation for injuries?” resource page.
- Address comparative negligence – Utah follows a comparative negligence rule under Utah Code § 78B-5-818, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault. For example, if you are found 10% responsible for not noticing a warning sign, your recovery will be reduced by that percentage.
Layton Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
How a Slip and Fall Attorney in Layton Can Help You Recover Compensation
Recovering compensation for a slip and fall accident often involves pursuing claims through insurance policies or filing a lawsuit. Understanding your legal options can help you seek full and fair compensation. Some of the top ways of recovering compensation after a slip and fall accident with help from a respected Layton premises liability lawyer at Siegfried & Jensen include the following:
Filing a Claim Against the Property Owner’s Insurance Policy
Property owners are typically required to carry liability insurance to cover injuries caused by unsafe conditions. Filing a claim against the property owner’s insurance policy allows you to recover damages such as expenses for medical care, wages lost from being unable to work, and damage to personal property.
Establishing liability often involves presenting evidence that the property owner failed to address hazards on the premises.
Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit
If an insurance claim does not provide fair compensation, filing a personal injury lawsuit allows you to pursue additional damages in court. A lawsuit involves demonstrating that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injuries and financial losses. Utah’s two-year statute of limitations under Utah Code § 78B-2-307 applies to slip and fall cases.
For instance, if a landlord ignores complaints about broken steps in a rental property, a lawsuit can hold them accountable for the resulting injuries. Filing a lawsuit may include compensation for ongoing medical care, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life. Evidence such as expert testimony and medical records can establish liability in court.
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Consult a Reputable Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Layton, UT for Help Today
Slip and fall accidents can cause life-changing injuries, leaving you with significant medical expenses and lost income. Thankfully, your slip and fall accident attorney in Layton, UT, from Siegfried & Jensen is ready to help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Learn more about how you can make the liable party pay when you fill out our online contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no–obligation consultation as soon as today.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form