A St. George slip-and-fall lawyer can help you with your claim when you suffer severe and debilitating injuries after a negligent accident. For decades, Siegfried & Jensen has helped our clients recover the compensation they deserve.
Schedule a consultation with our St. George personal injury lawyer today to discuss the details of your case and how our exceptional legal team can help.
What May Be Considered a Dangerous Property Condition
According to the Utah Code, a dangerous property condition usually refers to any hazard that poses a risk of harm to anyone on the property. This could be a structural issue, like loose handrails or broken stairs, or even environmental hazards, like slippery floors. Other risks may include poor lighting in stairwells, exposed electrical wires, or an uneven walkway.
Lack of maintenance or complete neglect can turn a property into a serious hazard. For example, if someone ignores a plumbing leak, it can lead to a slippery surface where someone could end up falling. Outdoor spaces are another risk factor, especially when snow isn’t plowed or there are potholes and cracks in parking lots.
A property owner has a duty to address any harmful issues to keep their premises safe at all times. The court often looks at how long the hazard has been an issue before the property owner makes an effort to fix it. A St. George premises liability lawyer can help you navigate the law and help you establish negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall accident lawyer serving St. George, call (801) 266-0999
How a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney in St. George, UT Can Establish Fault
Showing proof of a slip-and-fall injury demands clear evidence of the hazardous condition that led to your injury. You must show that the property owner knew about the danger but did not address it. Some forms of strong evidence can include:
- Check for surveillance cameras that may have recorded the fall
- Take photos of the area with the hazard as soon as you can
- Keep all of your doctor’s notes and summaries
- Ask witnesses who say what
- Check for maintenance records that show the issue was not attended to
Once you gather sufficient evidence, you must piece it together to show the property owner’s negligence. It is important to prove that the hazard existed long enough for the owner to ignore it. If you prepare properly, you can build a strong case with a slip-and-fall attorney in St. George from Siegfried & Jensen.
St. George Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Slip-and-Falls Are One of the Leading Preventable Injuries
Slip-and-falls are one of the top ten preventable injuries in the United States and make up a large portion of nonfatal emergency department visits. About 35% of all nonfatal injuries are related to a fall. This makes them the lead cause of such incidents.
While falls are among one of the top causes of nonfatal injuries, they also share the spot of one of the top three causes of preventable deaths, right next to poisoning and motor vehicle accidents.
These three causes make up about 86% of all preventable deaths. For a slip-and-fall injury specifically, public awareness, hazard identification, and proper maintenance can reduce the risk of injuries.
It is helpful to recognize common hazards so they can be preventable. Property owners should regularly inspect their area to check for unsafe conditions. Unfortunately, this does not always happen, so if you experience an injury from someone’s property, you should educate yourself on what to do after a slip-and-fall.
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Scenarios a Property Owner May Be at Fault
A property owner can hold fault if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent hazards that could lead to injuries. This goes beyond just noticing a danger; it requires immediate action to warn visitors about it or fix it. Some examples include:
- A loose step that is left unrepaired despite several complaints
- A spill that is still not cleaned up, even after owners or staff are made aware of it
- Dim or broken lights in parking lots and hallways cause a tripping hazard
- Ice on a walkway that is left untreated making it hazardous for people passing by.
- Construction debris that is not marked with warnings
For these types of situations, the property owner’s inaction will show that they did not take proper care of their property. When they ignore an obvious risk, they put everyone on the property in danger. Knowing when they may hold fault can help you determine if you may have a case.
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How Compensation May Be Calculated
Compensation for a slip-and-fall injury is determined by looking at how the accident has impacted you personally and financially. Some people automatically think you can only get compensated for financial losses, but it is important to keep in mind that you can sue for emotional distress, too. There are three major categories when you think of compensation.
Medical Expenses and Recovery Costs
One of the major factors when figuring out compensation is medical expenses. This will include everything from treatments and surgeries to physical therapy and ongoing care.
If your injuries end up needing future treatments, those projected costs should also be added to your claim to make sure they can potentially be covered.
Lost Income and Future Earnings
If you miss work because of your injuries, the income you lost will be factored into your compensation. For cases where your ability to work has been permanently affected, you can also include your future lost earnings. The losses will help show how the accident has disrupted your financial stability.
Emotional and Physical Impact
Keep in mind how your injuries may affect your quality of life. This can include aspects like emotional suffering, difficulty doing things you used to enjoy, or long-term pain. These factors will reflect the personal toll the accident has taken and add to the overall amount you may receive.
The financial amount you receive for compensation will depend on the severity of your injury. Think about how much it has impacted your life. Talk it over with your slip-and-fall lawyer in St. George, UT, to see how it can be added to your claim.
Reach Out to a St. George Slip and Fall Attorney
Do not let your finances take a toll from a slip-and-fall that was not your fault. Our team at Siegfried & Jensen works on these types of personal injury cases frequently and can potentially help you, too.
Contact our slip-and-fall accident attorney in St. George, UT, to start with a consultation.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form