Denver Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Denver, CO

If you have been injured due to a negligent property or business owner, a slip and fall accident lawyer Denver,CO residents rely on, from the Law Offices of Cliff Enten can help. Premises liability laws, which is part of the numerous potential personal injury claims, allow a person who lives on or visits another person’s property to recover for injuries sustained while on the property if the owner was negligent. A property owner may be negligent in many ways, such as if he or she allows a sidewalk to become icy or a liquid spill to be left in the aisle of a store. 

 

Slip and Fall Considerations

Whether you are visiting a shopping mall, friend’s house, public park, or other site, slip and falls can happen anywhere. A common misconception people have is that if they fall, it was their own fault. However, in many cases it was someone who failed to maintain an area that would be held liable. A property owner must keep the property reasonably free from hazards and as safe as possible for visitors. A property owner that doesn’t fulfill this duty of care may be responsible for injuries sustained from slip and fall accidents.

Victims of slips and falls are advised to talk with a lawyer who is familiar with personal injury law. While friends and family may offer well-intentioned advice, it may not be accurate to your case. Our team is knowledgeable about personal injury law and knows how to use them to get victims the compensation they deserve. If you were in a slip-and-fall accident, chances are it was due to one of the following:

• Cracks in the pavement
• Poor lighting
• Snow, ice, or rain buildup
• Torn or curled carpeting
• Spilled liquids
• Depressions in the ground
• Broken handrails (or lack thereof)
• Product left on the floor
• Stray electrical cords or wires

If you slipped and fell at a property, you must file a report with the appropriate person while you are there. For example, if you slipped and fell while shopping because of a loose product in the aisle, notify the supervisor on duty at the time. They should provide you with incident report paperwork so you can file the accident with the company. Get a copy of this report for your lawyer, as this will be helpful in handling your claim. Depending on the factors of the accident and type of injury you sustained, you may be eligible for damages such as:

• Medical bills
• Loss of earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Mental health issues
• Future costs
• Loss of companionship
• Reduced quality of life
• Rehabilitation
• And more

Before you have grounds for a personal injury case, it will have to be shown that your injuries were sustained due to the negligence of the property owner or staff. While accidents happen everyday, when someone is responsible for the injury of another either due to negligence or recklessness, then legal action may be warranted. Many people may not know whether their circumstances qualify them to seek compensation. For clarity on your case, contact our law firm today for assistance. 

Hurt on Another Person’s Property

An owner of a property has a duty to keep the premises or property in a reasonably safe condition. For example, an owner must keep sidewalks or walkways free of ice to avoid slip and fall accidents. Traditionally, an invitee was owed the highest level of care. An invitee is a person invited to enter or remain for the commercial benefit of the property owner. This includes a person entering a store to shop or a tenant renting an apartment or house.

As opposed to an invitee, a licensee is someone who has permission to be on the property, but who is there for his or her own personal purposes and not for business purposes. Guests at a party or family members with an open invitation to visit are considered invitees. Under common law, a lesser standard of care was provided for licensees than was provided for invitees.

The common law distinction between invitees and licensees in regard to the duty owed is no longer recognized. Instead, an owner of the property owes all entrants a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances regarding the state of the premises.

In order to impose liability on an owner or possessor of property, the Denver, CO slip and fall accident lawyer of a person injured while on the property of another must establish that the owner:

• Knew or in the exercise of ordinary care should have known of the dangerous condition and should have realized that it involved an unreasonable risk of harm
• Should have anticipated that the entrant would not have discovered or been aware of the danger, or would not have taken precaution against it
• Failed to exercise reasonable care in providing protection against the danger

Trespassers to the Property

Importantly, trespassers are not provided the same protections as entrants who have express or implied consent to be on the property. Generally, owners or possessors of the property only need to avoid willfully or wantonly injuring trespassers. Willful conduct involves an actor having actual knowledge of the danger of the act being performed in conjunction with a conscious failure to avoid the injury. A wanton act is one that is performed with reckless indifference to the potential for harmful consequences.

Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can occur in many different settings and cause various injuries. If you were hurt in this type of accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Here are some of the most common slip and fall accident injuries.

• Head injuries. During slip and fall accidents, victims can hit their heads on the ground, resulting in head injuries. These injuries can range from mild to severe and cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, confusion and dizziness. Severe head injuries may require long-term rehabilitation and permanently affect a person’s cognitive function.

• Broken bones. The strong force involved in a slip and fall accident can cause some victims to break their bones in their legs, arms, ribs or hips. Broken bones are very painful and can require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.

• Facial injuries. It is common for people to fall on their faces in slip and fall accidents. This can cause several facial injuries, like cuts, eye injuries, jaw fractures, and dental injuries.

• Spinal cord injuries. Slip and fall accidents can also result in spinal cord injuries, which require immediate medical attention. These injuries can cause pain, limited mobility, and even paralysis and often require long-term rehabilitation.

• Soft tissue injuries. These slip and fall accidents injuries damage the ligaments, tendons and muscles and can cause pain, swelling and bruising. While soft tissue injuries may not be life-threatening, they can take a while to recover from.

• Knee injuries. In a slip and fall accident, people can twist or pop their knees, resulting in knee damage. Knee injuries can cause excruciating pain and require physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

• Shoulder injuries. Also known as brachial plexus injuries, shoulder injuries are another common slip and fall accident injury. A dislocated shoulder causes severe pain and may require surgery followed by physical therapy.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you have been in a slip-and-fall accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Your health should be your top priority. As mentioned above, these accidents can result in serious injuries. The sooner you seek treatment, the better chance you have of a fall recovery. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and then recommend the proper treatment.

Experiencing a slip and fall accident can be a startling and potentially painful event. It’s important to know how to respond appropriately after such an incident to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here are some essential steps to take after a slip and fall accident:

1. Assess your immediate condition: After a slip and fall, take a moment to assess your physical state. Check for any visible injuries or signs of pain. If you’re seriously injured or in severe pain, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or asking someone nearby for help.
2. Report the incident: Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it’s crucial to report the slip and fall accident to the appropriate person or authority in the establishment where it occurred. Inform a manager, supervisor, or property owner about the incident and provide them with a detailed account of what happened. Ensure that the incident is documented properly, either by filling out an accident report or writing down the details yourself.
3. Gather evidence: If you’re able to do so, collect evidence at the accident scene. Take photographs of the hazardous condition that caused your fall, such as a wet floor, uneven surface, or debris. Also, capture images of any visible injuries you sustained. These photographs can serve as valuable evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim later.
4. Obtain witness statements: If there were witnesses to the slip and fall accident, obtain their contact information and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement regarding what they saw. Witness testimonies can help support your version of events and strengthen your case, if necessary.
5. Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor initially, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as internal bruising or head trauma, may not exhibit immediate symptoms. A medical professional can evaluate your condition thoroughly, document your injuries, and provide necessary treatment. Additionally, obtaining medical records will serve as vital evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
6. Preserve evidence: Preserve any physical evidence related to the accident, such as torn clothing, damaged footwear, or any items that contributed to the incident. It’s important to keep these items in their original condition, as they may be required for investigation or as evidence during legal proceedings.
7. Consult an attorney: If you believe that negligence or hazardous conditions contributed to your slip and fall accident, consider consulting a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, provide legal advice, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Remember, each slip and fall accident is unique, and the steps you take may vary depending on the circumstances. It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being and take appropriate action to protect your rights. By following these steps, you can better navigate the aftermath of a slip and fall accident and ensure that your interests are safeguarded.

Cliff Enten Denver Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

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Helping Victims

If you have been injured while you were on the property of another person, it may be possible for you to recover damages from the owner. For more information, contact a skilled Denver, CO slip and fall accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Cliff Enten.