Slip And Fall Lawyer Burnsville, MN
Whether you trip in a parking lot or lose your balance because of a damaged railing, a fall can result in more than just superficial wounds. If you broke bones, suffered head trauma, or other debilitating injuries because of a slip and fall accident, seek advice from a knowledgeable Burnsville, MN slip and fall lawyer today. Contact Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. for a free consultation to learn what legal actions you can take to alleviate the financial burden of harm you endured from someone else’s negligence.
What Is A Slip And Fall Lawyer?
Our Burnsville slip and fall lawyer represents clients who fell and were injured because of poor upkeep or conditions that could have been avoided if the owner had taken reasonable precautions to maintain their property. Slip and fall incidents can cause serious harm like broken bones, back or spinal injuries, and dislocated joints. Recovery can be difficult and, depending on how badly you were hurt, may keep you from being able to work.
The purpose of a slip and fall claim is to recover financial damages for losses from medical bills and missed work as a result of the accident. The total amount you could be paid depends on how badly you were hurt, how long it will take for you to recover, and the impact your injury has on your daily life.
What Does A Slip And Fall Lawyer Do?
The first thing our slip and fall lawyer does is establish liability in a case. They need to prove that you fell because a property manager or owner failed to fix a known hazard within a reasonable amount of time. Your attorney also has to establish that the accident was unavoidable and can’t be attributed to recklessness or carelessness on your part.
Some examples of slip and fall accidents from negligence include:
- Broken, missing, or damaged handrails
- Poor property maintenance like potholes or cracks
- Slips in pooled water from a known leak
- Improperly installed flooring, such as wrinkled or lifted rugs
- Ignored safety hazards
The property owner or landlord may be held legally responsible for your slip and fall if the cause of the accident could have been prevented, such as damaged property, and the owner was aware of the potential hazard but did not take action to repair it.
Most viable slip and fall claims are settled through insurance. However, the company’s first offer might not be fair. Our slip and fall lawyer will negotiate for fair reparations to compensate for current, past, and future losses. If your fall caused a long-term disability, that may be a cause for a larger settlement.
Some factors our personal injury lawyers take into account to determine whether a just agreement is reached may include the following:
- Medical bills for care received now and in the future
- Rehabilitation or therapy needs
- Lost wages and possible diminished earning potential
If your attorney and the insurance company do not reach an agreement, filing a personal injury lawsuit is the next step. A qualified personal injury lawyer will submit the required court paperwork and advocate for your rights in court. Your case will be presented to a judge and jury, who will determine blame and compensation.
Speak to a Burnsville slip and fall lawyer today to see if you have a personal injury claim. Our team at Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. specializes in winning damages for victims. Call our office to learn how we can help after an accident.
Common Injuries In Slip And Fall Accidents And Their Legal Implications
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores to sidewalks, and their consequences can range from minor inconveniences to life-altering injuries. While they may seem trivial at first glance, the injuries sustained in these accidents often have significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts. As a Burnsville, MN slip and fall lawyer can attest, understanding the common injuries associated with slip and falls and their legal implications is essential for victims seeking justice and fair compensation.
Common Injuries In Slip And Fall Accidents
- Fractures and Broken Bones
One of the most frequent outcomes of slip and fall accidents is fractures, especially in the wrists, arms, hips, and ankles. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to hip fractures, which can require extensive surgery and rehabilitation. Broken bones can lead to long-term mobility issues, impacting a victim’s ability to work and perform daily activities. - Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A fall that involves hitting the head can result in a traumatic brain injury, ranging from a mild concussion to severe brain damage. Symptoms may include memory loss, dizziness, headaches, and cognitive impairment. TBIs often require prolonged medical treatment and can have lasting effects on a victim’s quality of life. - Spinal Cord Injuries
Falls can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, or, in severe cases, paralysis. Such injuries typically involve significant medical expenses, including surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care, making it essential to pursue compensation. - Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and ligament tears in the wrists, knees, and ankles are common in slip and fall accidents. While these injuries may not seem severe, they can cause chronic pain and limited movement, requiring ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. - Cuts and Abrasions
Falling on sharp objects or rough surfaces can lead to cuts and abrasions that, while less severe than other injuries, may still require medical attention and leave lasting scars. - Psychological Injuries
Beyond physical harm, slip and fall accidents can cause emotional distress, including anxiety and depression. Victims may develop a fear of walking in public places or performing certain activities, further affecting their daily lives.
Legal Implications Of Slip And Fall Injuries
For victims of slip and fall accidents, the legal process involves proving that another party was negligent and that their negligence directly caused the injury. Key legal considerations include:
- Premises Liability
Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions. If they fail to address hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting, they can be held liable for accidents that occur on their premises. - Comparative Negligence
In some cases, the victim may share responsibility for the accident, such as not paying attention to warning signs. A slip and fall lawyer can help minimize the impact of comparative negligence on the compensation awarded. - Damages
Compensation in slip and fall cases typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Legal representation ensures that victims receive a fair settlement or court award that addresses all aspects of their injury.
Conclusion
Slip and fall injuries can be more serious than they initially appear, often leading to long-term consequences. Understanding the types of injuries and their legal implications is critical for victims seeking justice. By consulting a Burnsville skilled slip and fall lawyer from Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., victims can build a strong case, prove liability, and secure the compensation they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
How Slip And Fall Lawyers Prove Liability In Premises Liability Cases
When someone suffers an injury, both physical and emotional distress, due to a slip and fall, proving liability is one of the most critical aspects of the case. As Burnsville, MN slip and fall lawyers, our job is to demonstrate that the property owner or manager was negligent and that their negligence directly caused the injury. It’s a process that requires careful investigation, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of premises liability law. Let’s walk through how we prove liability in these types of cases.
Establishing Duty Of Care
The first step in any slip and fall case is to establish that the property owner owed you a duty of care. Property owners and managers have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. Whether it’s a grocery store, an apartment complex, or a private residence, we look at the relationship between you and the property owner to confirm this duty existed.
For example, if you were invited onto the property or were there as a customer, the property owner likely owed you a higher duty of care than if you were trespassing. This distinction is essential because it sets the stage for determining whether their actions—or lack thereof—constitute negligence.
Identifying The Hazard
Next, we focus on the specific condition that caused the fall. Was it a wet floor, a loose rug, a broken stair, or uneven pavement? Identifying the hazard is key to demonstrating how the property owner failed to keep their premises safe. We gather evidence, such as photographs of the scene, maintenance logs, or surveillance footage, to document the hazardous condition.
Proving Knowledge Of The Hazard
To hold the property owner accountable, we must show that they knew—or should have known—about the hazard. This is often one of the trickiest parts of a slip and fall case. We investigate whether:
- The hazard existed for a long enough period that the owner should have noticed and fixed it.
- Employees or the owner were directly informed about the condition but failed to act.
- There were inadequate inspections or maintenance routines in place.
For instance, if you slipped on spilled liquid in a supermarket, we might examine store policies and surveillance footage to determine whether employees were following proper cleanup protocols.
Demonstrating Negligence
Once we establish that the property owner was aware—or should have been aware—of the hazard, we demonstrate how their negligence caused your injury. Negligence could include failing to post warning signs, ignoring repair needs, or not addressing unsafe conditions promptly.
We also examine whether your actions were reasonable. For example, were you paying attention to your surroundings? Comparative negligence might come into play if the defense argues that you were partially at fault. We work hard to counter such claims and ensure that any shared responsibility doesn’t unfairly reduce your compensation.
Linking The Injury To The Accident
We connect your injury directly to the slip and fall incident. Medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements all play a role in showing that your injury was a direct result of the property owner’s negligence.
Proving liability in a slip and fall case is a detailed and meticulous process, but it’s one we take seriously. By gathering evidence, building a strong argument, and advocating for your rights, we Burnsville slip and fall lawyers aim to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident, we at Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. can help.