Premises Liability Attorneys For Your Slip And Fall Accident Claim
When a landowner or property owner invites guests or customers onto their property, they owe a duty of reasonable care to make their property safe and free of potential hazards. But all too often, owners of supermarkets, retailers, malls, office buildings, parking lots and other commercial and public property fail to meet this standard. As a result, innocent people are injured and sometimes killed as a result.
At Becker, Kellogg & Berry, P.C., we represent victims of slip-and-fall accidents and other accidents that occur on dangerous premises in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. We have extensive experience handling these types of cases and a proven track record of success obtaining favorable settlements and jury awards for people like you.
What Is The Time Limit For Filing A Slip And Fall Lawsuit?
The law sets time limits known as the civil statute of limitations for filing civil lawsuits such as slip and fall accidents. The purpose of the time constraints is to preserve the quality of physical evidence and the reliability of witness testimony, as well as to eliminate the ongoing risk of legal action.
In Maryland and Washington, D.C., the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident causing your injuries. This means that you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date on which the slip and fall incident occurred. In Virginia, the personal injury statute of limitations is usually two years from the date of the accident.
If you do not file your claim within this timeframe, the court will not allow you to pursue your case in court. Some exceptions may apply so it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your injuries occur to get specific guidance and protect your legal rights to compensation.
What Should I Do Right After A Slip And Fall Accident?
When you experience a slip-and-fall accident, it is important to act as quickly as possible for both your health and any possible legal claims. If you are able, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately and gather medical records of any treatment you receive
- Document the scene with photos; capturing potential causes – contributing to your fall, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or lack of signage
- Gather contact information of witnesses
- Report the incident to the property manager or owner
The next step is speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss the circumstances of your injury. The property owner or manager’s insurance company may try to offer you a settlement for your injuries. These representatives frequently attempt to minimize compensation. Our lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of liability and insurance laws to protect your rights. Our legal team aims to construct a compelling evidence-based case with witness testimonies and accurate estimates for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Have You Suffered A Slip And Fall Accident?
A slip-and-fall accident can have serious consequences. Victims may suffer back and neck injuries, head injuries, leg, knee, shoulder, arm and wrist injuries, and even death. When the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the property owner, manager or other party, victims may pursue personal injury claims, and, if necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue financial compensation that they deserve, including compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, permanent limitations and other damages.
We handle a wide variety of trip and fall accident cases, including those caused by:
- Slippery walkways
- Icy surfaces
- Spills on supermarket floors
- Potholes and cracks in parking lots
- Uneven sidewalks
- Poorly designed staircases
- Faulty railings
- Hazards on golf courses
In handling your case, your attorney must show how negligence contributed to your accident injury and prove that the responsible party knew or should have known of the hazard. Of course, the other party may try to blame you – arguing that you could have avoided the accident if you had been paying more attention. We have handled many of these cases and know how to counter the claims of the opposition and create compelling arguments for our clients. We will do everything we can to help you obtain financial relief for the losses you have suffered.
Put A Proven Advocate For The Injured On Your Side
Contact Becker, Kellogg & Berry, P.C., today at 703-962-1829 for a free consultation with a lawyer. We’ll take care of the rest.