Hampton Slip & Fall Lawyer

Whether you visit a store or an apartment complex you expect the owner or manager of the premises to maintain a reasonably safe environment. Unfortunately, doesn’t always happen. A loose tile, wet floor, or other hazard can cause a painful fall, along with crippling injuries.

When this happens, you may be able to file a slip and fall claim to pursue compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. Having a trusted lawyer on your side can improve your chances of receiving the settlement you need to get back on your feet. The Hampton slip & fall lawyers at Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law have been helping the people of Virginia since 1973, and we’re ready to help you, too. Learn more about these accidents and how to take action.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall in Hampton?

Slip and fall cases can be complex because proving liability isn’t always straightforward. To hold the property owner or manager accountable, you must prove they knew about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it. However, you must also prove that the danger wasn’t obvious enough that you should have noticed and avoided it yourself.

This is especially important because Virginia has some of the most strict contributory negligence laws in the country. If you bear even 1% of the liability for your injuries, you’ll be barred from recovering damages.

A Hampton slip and fall lawyer can help you build a strong case to overcome these challenges, gathering comprehensive evidence, carefully investigating the circumstances of your accident, and presenting your case in a way that minimizes the risk of you being found partially at fault.

Who Is Liable in a Hampton Slip and Fall Accident?

Most of the time, slip and fall liability will land on the property owner or manager. To establish liability, you must demonstrate that the defendant owed you a duty of care and that they breached it. If you were a visitor or guest on the property, the owner or manager had a responsibility to ensure that their premises were reasonably safe. If they knew about a potential hazard, failed to address it, and you suffered injuries as a result, they can be held liable for that negligence.

In some cases, however, other parties may also be responsible, such as a maintenance company, contractor, or even an employee who failed to properly address the dangerous condition. These parties can also be held accountable if their actions or inactions contributed to the hazard that caused your injury.

What Can Cause a Slip and Fall Accident?

Slip and fall claims often arise from a few common property hazards. The obvious culprit is a wet floor, but other causes include:

• Potholes or cracks
• Inadequate lighting
• Loose floorboards
• Wires or other objects on the floor
• Ice or snow
• Loose mats or rugs
• Uneven flooring

Slip and fall accidents can also occur because of damaged stairs. If stairsteps are cracked or there are missing handrails, you could easily lose your footing and fall.

Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and falls can result in injuries of all kinds. Some could be minor, allowing you to return to normal activities in a few days. However, others can be potentially life-altering. Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains are common, especially when the victim twists as they fall. If these injuries are serious enough, they could result in limited mobility and the need for rehabilitative therapy.

Broken bones are also a frequent outcome of slip and fall accidents. Many victims instinctively reach out to brace themselves as they fall, which could lead to fractured wrists or fingers. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may need surgery. Some of the most severe injuries victims can suffer are spinal cord injuries. Whether you fracture multiple vertebrae or suffer a herniated disc, you could face months of pain and mobility issues that prevent you from living a normal life.

Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are also common in slip and fall cases. These injuries can result in lasting cognitive issues and, in the most severe cases, put victims at risk of suffering paralysis or permanent brain damage.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Hampton

The most important thing to do after a slip and fall accident is to seek medical care. If you have serious injuries, call 911 and request an ambulance. If your injuries are not serious, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible for a full assessment. Next, make sure to report the accident to the property owner or manager. If your injuries aren’t serious, you may do this before seeking medical treatment.

Assuming you don’t have to go to the hospital, start documenting the scene. Take pictures of where the accident occurred and any visible injuries. Make note of any security cameras that may have captured the incident. If there were witnesses present, get their contact information. Finally, contact an attorney for guidance on your next steps. The skilled slip and fall injury lawyers at Huffman & Huffman can handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.

Hampton Slip & Fall Lawyer: FAQs

How Long After a Slip and Fall Can You Sue?

You can sue immediately after a slip and fall accident, and it’s in your best interests to do so. Under Virginia law, you only have two years in which to bring your lawsuit.

How Much Is a Slip and Fall Case Worth?

The answer depends on the severity of your injuries. Your slip and fall compensation will come down to the financial losses you’ve experienced, as well as how long it will take for you to recover and how much the injuries will impact your life.

Do Most Slip and Fall Cases Settle Out of Court?

Yes. Slip and fall settlements are quite common, and most cases never proceed to trial.

How Long Does a Slip and Fall Case Take to Settle?

Every case is unique, but the majority take at least a few months. The more parties that are involved and the more severe the injuries are, the longer the process can take.

Is There a Slip and Fall Lawyer Near Me?

Huffman & Huffman has an office at 12284 Warwick Boulevard in Newport News, which is only 15 minutes from the Hampton city center. We also have an office in Virginia Beach.

Trust Our Experienced Hampton Slip and Fall Lawyers to Handle Your Case

If you’ve suffered an injury in a fall due to another party’s negligence, the proven Hampton slip and fall lawyers at Huffman & Huffman can help. We’ve obtained millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients and are ready to handle your case with the care and attention it deserves. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.