Slip & Fall Accident

Slip and Fall Injury

Slip and Fall Injuries Can Be Significant

It’s almost a cliché: stage a phony slip and fall, sue the owner, come away with a big award. Those kinds of fraudulent claims can deter people who have suffered genuine injury as a result of a slip and fall. At Clifford & Raihala, we are committed to working for real people who have experienced real trauma. Slip and fall accidents are no joke. According to OSHA, “Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. They cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.” In addition, approximately one-third of senior adults fall each year, resulting in broken bones, head injuries, and more. When you experience a slip and fall, call the slip and fall accident lawyers at Clifford & Raihala.

Slip and Fall Liability Is Complicated

When a slip and fall accident occurs, determining liability is often complicated. In general, it falls under the category of premises liability, but there are often various parties who hold responsibility. First, there needs to be a “dangerous condition” that the owner knew or ought to have known about that posed an unreasonable risk to someone else. If the incident takes place at a business, the owner may not be present; the actions or inactions of the manager, and/or other employees may be significant. Likewise, outside maintenance companies or the snow removal company could hold some responsibility. It also matters where the incident takes place. If it is on government property, written notice must be given within 120 days. Expert slip and fall attorneys know all the intricacies.

Understanding Contributory Negligence

Slip and fall accident lawyers will talk to you about contributory negligence, or “shared blame.” Often when a slip and fall accident occurs, the victim is deemed partially responsible. In Wisconsin, contributory negligence does not necessarily mean that you are not eligible for a slip and fall settlement. Plainly stated, if the other party (or parties) bear more responsibility than the victim in the accident, then it is an actionable claim; the award will be decreased by the portion of fault the victim bears. So, for instance, if you suffer a slip and fall and it is determined that 20% of the blame rests with you, and the award is $1000. You will receive $800 ($1000 - 20%). Slip and fall attorneys can guide you through this process.

Clifford & Raihala: Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

Slip and fall accidents can be devastating, and the slip and fall attorneys at Clifford & Raihala are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. You can claim for medical expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses (like transportation and household help while you’re recovering), as well as pain and suffering. Our slip and fall settlements also seek to include future implications of the incident. While the statute of limitations for these claims is generally three years (though there are exceptions), it is best to consult a slip and fall lawyer soon after the accident. Call one of our specialist slip and fall attorneys at Clifford & Raihala.