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How Slip And Fall Accidents Can Be Complicated

By Brown Moore

June 17, 2020

Home News & Resources How Slip And Fall Accidents Can Be Complicated

When you go onto another person’s property, the last thing you expect is that you will sustain an injury caused by the negligence of a property owner or their employees. Unfortunately, all too often, hazardous conditions arise that can cause slip and fall accidents. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, we want to discuss how these cases can become complicated. Our Charlotte slip and fall accident attorneys have the resources necessary to investigate these claims to secure the compensation you need.

Slip and falls happen regularly, so why are they complicated cases?

Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of injuries that people sustain when they are on someone else’s property. In many cases, these falls are caused by the careless or negligent actions of a property owner or their employees. They can occur due to leaks or spills that are not promptly remedied, no “wet floor” signs after mopping, loose flooring material, and more.

One of the most complicated aspects of these cases is determining liability. The person who was injured in the slip and fall will need to prove that the responsible party had knowledge of or should have known that there was a dangerous condition on their property. It may be the case that there is evidence of a previous complaint made about the cause of the slip and fall and that the property owner made no efforts to remedy the situation.

It may be necessary to secure a Charlotte slip and fall attorney who can use their resources and legal experience to obtain:

  • Any video or photo surveillance of the incident
  • Statements from eyewitnesses or employees
  • Records documenting knowledge of a hazardous condition
  • Property inspection and maintenance records
  • Accident or police reports

Why does contributory negligence matter?

North Carolina is one of the very few states that still maintain contributory negligence laws. These laws say that anyone who contributed to the incident that caused their injuries cannot recover any compensation for their losses.

While most other states allow a person to recover compensation if they are 51% or 50% or less at fault for the incident, that is not the case in North Carolina. If it is determined that a person even has 1% of the fault for the injury-causing incident, they will be unable to recover compensation.

Because of North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws, it is absolutely vital to work with an attorney in the aftermath of a slip and fall case because you can be sure that the property owner and their insurance carrier will try to place some of the blame on the injury victim.

Contact our Charlotte slip and fall attorneys today

If you or a loved one has been injured after slipping and falling on another person’s property, you may be able to recover significant compensation. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, our team is ready to investigate your claim in order to secure the conversation you are entitled to. This can include:

  • Coverage of all medical bills related to the fall
  • Lost wages if you cannot work while recovering
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Possible punitive damages if a property owner was grossly negligent

If you need a Charlotte slip and fall accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.