While some falls are just embarrassing, others can change the course of your entire life by causing serious injuries that stick with you for decades to come. You may be left unable to hold down a job or perform the same daily activities of living that you did before becoming injured. Our Gastonia, NC slip and fall accident attorneys are ready to help you hold the at-fault party in your case accountable for your injuries. Reach out to Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC to schedule a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.
Who is Liable in Your Slip and Fall Case?
Determining liability in a slip and fall case requires determining who acted negligently, and whether or not that person owed you a duty of care to keep you safe while you were present on the property where you were injured. In general, property owners must ensure that their properties present no imminent danger for people who visit them, provided the person is there lawfully. Sometimes there is more than one defendant in these cases. For example, a property owner and a property manager may be held liable.
If it is established that the property owner owed you a duty of care to keep you safe, then they may be found negligent if they knew (or reasonably should have known) that unsafe conditions existed on the premises and made no effort to correct the problem or warn you of the possibility of danger. Some of these unsafe conditions include:
- Broken or loose stair railings.
- Broken pavement.
- Debris, cords, cables, or wires causing a tripping hazard.
- Defective escalators or stairs.
- Flooring or pavements that are uneven.
- Frayed or worn carpeting.
- Ice or snow covering walking surfaces.
- Poor lighting.
- Potholes in parking lots.
- Slippery or wet floors.
Statute of Limitations in North Carolina
The statute of limitations for slip and fall claims in North Carolina is three years. All claims of injury due to slip and fall incidents must be filed within that period of time, so a delay in filing a claim can prevent injured parties from recovering compensation. In wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is two years. Our Gastonia, NC slip and fall accident attorney at Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC advises filing as soon as possible once you are injured to preserve your right to receive the just and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Reach out to our team now to arrange a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.