When you step onto someone else’s property, you have a reasonable expectation that it will be safe.
Unfortunately, not all property owners take the necessary steps to maintain their premises. As a result, that can lead to accidents with life-changing consequences. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Lexington, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your damages.
At Thomas Law Offices, we know that a slip and fall accident can have a tremendous impact on your life. Our Lexington slip and fall lawyer can help you focus on healing while we take action against negligent property owners.
The Severity of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are often dismissed as minor incidents. The truth is they can lead to severe injuries with long-lasting repercussions.
A fall can cause anything from a sprained ankle to a traumatic brain injury. In the most tragic cases, these accidents can even result in fatalities.
Along with that, victims face financial strain from medical bills, lost income, and the cost of ongoing treatment or rehabilitation. In addition to the financial toll, an accident’s emotional and physical consequences can diminish a person’s quality of life.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from slips and falls include:
- Fractured bones, especially in the hips, wrists, and ankles
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries may lead to partial or total paralysis
- Torn ligaments and muscles
- Cuts, bruises, and internal organ damage
When negligence causes these injuries, victims can sue those who may be responsible for the incident.
Long-Term Impacts of Slip and Fall Injuries
Along with the immediate physical harm, slip and fall injuries can have lifelong consequences. Some individuals might suffer with:
- Chronic pain: Fractures, spinal injuries, and nerve damage can lead to ongoing discomfort that interferes with daily life.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, and fear of falling again are common psychological effects of serious accidents.
- Financial strain: Medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity can place stress on victims and their households.
- Loss of independence: Some injuries, especially in older adults, can result in reduced mobility and a reliance on caregivers. Many of these individuals suffer hip fractures, which are prevalent in those 65 and older, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
With these long-term effects, you need to pursue full and fair compensation. Our Lexington slip and fall lawyer is ready to help with your case.
Were You Injured at Any of These Locations?
These accidents can occur virtually anywhere. According to the National Flooring Safety Institute, slips and falls make up over 1 million emergency room visits. No matter the setting, each claim can face certain challenges in proving negligence and determining liability.
- Retail stores and businesses
- Workplaces and job sites
- Private residences
- Public spaces
- Hotels and resorts
- Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Shopping centers and malls
All these cases are unique, and the specific circumstances surrounding your accident will play a role in determining liability and pursuing fair compensation. You will not want to take on this challenge by yourself. Reach out to a skilled slip and fall lawyer in Lexington today.
What Is Considered Property Owner Negligence?
Under Kentucky law, property owners have a duty to make sure their premises are safe for visitors. This can include:
- Routine maintenance
- Timely repairs
- Clear warnings about any hazards that cannot be immediately addressed
How does negligence play a role? This happens when a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents. Some examples include:
- Allowing slippery substances like spilled liquids, grease, or oil to remain on the floor
- Failing to repair broken stairs, loose floorboards, or uneven flooring
- Neglecting to treat outdoor hazards such as icy walkways, cracked sidewalks, or potholes
- Not addressing poor lighting that can obscure dangerous conditions
- Ignoring clutter, cords, or other obstructions in walking paths
In these situations, a slip and fall victim may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
How Safety Violations Strengthen Your Case
Kentucky property owners must adhere to local, state, and federal safety codes to protect visitors from harm. These regulations are often important in determining whether negligence occurred. For example:
- Building codes: Staircases must have secure handrails and proper lighting, and flooring must meet slip-resistance standards.
- Fire and emergency exits: Pathways to exits must remain clear of obstacles.
- Maintenance protocols: Routine inspections and repairs are required to prevent dangerous conditions.
A property owner’s violation of these safety standards can strengthen your case. This can show evidence of negligence. At Thomas Law Offices, we will evaluate whether safety code violations contributed to your accident and use this information to support your claim.
Overcoming the Challenges of a Slip and Fall Claim
Slip and fall cases often hinge on proving that a property owner was aware of a hazardous condition but failed to address it. Evidence plays a role in establishing liability. Even then, these cases can present a few challenges:
- Temporary hazards: Conditions like spills or ice patches can disappear before being documented. Collecting witness testimony and photographic evidence is vital in these scenarios.
- Lack of warning signs: If a hazard cannot be immediately fixed, the property owner should have posted warnings to protect visitors. Proving the absence of these signs can be difficult.
- Comparative fault allegations: Kentucky follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means that if you are partially responsible for your accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Property owners may argue that the victim was distracted, trespassing, or wearing inappropriate footwear to reduce their liability. Strong evidence is needed to counter these claims.
The investigative process often involves reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and consulting safety experts to build your case. You need a skilled and knowledgeable legal team to overcome these issues.
Thomas Law Offices has years of experience helping slip and fall victims get the compensation they deserve.
Why Some Victims Don’t Reach Out to a Lexington Slip and Fall Lawyer
Despite the seriousness of slip and fall accidents, a few misconceptions prevent victims from pursuing justice. Some of these myths include:
“I’m clumsy, so it’s my fault.”
While feeling embarrassed after a fall is natural, it doesn’t mean you are to blame. Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining safe premises. Some hazards like wet floors or broken steps can cause even the most cautious individuals to fall.
“It’s not worth filing a claim.”
Many people underestimate the long-term costs of their injuries, including ongoing medical treatment and lost earning potential. When filing a claim, make sure that you are not left shouldering these expenses alone.
“I don’t need a lawyer for a simple fall.”
Premises liability cases can be deceptively complicated. Property owners and insurers often deny fault or argue that the victim was responsible. Without a lawyer, you may struggle to get the evidence needed to prove your case.
Don’t let these misconceptions stop you from getting compensation for your case. Find out how we can assist with your claim.
Could You Be Eligible for Compensation?
Those injured in a slip and fall accident may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These are tangible losses that can be calculated, such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Non-Economic Damages
These awards compensate for more subjective losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Act Now—Time Is Important
The Commonwealth of Kentucky has a strict statute of limitations on personal injury claims. You have one year from the accident date to file a lawsuit for slip and fall cases. You can lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline.
To protect your claim, make sure to reach out to the legal team at Thomas Law Offices.
Choose Thomas Law Offices for Your Claim
At Thomas Law Offices, we understand that every slip and fall case has unique circumstances. We will take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and develop a personalized legal strategy.
Slip and fall accidents can become complicated very quickly. For this reason, you need experienced legal help for your case. Our Lexington slip and fall lawyer is ready to assist with your situation.
Let us help you start on the path towards recovery. Schedule your free consultation today.
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