Reno Slip and Fall Attorney

Between walking around the house, at work and in stores, we take thousands of steps each day. We don’t even think about all those steps unless we’re counting them for exercise. However, we certainly become aware of a misstep that ends in an accident.

Slip and fall accidents are common, and they can happen anywhere, from shopping malls to office buildings, and can often result in serious harm. You may be entitled to compensation when someone else’s negligence leads to your fall.

This is when you need a Reno slip and fall lawyer to explain your legal options, build a solid case on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.

Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident happens when a person falls due to a hazardous condition, often on someone else’s property. These slips can result in severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, and spinal cord damage.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 37% of those who fall reported an injury that required medical treatment or restricted their activity for at least one day, resulting in an estimated nine million fall injuries in 2023.

While some falls may be minor, others require prolonged and extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Here in Nevada, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe and may be liable if a hazardous condition causes an injury, which is referred to as premises liability.

Proving negligence in such a case will require a thorough understanding of the state’s premises liability laws, making legal representation essential.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Many slip and fall accidents could have been preventable. Some of the most common include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven pavement
• Clutter
• Loose carpeting
• Inadequate lighting
• Broken handrails.

Weather-related hazards such as ice and snow also contribute to falls, particularly when businesses fail to clear sidewalks and entryways.

Poor maintenance and neglect often play a role in these accidents. Owners of the property could be held responsible for any injuries that result if they fail to address hazards or provide proper warnings. A slip and fall law firm will investigate the details surrounding your fall and determine whether negligence was a factor.

Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case

For a successful claim, you must establish that the property owner or manager acted negligently.

This requires demonstrating that a dangerous condition existed, that the responsible party knew or should have known about it, and that they failed to take reasonable measures to fix or warn visitors about it.

Evidence also plays a vital role in proving negligence. Surveillance footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and accident reports can all support your claim. Additionally, photographs of the hazard and your injuries can strengthen your case.

An experienced attorney will gather this evidence and build a compelling argument on your behalf.

Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries

The costs of slip and fall accident injuries can be significant. Things like medical bills, lost or reduced wages, and rehabilitation therapy expenses can significantly burden victims.

If negligence caused your fall, you may be entitled to compensation for these and other damages.

A successful claim can compensate for medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and predicted costs of future medical care. In cases where victims suffer from severe trauma that can lead to long-term disability, like traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage, additional compensation may be available for diminished earning capacity and ongoing care.

Your Reno slip and fall attorney will work to maximize your compensation.

The Role of a Reno Slip and Fall Lawyer

Navigating a personal injury claim can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury at the same time.

Your slip and fall lawyer in Reno will handle the legal process, allowing you and your family to focus on healing. They’ll investigate your accident, gather key evidence, deal with insurance company negotiations, and, if necessary, represent you in court.

Insurers often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Without experienced legal representation to fight for your rights, you could end up with a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Taking the right steps after a slip and fall can strengthen your case.

• The most important thing to do is to get immediate medical attention, even if your injuries don’t seem that bad. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not show immediately but can become serious if untreated. A medical evaluation creates documentation that links your injuries to the accident.
• Always report an accident to the site manager or owner of the property as quickly as possible and request a copy of any written reports.
• Gather as much evidence as you can by taking photos at the scene. Note any hazards and visible injuries and collect contact information from eyewitnesses.
• Avoid making statements that could be used against you, such as admitting fault.
• Finally, consult a Reno slip and fall lawyer to discuss your legal options.

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Reno Can Strengthen Your Case

A successful slip and fall claim requires more than just proving that you fell and were injured.

The defense may argue that you were responsible for the accident or that the owner didn’t know about the hazard. Your lawyer will anticipate these challenges and prepare a strong case by gathering compelling evidence, consulting experts, and aggressively negotiating.

Legal representation improves your chances of securing a favorable outcome. Whether through a negotiated settlement or litigation, your lawyer helps ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Claims

If you’re thinking of taking legal action, you must act quickly. Nevada’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including slip and fall cases, means that victims typically have two years from the date of an accident date to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you might lose the right to seek any compensation for your losses.

Some specific circumstances can alter this time frame, like cases involving government property or injuries to minors. Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure that your claim paperwork is filed correctly, within the legal deadline, and that any crucial evidence is preserved.

If you or a loved one’s been injured in a slip and fall incident, there’s legal help available. Our slip and fall attorneys in Reno can evaluate the merits of your case, explain your rights within Nevada law, and help guide you through the legal steps of beginning a personal injury claim.

Taking action now can protect your future and help you secure the compensation you need and deserve.

Don’t wait to seek legal advice from a slip and fall attorney in Reno. Contact the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp today to discuss your options.