Our North Carolina slip and fall lawyer helps clients with slip and fall cases every day. Whether your injury took place in a grocery store like Food Lion or Harris Teeter, a big box store like Wal-Mart or Target, or in a smaller business, you may have a valid slip and fall claim. We will help you investigate your incident and build a case to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
The aftermath of a slip and fall accident can be daunting for victims, but it is important to know that you are not alone. Our attorney, Chris Layton, became a lawyer to help people who would otherwise be taken advantage of, and he is prepared to help defend your rights and your interests in your slip and fall case. As a North Carolina resident for over 20 years, and with over a decade of legal experience, he is dedicated to serving members of the North Carolina community with their legal needs. To discuss your case with our team and find out how we can assist you, contact The Layton Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation.
Proving Negligence In A Slip And Fall Case
A crucial component of all slip and fall claims is proving negligence. Essentially, we must demonstrate that the owner of the premises owed the injured party a duty of care, that the duty of care was breached in some way, and that the injured party suffered injury as a direct result of that breach of duty. Quite often, clients call us to discuss the concept of contributory negligence, which is a defense often raised by insurance companies so that they won’t have to pay an injured party in a slip and fall claim. Our team has a wealth of experience fighting back against claims of contributory negligence, and we can help defend you against this claim in your case.
Receiving Treatment And Recovering Damages
The first goal after any personal injury is to recover from the injury. Our staff will help to ensure that you’re getting the treatment that has been recommended to you. Once you complete that treatment, we will gather official medical records and medical billing related to the treatment. At that time, we can evaluate the damages, which are a function of both the medical billing and the actual injury. Once we understand the full extent of your losses, we can determine the full amount of compensation to pursue in your case.
Negotiating Your Claim
Our North Carolina slip and fall lawyer will represent you during negotiations with the insurance company. Having an experienced lawyer involved in your case sends a message to the insurance company that if they refuse to settle for a reasonable amount, it is likely they will be sued in court. Our attorney also responds to unfounded allegations by insurance companies regarding contributory negligence, improper valuation of the case, and any other manner in which the insurance company may attempt to lower or devalue your claim or case.
Settling The Claim
Most slip-and-fall claims settle without having to go to court. One element of settling your claim involves negotiating with your medical providers to lower their bills. The net effect of successful negotiation of medical bills is that the client puts more money into their pocket. We will be glad to discuss this process with you if you choose to retain us as your North Carolina slip and fall lawyer.
North Carolina Slip And Fall FAQs
Our North Carolina slip and fall lawyer understands that cases can vary widely, but the process generally follows a standard procedure to gather facts, identify liability, and determine how much compensation may be due. When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to understand how your case will be investigated. Below, we answer some common questions about how slip and fall cases are investigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue For A Slip And Fall Injury?
Yes, if the slip and fall was caused by the property owner’s negligence, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Can A Slip And Fall Lawyer Help My Case?
A lawyer can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court to maximize your compensation for injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident.
What Is The First Step In Investigating A Slip And Fall Case?
The first step in investigating a slip and fall case is to gather all relevant evidence. This includes photos of the accident scene, any available security footage, and witness statements. Our North Carolina slip and fall lawyer starts by ensuring that all the details surrounding the fall are captured as soon as possible to preserve important evidence. This may also involve speaking to the property owner or manager to collect incident reports or maintenance records that might help clarify the situation.
How Do Lawyers Verify Who Is At Fault In A Slip And Fall Accident?
To determine fault in a slip and fall case, we examine whether the property owner or manager was negligent in maintaining a safe environment. Our investigation includes looking at the conditions of the premises at the time of the accident. Was there a wet floor with no warning sign? Were there any broken stairs or defective lighting? By reviewing maintenance records, speaking with witnesses, and inspecting the scene, we work to determine if negligence contributed to the accident.
What Role Do Witness Statements Play In A Slip And Fall Investigation?
Witness statements play a critical role in verifying what happened during the fall. We often speak to people who saw the accident occur or who know about the property’s conditions before the fall. This can help us understand whether the conditions were hazardous and whether anyone else noticed the danger before the accident. Witnesses can also provide valuable insight into how the accident unfolded, which can be crucial when presenting your case.
What Evidence Do Lawyers Look For To Support A Slip And Fall Claim?
In addition to witness statements and incident reports, we look for physical evidence that can support your claim. This may include things like damaged flooring, unmarked wet areas, poor lighting, or even outdated safety protocols. Surveillance footage can also be an essential part of the investigation, as it may capture the incident or the conditions leading to it. The goal is to compile as much evidence as possible to demonstrate that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
How Long Does It Take To Investigate A Slip And Fall Case?
The length of time required to investigate a slip and fall case varies depending on the complexity of the incident and the availability of evidence. In general, the investigation process can take a few weeks to several months. Our award-winning North Carolina slip and fall lawyer works diligently to gather all relevant evidence and conduct interviews, but it’s important to take the time needed to ensure everything is properly documented. The investigation process is critical for building a strong case, and we strive to keep you updated throughout.
Moving Forward
Investigating a slip and fall case requires a careful review of all the facts surrounding the incident. At The Layton Law Firm, we use a thorough approach to uncover the details, identify responsible parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has experienced a slip and fall accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. With over twenty years of successful legal experience, our team is here to guide you through the process and help you recover.
We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Get Paid
It costs you nothing to work with our firm on a slip-and-fall claim. Our firm is paid on a contingency basis, which essentially means we don’t get paid unless you get paid. This is a common arrangement in personal injury, and we like it because it keeps attorneys honest—the law firm won’t bill you for hourly work on a case they know is a bad case. As a result, the client benefits from honest conversations with their personal injury lawyer as they progress through the claim toward settlement or toward filing a lawsuit.
At our firm, you will always have direct access to our slip and fall lawyer. We pride ourselves on this fact. It is our belief the client knows more about their case than anyone else, and because of that, we’re eager to keep in good touch with the client as the claim progresses.
Our team also has good relationships with professionals and specialists who can evaluate elements of your case such as a slippery floor or the design or layout of a grocery store and make estimations as to how long a hazardous condition existed before the injured party encountered it. Whether it’s a misplaced display or spilled liquid on the floor of the store, our slip and fall lawyer will work with you (and specialists if necessary) to present a case to the insurance adjuster evaluating the case.
Contact Our North Carolina Slip And Fall Lawyer Today
There’s no need for delay. You deserve to understand your options and have our slip and fall lawyer help you evaluate your case. There’s no obligation to hire the firm—answering questions and providing guidance is part of our job, whether you hire us or not. If you would like to receive a phone call regarding your slip and fall, please complete this brief form, or call 704.749.7747 to speak with our team today. We hope you’ll choose to recover with The Layton Law Firm.
Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Injuries
Our North Carolina slip and fall lawyer has helped many clients recover after suffering serious harm in situations that could have been prevented. Slip and fall accidents happen every day and in many different settings. These incidents often result from property owners not keeping their premises reasonably safe. Below are some of the most common causes we see in slip and fall claims.
Wet Or Slippery Floors
One of the most frequent causes is a wet surface due to spills, mopping, or weather-related conditions like rain or snow. Failing to place warning signs or dry the area promptly can create serious hazards for anyone walking through the space.
Uneven Walking Surfaces
Sidewalks, parking lots, and flooring inside buildings can develop cracks, gaps, or height differences. These uneven areas often cause people to trip or lose balance. Property owners are responsible for repairing or marking these dangers to avoid injuries.
Poor Lighting Conditions
Insufficient lighting can make it difficult to see hazards, especially in stairwells, hallways, or parking areas. When lights are burned out or not properly installed, the risk of falling increases. Good visibility is a basic part of keeping an area safe for visitors.
Cluttered Walkways
Items left in walking paths—like boxes, cords, or equipment—pose a major tripping risk. Whether in a store, warehouse, or apartment building, failing to keep walkways clear can easily result in someone getting hurt.
Damaged Or Loose Carpeting
Torn or bunched-up carpets, loose rugs, or floor mats that don’t lay flat are common triggers for falls. These flooring issues are often overlooked, but they’re easy to correct with proper maintenance or replacement.
Unsafe Staircases
Stairs can be dangerous when they’re broken, lack handrails, or have worn-out treads. A simple misstep becomes more dangerous when the stairs themselves are poorly maintained. It’s also important that staircases are well-lit and consistent in height and depth.
Inadequate Maintenance
The general neglect of a property can lead to unsafe conditions. When regular inspections and repairs are skipped, minor issues often grow into major hazards. Whether it’s a leaking pipe, broken tile, or rotting wood, poor maintenance plays a big role in many slip and fall cases.
Improper Footwear Policies
In workplaces or commercial environments, a lack of proper footwear rules can contribute to slip risks. While this may not be the primary cause, it can combine with other factors like wet floors or slick surfaces to create dangerous conditions.
Lack Of Warning Signs
Even when a hazard is temporary, like a freshly mopped floor, the absence of warning signs increases the likelihood of someone falling. According to our award-winning North Carolina slip and fall lawyer, clear signage gives people the chance to avoid a dangerous area or proceed with caution.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a slip and fall accident, we’re here to help. At The Layton Law Firm, we have over twenty years of experience holding property owners accountable and helping our clients move forward with confidence. Contact our North Carolina slip and fall lawyer today for a free consultation and let’s talk about how we can help you.