Understand Your Legal Options After A Slip-And-Fall Accident
In comparison to, say, a car accident, slipping and falling may seem like no big deal. However, some slip-and-falls are very serious, resulting in significant injuries or even permanent disability.
If you were hurt in a slip-and-fall accident and want to know more about your legal options, contact The Law Offices of Joseph Lamy for experienced advice and guidance. On this page, I answer some questions you may have about slip-and-fall accidents in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
What kinds of properties are likely to become the subject of a slip-and-fall lawsuit?
A slip-and-fall accident can occur anywhere. But when it comes to litigation, retail establishments like stores and restaurants are some of the most commonly named defendants. This is the case for at least two reasons. First, these establishments see a lot of foot traffic because they want as many customers as possible coming through their doors. Second, these properties are typically well-staffed and constantly monitored, meaning that they have little excuse for failing to notice and mitigate slipping/tripping hazards.
How long do I have to take legal action after a slip-and-fall injury?
The statutes of limitation in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts are three years from the date of injury. This is a very generous amount of time, but you shouldn’t wait nearly this long to seek legal help. With each day that passes, evidence disappears, memories fade and witnesses become more difficult to locate. For these and other reasons, I recommend contacting an attorney to discuss your legal options as soon as reasonably possible.
What if I fell for some reason other than slipping? Can I file a lawsuit for tripping and falling?
Slip-and-fall is a shorthand term used to describe one type of premises liability claim (referring to injuries suffered on dangerous private property). But your fall doesn’t necessarily need to be related to a slip. Here are other scenarios that might be described using the “slip-and-fall” terminology:
- Tripping over poorly placed merchandise in a store
- Tripping due to uneven flooring or loose carpeting in a hotel lobby
- Stepping into a deep pothole on a sidewalk, twisting your ankle and falling hard onto the ground
- Falling down some stairs because a step was missing or the height and depth of the steps violated local building codes
- Tripping and falling in a parking garage due to inadequate lighting
As you can see, the term slip-and-fall can be used to describe a variety of similar scenarios.
If I was injured on the property of a friend or family member, do I have to sue them directly to get compensation?
Most of us wouldn’t dream of suing a friend or family member for an accident on their property. If they have an insurance policy covering their home or property, however, you may need to take legal action against the insurer if your claim is denied or you receive a lowball settlement offer. Taking action against an insurance company is very different than suing someone you know personally, and most homeowners would understand and appreciate the distinction.
Discuss Your Slip-And-Fall Accident With An Experienced Attorney For Free
If you’ve been injured and want to better understand your legal options, contact The Law Offices of Joseph Lamy to take advantage of a free initial consultation. To get started, call my office in Cranston, Rhode Island, at 401-740-3122 or reach out online.