Slip and fall accidents can occur in public places, work settings, private properties, or anywhere where hazards are overlooked or ignored. In Virginia, if another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you can pursue legal action and recover compensation to cover the costs of the incident.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve been helping families across Virginia recover rightful compensation since 1972. As Virginia personal injury lawyers, we can manage every aspect of your claim to ensure you have a strong case that meets all the legal deadlines and requirements to achieve a successful resolution.
How Tronfeld West & Durrett’s Virginia Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Support Your Case
Slip and fall cases require a thorough understanding of local laws and regulations to determine liability and secure compensation. With Tronfeld West & Durrett extensive experience and trajectory, you can rest assured our team has the knowledge and resources needed to manage even the most complex cases.
To build a strong claim on your behalf, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident: We meticulously gather accident reports, surveillance footage, and any available documentation to understand the cause of the accident and the circumstances surrounding it.
- Identify liable parties: Whether it’s a negligent property owner, property manager, or another responsible party, we work to hold them accountable for your injuries.
- Collect evidence: Our team secures eyewitness statements, photos, and medical records to support your claim and prove negligence.
- Work with medical professionals: Collaborating with healthcare experts allows us to understand the full extent of your injuries and establish the necessary treatment for your recovery to include it in the claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We manage all communication and negotiations with insurers to counteract their tactics and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if necessary: If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys can take your case to trial and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
As shown in our case results, we’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families across Virginia, and we can do the same for you.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Virginia
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits annually, making them the leading cause of such visits (21.3%). Additionally, slips and falls specifically account for over 1 million visits or 12% of the total. In our experience, these accidents often happen due to:
- Wet or slippery floors: Floors that aren’t properly maintained, cleaned, or marked with warning signs.
- Uneven or broken sidewalks: Cracked pavement, potholes, or other irregularities in walking surfaces.
- Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting in hallways, staircases, or parking lots can obscure potential hazards.
- Obstacles in walkways: Unattended objects, debris, or clutter in common areas can lead to falls.
- Ice or snow accumulation: Property owners should clear ice and snow in a timely manner to prevent accidents.
Liability in Virginia Slip and Fall Accidents
Determining liability in slip and fall cases can be challenging, but is crucial for a successful claim. Depending on the accident’s circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be found liable:
- Property owners must maintain their premises safe and address hazards promptly. When they neglect these duties, they can be held liable for accidents and injuries.
- Property managers oversee a property’s day-to-day operations and are responsible for promptly resolving hazards and ensuring safety measures are in place.
- Government entities must keep public areas, like sidewalks and parks, well-maintained and safe. Failure to do so can lead to liability for accidents occurring in those areas.
A slip and fall accident lawyer at our law firm is ready to offer candid advice during a free initial consultation. You can ask questions and gain confidence in your options moving forward. We’re committed to providing personalized guidance for your case, and we’re big enough to handle any case.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases in Virginia
While slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability cases, other types of accidents and incidents can occur on unsafe properties, including:
- Swimming Pool Accidents: Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions around pools. Failing to provide proper barriers, signage, or pool maintenance can lead to accidents or drownings.
- Falling Objects: Objects falling from shelves or structures can cause serious injuries, especially in places like warehouses or stores.
- Hazardous Materials: Property owners must properly store and handle hazardous substances to avoid accidents and injuries due to exposure or spills.
- Negligent Security: In areas prone to crime, property owners have a duty to implement reasonable safety measures, such as increased lighting and security patrols. Failure to do so can result in injuries or criminal actions such as assault or robbery.
Visitor Rights on Another Party’s Property in Virginia
In Virginia, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises and protect visitors from hazardous conditions. However, the level of care a property owner owes depends on the type of visitor:
Invitees
Invitees are individuals who are invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers at a store or diners at a restaurant. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees and must:
- Keep the premises in a reasonably safe condition.
- Remove hazards in a timely manner.
- Warn visitors of any unsafe conditions they know about or should reasonably be aware of.
Licensees
A licensee is typically a social guest invited onto the property. While property owners owe a duty to keep the premises safe for licensees, the responsibility is less than for invitees. Property owners do not need to warn licensees of unknown dangers, but they must still take reasonable care to remove known hazards.
Trespassers
Trespassers are individuals who enter the property without permission. In most cases, property owners are not liable for injuries suffered by trespassers. However, property owners cannot intentionally harm trespassers or create dangerous traps on the premises.
Understanding the distinctions between these visitor types is essential to determining whether you have a valid slip and fall claim.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Virginia Slip and Fall Accident?
After a slip and fall accident in Virginia, you can recover various types of compensation to cover the costs of your recovery and any losses you’ve suffered. They include:
Medical Bills and Rehabilitation Costs
You can claim compensation for medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any long-term rehabilitation required.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages, as well as any reduction in your future earning capacity.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Damages for pain and suffering or emotional distress compensate you for the non-economic impact of your injuries, including anxiety, depression, and other emotional consequences.
The Legal Process for Virginia Slip and Fall Cases
We understand that navigating personal injury lawsuits in Virginia can be daunting, but our team of lawyers is here to relieve the burden. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we’ll stand by you and guide you every step of the way.
Typically, this is what you’ll encounter in the process:
Step 1: Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We thoroughly investigate the accident, collecting all necessary evidence to support your claim and prove liability.
Step 2: Filing Your Claim
Our attorneys help you prepare and file all necessary documents within the legal deadlines and requirements to formally start your case.
Step 3: Negotiating a Settlement or Going to Court
We negotiate with the responsible parties and their insurers to secure a fair settlement. If an agreement cannot be reached, we’re ready to represent you in court.
Serving Slip and Fall Victims Across Virginia
Since 1972, we have proudly represented countless slip and fall victims throughout Virginia:
- Richmond
- Virginia Beach
- Chesterfield
- Petersburg
- Mechanicsville
- Norfolk
- Fredericksburg
- Newport News
No matter where your accident took place, our experienced team is here to provide comprehensive legal support and help you secure rightful compensation.
Our Experience in Slip and Fall Cases Matters – Contact an Attorney in Virginia Today
With over 50 years of experience in personal injury law, Tronfeld West & Durrett has successfully handled hundreds of slip and fall cases in Virginia and recovered millions in compensation for families. Our track record speaks for itself!
You don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident, contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss the best strategy for your case.