Were you injured in a slip and fall accident in Durham, North Carolina? Call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers at (919) 728-1770 to find out if you might be entitled to compensation.
These incidents can leave you dealing with painful injuries, unexpected medical bills, and time away from work. You shouldn’t have to foot the bill for those losses, but trying to hold the other party accountable can feel impossible if you do it alone.
Our Durham slip and fall accident lawyers know how to get results. Since we opened our doors four decades ago, we’ve recovered over $850 million in damages for our clients (see disclaimer below) and helped victims across North Carolina pursue the justice they deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our Durham personal injury attorneys and learn how we can help.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers To Help Me After a Slip and Fall Accident in Durham?
Slip and fall accidents might seem straightforward, but the legal process rarely is. Proving that a property owner or business was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries can be incredibly challenging. Insurance companies also often try to downplay what happened or argue that you’re at fault.
That’s where we come in. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we build strong cases for people hurt on dangerous premises. Backed by over 190 years of combined experience, we understand how local courts operate and what it takes to stand up to insurance companies in Durham, NC.
Hiring an experienced Durham slip and fall accident attorney means giving yourself a better shot at full and fair compensation. It also means having someone in your corner who knows what you’re going through and won’t let you be taken advantage of.
We take the time to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and keep you informed throughout every step of your case. When you’re recovering from an injury, you deserve more than legal advice—you deserve a team that cares. Contact our Durham personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Is My Slip and Fall Accident Case Worth?
The value of a personal injury case depends on various factors, like how serious your injuries are, how long you’re out of work, and how the accident affects your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
For example, a case involving a broken arm and a few weeks off work might be worth less than a case involving a spinal cord injury or long-term disability. Other things that can affect the value include medical costs, how clearly the property owner was at fault, and whether you’re likely to need ongoing care.
It’s also important to consider how your injuries impact your relationships, emotional well-being, and quality of life. A slip and fall injury can cause lingering pain, mental distress, and changes in how you experience everyday tasks. These personal struggles deserve to be recognized in your claim.
While it’s impossible to put a number on your case right away, our Durham personal injury attorneys can help you understand what similar cases have settled for and what kinds of damages you may be able to recover. Our job is to fight for every dollar you’re owed so you can get back to living your life.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Slip and Fall Accident Victims?
North Carolina law allows injured people to seek financial compensation, known as damages, for losses related to a fall. These damages fall into three main categories:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are your out-of-pocket expenses, including:
- Medical bills for things like hospital stays and rehab
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Future medical needs, such as physical therapy
These are fairly straightforward to calculate because they’re backed up by receipts and financial records, but they can still be challenging to estimate without help.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the more personal losses that come with a serious injury, like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Even though these don’t come with a clear price tag, they can deeply impact your life and well-being. Our Durham slip and fall accident attorneys fight to make sure these losses are taken seriously.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rare, but in cases where the property owner acted especially recklessly, they may be available. These damages are meant to punish bad behavior (not just compensate you as the victim), and they’re subject to caps under North Carolina law.
Understanding the types of damages available is key to knowing what your case might be worth. Our Durham personal injury lawyers can walk you through each type and build a claim that reflects the full scope of your losses.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Durham Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer?
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we believe everyone should have access to legal help, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why our Durham slip and fall accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
This means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Our fees come out of your settlement, not your pocket
There’s no risk to reaching out and talking with us about your case. If you don’t recover compensation, you don’t owe us a thing.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Slip and Fall Accident in North Carolina?
Possibly not. North Carolina uses a strict legal standard called pure contributory negligence. This means that if you’re found to be even 1% at fault for your accident, you may be barred from recovering anything at all.
After a slip and fall, the other party might try to blame you for what happened. They might say that you weren’t paying attention or that you ignored warning signs. These tactics aren’t just frustrating—they can also hurt your ability to recover compensation.
Because of this harsh rule, it’s critical to have a Durham slip and fall accident attorney who can build a solid case, push back against unfair blame, and work to show exactly how the property owner’s negligence caused your injuries.
Our Durham personal injury attorneys know how insurance companies operate, and we’re prepared to stand up to their tactics. Our goal is to ensure your story is heard and that you’re treated fairly from day one.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Slip and Fall Accident Injuries in Durham, NC
Slip and fall accidents might seem minor initially, but they can cause serious and lasting injuries.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones, especially hips, wrists, and ankles
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
These injuries can leave you unable to work, participate in daily activities, or care for your family. Our team takes these consequences seriously. Our Durham personal injury lawyers will help you document your injuries, connect with medical experts, and ensure your pain and limitations are fully reflected in your claim.
We also understand the emotional toll that follows a traumatic accident. We’re here not only to pursue compensation but to offer support and guidance as you navigate your recovery.
What Causes Most Slip and Fall Accidents in North Carolina?
Many slip and fall accidents are caused by unsafe property conditions. This area of law is called premises liability, and it holds property owners accountable for keeping their spaces reasonably safe.
In Durham, we often see falls caused by:
- Wet or slippery floors in stores and restaurants
- Broken or uneven sidewalks
- Poor lighting in parking lots or stairwells
- Loose rugs or torn carpeting
- Cluttered walkways
- Unmarked hazards like spills or leaks
Durham’s growing downtown and mix of older buildings and new development present unique safety challenges. Our Durham personal injury lawyers know the area and how to investigate these local hazards.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Slip and Fall Accident in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of your accident to take legal action (North Carolina General Statutes § 1-52).
That might seem like plenty of time, but the clock starts ticking right away. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your chance to recover compensation. Waiting too long can also mean potentially losing access to important evidence or witnesses.
If you’re unsure about your deadline, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. We can help you understand your rights and keep your case on track.
Contact Our Durham Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You shouldn’t have to carry the weight of a slip and fall accident alone. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to help injured people in Durham stand up for themselves and fight for fair compensation (see disclaimer below).
With decades of experience and a record of success, we’re ready to put our resources to work for you. Call today for a free consultation with a dedicated Durham slip and fall accident lawyer.