Durham Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys
If you had the unfortunate experience of getting hurt from a slip and fall on someone else’s property, you have the right to seek help. This is especially true if the accident happened because the property was not kept safe.
We know that navigating through the legal aspects of these situations can seem overwhelming, but having a dedicated slip and fall lawyer by your side in Durham can make a big difference.
Our team understands the challenges you’re facing after such an incident. We’re here to support you in getting the compensation you deserve and ensuring those at fault are held responsible.
Our experienced legal team carefully and diligently guides you through every step of your claim. And the best part? We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay us anything unless we win your case.
Feel free to reach out to our Durham slip and fall attorneys for a free chat about how we can help you.
Why Choose Our Durham Slip and Fall Lawyers?
At Riddle & Brantley, we see ourselves as a sympathetic family dedicated to standing by those affected by accidents or grieving an overwhelming loss due to negligence.
We offer sympathetic legal representation, sincerity, and steady support, ensuring clients feel valued and understood through their legal journey.
Our Purpose and Principles: With decades of combined experience in the legal field, our lawyers are passionately committed to justice and improving our clients’ lives. Our focus on the best possible results for you and your family is rooted in trust, understanding, and mutual respect.
This commitment is the foundation of our practice, enabling us to form impactful relationships with the individuals we represent.
Our Strategy: We are deeply invested in the principle that the legal system should provide just and fair recourse for everyone. As certified personal injury attorneys in North Carolina, our role is to tenaciously defend your rights and ensure your perspective is recognized in the pursuit of justice, particularly when facing significant obstacles like critical injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one.
We are your champions and advocates against powerful insurance companies and corporate giants.
Our Foundation: Anchored in North Carolina, our firm has strong ties across Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, and Kinston, mirroring the resilience and commitment of our founder, Gene Riddle, to his North Carolinian roots. We are honored to serve residents throughout the state and visitors who have suffered injuries within our jurisdiction.
Our Collective: Get to know our team of 11 legal professionals, including board-certified Workers’ Compensation pros and other affiliates of prestigious legal associations, all backed by a proficient team of paralegals, case managers, and investigators.
With a multilingual staff, we eliminate language barriers to ensure justice is accessible to all. Available around the clock, we are here to support you at any moment. Our beloved K9 mascot, Coconut Riddle, adds a touch of joy and comfort to our office environment.
Engagement and Devotion: Our involvement extends beyond legal representation; we are genuinely dedicated to enhancing our communities and promoting safety, as evident in our Safety Counts video initiatives.
Our active participation in local fundraising and events highlights our dedication to the well-being and safety of the people in North Carolina.
At Riddle & Brantley, you will find attorneys, compassionate advocates, a supportive network, and partners in your pursuit of justice.
What Is a Slip and Fall in Durham?
A slip and fall case is a type of personal injury lawsuit when someone is injured by slipping, tripping, or falling due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property.
These cases fall under the general category of “premises liability” claims, which hold property owners and inhabitants responsible for accidents and injuries on the property.
You need to prove several vital elements for a valid slip and fall case:
- Dangerous Premises Condition: A slip and fall incident must stem from a dangerous situation on the property. This could range from slippery floors, irregular surfaces, inadequate lighting, and unsecured carpets to obstacles in pathways.
- Awareness of Danger: It’s crucial to demonstrate that the property owner was, or should have been, aware of the dangerous condition and did not act to rectify it. This might involve neglecting to clean a spill, failing to fix a broken surface, or not signaling a change in floor level.
- Link to Injuries: The hazardous condition on the premises must be the clear cause of the fall and the injuries that followed. Evidence must point out that the incident wasn’t due to any negligence on your part or another unrelated cause.
- Incurred Losses: The fall must have resulted in actual losses for the victim, including medical bills, lost earnings, pain, and discomfort, among other impacts. A claim is not viable without tangible damages.
- Responsibility of the Property Owner: It’s necessary to prove that the property owner had a legal responsibility to ensure the injured party’s safety. This obligation varies based on whether the injured party was an invitee, licensee, or trespasser, with the most significant responsibility towards invitees (like shop patrons) and a diminished responsibility towards licensees and trespassers.
To succeed in a slip and fall case, the plaintiff (the injured party) must provide evidence that the property owner’s negligence in maintaining the property safely directly led to their injuries.
Legal standards and specifics can vary by jurisdiction, making it essential to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in slip and fall cases to navigate the complexities of premises liability law.
Establishing Liability in a Durham Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve suffered from a slip and fall accident in Durham, we understand how devastating and distressing it can be for you.
It’s essential to reach out to a compassionate and experienced attorney who can thoughtfully examine the details of your incident and determine who is at fault.
If the accident wasn’t your doing, such as trespassing, the blame might lie with the property owner if there were unsafe conditions or if they did not provide sufficient warnings of danger.
In North Carolina, the law expects property owners to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their property, and they may be held liable for injuries because of their negligence.
Our team will show that a reasonably attentive person would have recognized the hazard and taken steps to mitigate it, helping to secure the justice and support you deserve during this challenging time.
What Are the Most Common Types of Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can happen for any reason anywhere in Durham County, often from unsafe walking surfaces.
Some of the most common types of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet and Slippery Floors: Spills on hard surfaces, freshly mopped or waxed floors without warning signs, and wet floors are common causes of slips and falls.
- Uneven Surfaces: Unexpected uneven flooring, such as broken or cracked sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, loose floorboards, and uneven carpeting or rugs, can cause trips and falls.
- Cluttered Floors: Obstacles and clutter on the floor, such as cords, boxes, and other debris, especially in walkways or aisles, typically lead to tripping incidents.
- Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting in walkways, staircases, and other areas can make it difficult to see potential hazards, leading to falls.
- Staircases and Handrails: Defective or missing handrails, poorly maintained stair treads, and abrupt edges on stairs can cause individuals to trip or lose their balance.
- Transitions in Flooring: Changes in flooring materials can create an unexpected change in traction, leading to slips.
- Loose or Missing Mats and Rugs: Mats and rugs not adequately secured or curled up at the edges can be a tripping hazard.
- Openings and Holes: Open cellar doors, holes in the ground, and other openings in walking surfaces can cause falls if not properly marked or covered.
- Escalators and Elevators: Malfunctions or abrupt stops of escalators and uneven elevator levels can cause individuals to trip or fall.
These accidents can occur in various settings, including commercial properties such as shopping malls, restaurants, office buildings, public spaces, parks and sidewalks, and private residences.
Property owners and occupiers must keep their premises safe to prevent slip and fall accidents. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured, the injured party may have a valid claim for damages under premises liability law.
How Can a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Durham Help?
After a slip and fall accident, a lawyer can provide invaluable assistance to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how:
- Case Evaluation: A lawyer evaluates the details of your accident to determine the viability of your claim. This includes assessing the circumstances of your fall, the severity of your injuries, and the potential liability of the property owner.
- Investigation: Lawyers have the resources and experience to investigate your accident. This may involve gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, incident reports, and accident scene photographs. They can also review your medical records to establish the extent of your injuries.
- Identifying Liability: Determining who is legally responsible for your injuries can be complex. A lawyer can identify all potential defendants, including property owners, property managers, or maintenance companies, and determine their liabilities.
- Dealing with Insurers: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims outright. A lawyer can negotiate with insurers, ensuring your claim is taken seriously and you receive a fair settlement. They are skilled at handling tactics used by insurance companies to devalue claims.
- Legal Representation: If negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a satisfactory settlement, a lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They will prepare legal documents, conduct discovery, and present your case to a judge or jury.
- Professional Consultation: It may be necessary to consult with professionals such as medical authorities, accident reconstructionists, or safety experts in some cases.
- Maximizing Compensation: A lawyer can calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and any other losses related to your accident. They ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
- Legal Advice and Support: Throughout the legal process, a lawyer can provide you with advice on the best course of action, inform you of your rights, and offer support during what may be a challenging time. They can also show you how to avoid jeopardizing your claim through social media posts or statements to insurers.
- Navigating Legal Deadlines: Personal injury claims are subject to statutes of limitations – deadlines by which you must file a claim. A lawyer can ensure that all necessary legal actions are taken promptly to avoid missing these critical deadlines.
Engaging a lawyer following a slip and fall incident provides you with a dedicated supporter who aims to safeguard your rights and secure compensation for your injuries and financial setbacks. Their experience and advice are invaluable in dealing with the intricacies of personal injury legislation and securing a favorable resolution for your situation.
You Have an Ally in Our Durham Slip and Fall Lawyers
In Durham, the laws pertaining to slip and fall accidents are designed to protect innocent citizens like you, ensuring you get a fair shake regarding compensation. Bringing a seasoned Durham slip and fall lawyer like the folks at Riddle & Brantley onto your team can significantly increase your chances of landing the compensation you rightly deserve.
Remember, you don’t have to face a slip and fall alone. Let us handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery. Call an experienced Personal injury attorney in Durham today at (919) 728-1770 for your free consultation and take the first step toward obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.
Riddle & Brantley Accident Injury Lawyers
100 E. Parrish St.
Suite 200
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 728-1770
By Appointment Only.
Hours of Operation*
Monday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM