Hot Springs Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers
Effectively representing accident victims in Arkansas
Thousands of people visit Arkansas emergency rooms every year for fall-related injuries. When slips or trips and falls are due to unsafe property conditions, victims may be entitled to compensation. At Schnipper, Britton & Stobaugh, our Hot Springs slip and fall injury lawyers work diligently to hold property owners accountable for accidents caused by negligence.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents in Hot Springs
Various hazards can lead to slip and fall accidents. Examples are wet floors at stores and restaurants, loose flooring indoors, broken asphalt in parking lots, poor lighting in public spaces and cluttered walkways. When the property owner or manager was aware of the danger and did not fix it or place warning signs, they may be liable for injuries.
Injuries commonly resulting from slip and fall accidents
Serious and even catastrophic injuries can result from slips and falls, which can include:
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
In addition to long-term physical and emotional trauma, medical treatment costs can be exorbitant. We pursue appropriate compensation for injuries that can lessen the financial impacts.
Proving liability in premises liability cases
These four elements must be established to prove negligence and liability for a slip and fall accident:
- The property operator owed you a duty of care.
- They breached their duty.
- The breach directly led to your accident and injuries.
- You sustained damages as a result.
Part of a plaintiff’s challenge is to counter defenses that may be raised. Property owners may argue that the hazard that caused the accident was so “open and obvious” that a reasonable person would have noticed and avoided it. This may lessen but not negate the owner’s responsibilities.
Compensation available to injury victims
Damages recoverable for slip-and-fall injuries include the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and future lost income
- Long-term care costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment of life
If the plaintiff’s negligence is shown to have contributed to the accident, the damages may be reduced by their percentage of fault or nullified if they are 50 percent or more responsible. We make the strongest case possible against shifting the majority of fault to the plaintiff.
Steps to take after a slip and fall accident
It is prudent that you report the accident to the property owner or manager and get a copy of the report. In addition, gather evidence at the scene if you are able. Evidence could include photos/video of the hazard and surrounding area, surveillance footage, photos of your injuries and eyewitness contact information. See a doctor right away for your own well-being and to document your injuries. Our Hot Springs premises liability lawyers can assist with evidence gathering and pursuing your legal claim.
Contact a skillful attorney to learn about compensation after a slip and fall accident
Schnipper, Britton & Stobaugh in Hot Springs seeks compensation for victims of slip and fall accidents and dangerous property conditions. Call 501-762-0887 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.