Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer in Arizona
We’ve all fallen before, and likely laughed it off as an unfortunate lack of coordination. Slip-and-fall accidents are different. These incidents are preventable and happen when negligent property owners fail to keep their premises safe.
The consequences of slip-and-fall accidents can be catastrophic, leaving victims with broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and other painful injuries. Expensive medical bills and time off work can quickly lead to financial burdens. However, Arizona law allows many people who suffer slip-and-fall injuries to seek compensation for their losses. An experienced personal injury lawyer from Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC can determine if you have a valid legal claim.
Businesses, retailers, landlords, management companies, and other property owners who maintain dangerous premises should be held accountable for the harm they cause — and we’re here to help you demand justice. With over 20 years of experience assisting Arizonans in complex personal injury matters, our law firm has the reputation, resources, and talent to provide top-quality legal representation you can trust. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced slip-and-fall accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Arizona
Statistics show slip-and-fall accidents are a leading cause of hospitalizations in the U.S., accounting for over 8 million ER visits each year. These incidents can occur for various reasons but are most often due to negligent maintenance by property owners.
Common causes of slip and falls in Arizona are:
- Wet floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Broken handrails
- Poor lighting
- Negligent security
- Loose or bunched carpets
- Cracked sidewalks
- Potholes
- Damaged stairs
- Cluttered areas
- Electrical cords or tripping hazards
Arizona Premises Liability Laws
Arizona law states that property owners and occupiers owe certain obligations to lawful visitors, including a responsibility to keep their properties free from known or expected hazards. The duty of care a property owner owes a particular visitor depends on the visitor’s classification:
- Invitees – These guests are on the property for business purposes, such as customers and clients. Property owners owe them the highest duty of care and should proactively seek out and fix hazards.
- Licensees – These visitors are on the property for social reasons, such as house guests. Property owners should warn guests of dangerous conditions and take steps to remedy known hazards but do not have the same obligation to inspect their property.
- Trespassers – These individuals are on the property without the owner’s permission. With trespassers, Arizona law only prohibits owners from intentionally causing harm. However, property owners owe a higher duty of care to child trespassers, especially if an attractive nuisance like a playset or swimming pool entices them on the premises.
Arizona’s comparative negligence law may apply in slip-and-fall cases if both parties share the blame for an injury. This law allows a victim’s compensation to be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault for the incident. It also creates room for insurance companies to argue that the fall was the victim’s fault, not the property owner’s. Slip-and-fall accident attorneys are vital assets in these situations. A lawyer will minimize their client’s liability to maximize their compensation during settlement negotiations.
Proving Negligence in a Slip-and-Fall Case
Proving negligence in a slip-and-fall case involves gathering robust evidence demonstrating that the property owner knew their property had a dangerous condition but did not take steps to fix it. This evidence can include:
- Accident scene photographs
- Security footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Incident reports
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
A skilled slip-and-fall accident attorney can help you collect the evidence needed to prove the at-fault party’s negligence.
Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Take the following steps to protect your right to seek compensation after a slip-and-fall accident:
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager. Ask them to file an incident report.
- Document the incident by taking photographs of the hazard that caused your injury.
- Seek medical attention. Follow your doctor’s orders until you recover as much as expected.
- Take pictures of your visible injuries through the healing process.
- Document your pain and the limitations you experience in a journal.
- Avoid providing a recorded statement to insurance adjusters.
- Consult an Arizona slip-and-fall lawyer for help filing a personal injury claim.
Compensation for Slip-and-Fall Victims
A slip-and-fall victim in Arizona can seek compensation for their financial and personal losses after an accident. This includes money for:
- Medical bills – Including past and future hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, medical devices, and physical therapy
- Lost wages – Covering the income and work benefits you lost while recovering
- Reduced earning capacity – Addressing future lost wages if your injury impacts your long-term ability to work
- Permanent disability – Financing any necessary disability accommodations, such as making your home or vehicle wheelchair accessible
- Pain and suffering – Accounting for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experience because of your injuries
Choosing the Right Arizona Slip-and-Fall Lawyer
As you look for an Arizona slip-and-fall lawyer to handle your case, consider each prospective attorney’s experience, past results in similar cases, and positive client reviews and testimonials. At Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC we have over two decades of legal experience and have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our deserving clients. If you choose us to handle your claim, you will receive personalized, one-on-one attention from a legal team ready to meet with you in whatever way is most convenient — on the phone, in person, or via video conference.
Contact Our Arizona Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyers
If you fell and got hurt on someone else’s property, don’t wait to learn whether you have a slip-and-fall claim. Contact Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC today for a free consultation with an experienced slip-and-fall attorney.