No matter your age or physical condition, a slip and fall accident can happen to anyone in Virginia. A result of negligence or hazardous conditions, injuries sustained from slip and fall accidents range from minor bruises to more severe injuries such as broken bones or head trauma.
At Allen & Allen, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of these accidents on people’s livelihoods, quality of life, and overall well-being. The devastating effects keep us dedicated to helping victims get the compensation they deserve to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact a Virginia slip and fall accident lawyer today online or by calling 866-388-1307 for a free consultation of your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Virginia Slip and Fall Accident
- Why choose our Virginia slip and fall accident lawyers?
- What causes slip and fall accidents?
- Where do slip and fall accidents happen in Virginia?
- Common slip and fall accident injures
- Can I receive compensation for my Virginia slip and fall accident?
- How much is my slip and fall accident worth?
- What to do after a slip and fall accident?
- Our practice areas
- FAQ
- Don’t let slip and fall accidents keep you down
Why Choose our Virginia Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers?
Our values guide our work.
Over a century of service has taught us that accident victims need more than a lawyer when dealing with a slip and fall accident; they need a partner, an advocate, and a fighter. That’s where we come in. At Allen & Allen, we’re more than just attorneys—we are your allies.
With three locations in Richmond, Charlottesville, and Fredericksburg, our team is well-equipped to handle slip and fall accident cases throughout Virginia. We understand the state’s laws and use that knowledge to build strong cases for our clients.
Contact a Virginia slip and fall lawyer at Allen & Allen today to see how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. If we take your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, only charging for our services if we win.
What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slippery surfaces
Surfaces lose traction when they are wet, oily, or icy. This can be especially dangerous when these conditions are not marked with proper signage or cleaned up promptly.
Uneven surfaces
Cracked sidewalks, potholes, and uneven flooring pose a serious pedestrian hazard. Property owners are responsible for repairing these issues in a timely manner to prevent accidents.
Poor lighting
Inadequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or other commonly used areas can lead to slip and fall accidents. Without proper lighting, it is difficult to navigate safely through or around hazards.
Lack of handrails
Handrails are crucial for stability and balance, especially for older adults or those with physical disabilities. When handrails are missing or damaged, it increases the risk of a slip and fall accident. Virginia has strict handrail laws for homes and public buildings.
Negligent property maintenance
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safety across their premises. Neglecting to repair or address hazardous conditions such as loose handrails, uneven flooring, or cluttered walkways can lead to slip and fall accidents.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Virginia?
Shopping centers
Virginia is home to some of the largest shopping centers on the East Coast. While these expansive retail areas are convenient for shoppers, they pose significant risks for slip and fall accidents due to hectic foot traffic recklessly carrying food, drink, and merchandise.
Restaurants
Virginia has a diverse food scene, from fast food chains to fine dining establishments. However, with fast-paced food and drinks service in these establishments, restaurant floors become slippery and dangerous.
Hotels
Virginia has a thriving tourism industry, with many popular destinations such as Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. With so many visitors coming in and out of hotels every day, it’s not uncommon for slip and fall accidents to occur due to poorly maintained walkways, wet floors, and poor maintenance routines.
Private residences
Slip and fall accidents often occur in private residences, whether in a friend’s or a relative’s home. These accidents result from uneven flooring, cluttered walkways, and poorly lit areas.
Public places
While rustic streets, historic buildings, and evolving infrastructure reflect the state’s quintessential charm, they also pose a risk for falls. Other factors, such as poorly maintained sidewalks, improperly marked construction areas, or inadequate lighting, also contribute to these accidents in public places.
Parking lots
Parking lot upkeep happens less frequently than needed, making it a breeding ground for slip and fall accidents. Uneven pavement, potholes, and debris are common hazards that cause falls in parking lots.
Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
With little time to brace for impact, a slip and fall accident can cause:
- Broken bones
- Hip damage
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma and concussions
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Broken pelvis
- Herniated discs
These injuries create a domino effect, impacting all aspects of a person’s life. Many victims experience chronic pain, nerve damage, and limited mobility because of their injuries. This leads to long-term medical care and extensive rehabilitation, causing financial strain on top of the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
Can I Receive Compensation For my Virginia Slip and Fall Accident?
Virginia allows for victims of slip and fall accidents to seek compensation for their injuries if the accident was:
- Caused by the negligence of another person or entity
- Not caused by the victim’s actions or disregard for safety precautions
- Not obvious or expected by the victim
- Caused by a hazardous condition that the property owner knew about or should have known about and failed to address
Ultimately, a Virginia slip and fall accident lawyer is the best person to determine if you have a valid case for compensation. With a free case evaluation from Allen & Allen, you can discuss the details of your accident, understand your legal options, and receive guidance on the best course of action.
How Much is my Slip and Fall Accident Worth?
Calculating the value of a slip and fall accident claim or lawsuit isn’t an exact science.
But, by understanding the costs associated with the event, you can get a better idea of potential compensation amounts:
- Paramedic care/ambulance services: $400 to $5,000+
- ER treatment: $1,941+ per visit
- Overnight hospital stay: $1,941 per day
- Non-surgical broken bone treatment: >$2,500
- Surgical broken bone treatment: >$18,000
- Hip fracture treatment: >$26,000
- Traumatic brain injury treatment: >$85,000
- Spinal cord injury treatment: >$100,000
- Soft tissue injury treatment: $2,000 to $10,000+
- Head injury treatment: >$20,000
- Nerve damage treatment: $30,000 to $50,000+
- Stitches: $200 to $400+
Compensation is also possible for more than the injuries sustained directly from the fall.
With many victims experiencing long-term health and quality of life issues, your claim may also include expenses for:
- Ongoing medical care. Follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, and medication costs for the future may count towards potential compensation awards or settlements. These costs could total in the millions throughout a lifetime.
- Lost earnings. The inability to work or earn a living due to the accident is also a potential compensatory damage. This includes both past and future lost wages.
- Pain and suffering. The physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life are non-economic damages but still carry high financial value in a claim or lawsuit.
- Property damage. Any personal property damaged or destroyed due to the accident, such as a phone or other valuable item, is grounds for compensatory damages in Virginia.
Failure to recover these exorbitant costs could lead to severe financial strain for victims and their families. Contact an Allen & Allen slip and fall accident attorney today for a clearer picture of your case’s worth.
What to do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
The fast-paced nature of a slip and fall accident leaves victims feeling confused and overwhelmed.
However, if possible, complete the following tips to recover compensation:
- Seek additional medical care. Initial paramedic care at the scene may not identify all injuries. Seeking medical attention after the accident is vital for your well-being and a potential legal case.
- Get an incident report. An incident report details the events leading up to and following the slip and fall. Typically filled out by the property owner or manager, it can serve as crucial evidence in a personal injury claim.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, including spilled liquids, lack of warnings, or physical cause of the fall. Additionally, photograph visual injuries sustained. Be sure to collect contact information for witnesses at the scene.
- Document everything. Until settling a claim or lawsuit, keep track of all expenses and losses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, missed time from work, and any other financial impacts. It is also wise to keep a pain journal documenting the physical and emotional effects of your injuries.
- Contact a Virginia slip and fall accident lawyer. Whether it is to help negotiate with insurance companies or litigate your case in court, an Allen & Allen personal injury attorney is your best advocate for receiving the compensation you deserve.
Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to filing a personal injury claim in Virginia. While the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident, seek legal advice as soon as possible. Doing so ensures the collection and preservation of all evidence, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Our Practice Areas
Allen & Allen values its commitment to fighting for all victims’ rights.
In addition to slip and fall accidents, our team also handles cases in involving:
- Car accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Bus accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog bites
- Water contamination
- Foodborne illness
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Premise liability
- Product liability
- Toxic exposure
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Workers’ compensation
- Wrongful death
We understand that accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, which is why our legal team can always help English and Spanish speakers evaluate these and practice areas for free.
FAQ
Why do I need a Virginia slip and fall accident lawyer?
Studies show that victims may receive as much as 40 percent more compensation when represented by a lawyer. The legal process is complex, and insurance companies may offer a low settlement or deny liability altogether. An Allen & Allen personal injury attorney will fight for your rights and make sure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.
How do I pay for a Virginia slip and fall accident lawyer?
At Allen & Allen, we understand that personal injury victims face extreme financial challenges in addition to their physical suffering. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t claim legal fees outside of court costs.
What if the slip and fall was partially my fault?
Virginia follows a contributory negligence theory, meaning that if you are found even 1 percent at fault for the accident, you could lose the ability to reclaim compensatory damages. Insurance companies may use this against you to minimize their obligation to pay. For this reason, it is crucial to speak with a personal injury attorney at Allen & Allen to determine the strength of your case and how to proceed.
Does it matter where the accident occurred to receive compensation?
Accident location may or may not affect your ability to receive compensation. For example, specific laws and regulations may apply if the accident happened on someone else’s property. It is essential to consult with an injury lawyer in Virginia to understand how these laws may impact your case and what steps you need to take for a successful outcome.
Richard Armstrong, Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Virginia
How long does it take to settle a slip and fall case in Virginia?
The time it takes to settle a slip and fall case in Virginia depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Our personal injury attorneys will work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently and effectively as possible without robbing you of fair compensation for injuries.
Don’t Let Slip and Fall Accidents Keep You Down
The impact of a slip and fall accident on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being may make you want to give up. However, with the help of Allen & Allen, P.C. personal injury lawyers, you can fight for the compensation you deserve and get your life back on track.
Contact Allen & Allen online or at 866-388-1307 to schedule a free consultation with a Virginia slip and fall accident lawyer.
Our Richmond office
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
1809 Staples Mill Road
Richmond, VA 23230