Falls and subsequent injuries are hardly rare. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that each year, more than one million people in the U.S. slip or trip, then fall and suffer significant injuries. Of those million, each year approximately 17,000 lose their lives. These accidents can happen in homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, virtually anywhere, and may be caused by a wet surface, an oily floor, ice, a tripping hazard such as extension cord, or by countless other items and conditions.
While these accidents may seem clear cut, they often lead to conflict between the victim and the owner or management of the property on which the accident occurred. There are two primary reasons for these conflicts. First, the question of who is at fault commonly plays a factor when it comes to liability in slip and fall cases. Was the victim careless and failed to observe an obvious hazard? Was the property owner or management negligent in keeping flooring and walkways safe?
The second reason for disputes in slip and fall cases centers on the extent of the victim’s injuries. In many cases, legal representatives of the property owner’s insurance company will do everything possible to downplay a victim’s injuries and may even go as far as to accuse the victim of grossly exaggerating the seriousness of those injuries or claim they were fabricated. Their efforts to absolve their clients of all liability are understandable; the CDC estimates that the average slip and fall accident results in costs totaling $30,000 to $40,000. In view of the potential costs, it’s no surprise that slip and fall cases can quickly become extremely contentious.
But people are hurt, through no fault of their own, and the injuries they suffer can be serious and reverberate across every facet of their lives, including their employment and career, their family lives, their ability to enjoy hobbies, their mental functioning and of course, their overall health. In addition, the expenses resulting from medical care, physical therapy, and lost earnings can lead to financial disaster for victims.
The personal injury attorneys of Pressler, Senftle & Wilhite have provided clients dealing with the consequences of slip and fall accidents with exceptional, caring and effective representation for more than two decades. Our experience enables us to carefully and thoroughly evaluate slip and fall accidents on a case-by-case basis and give our clients an in-depth understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of their legal position.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in representing clients who have been injured or suffered the loss of a loved one in a slip and fall accident. We know the law, have significant knowledge of venues in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia and have successfully represented hundreds of clients in slip and fall accident cases. We will provide you with clear, understandable and accurate information based on the specifics of your case, and we’ll make sound recommendations as to your legal options.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact us today and get the legal counsel you need.
