Wet, slippery, and icy conditions may not be the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Arizona. However, with its high altitude, sudden storms, and rapid swings in temperature, the northern part of the state is no stranger to extreme weather and the havoc it can wreak.
Both indoor and outdoor slips and falls are surprisingly common, and they can leave vulnerable victims with serious injuries and mounting medical debt. When these incidents happen on someone else's property and are the result of the owner or occupant's negligence, victims may have grounds to seek compensation via a premises liability lawsuit.
A word of caution: slip and fall cases can be very hard to prove, and you'll need exceptional legal counsel to recover what you deserve. Fortunately, that's exactly what we provide at Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC. Our highly-skilled, trial-savvy Flagstaff injury attorneys have successfully resolved slip and fall cases for countless clients, some of which resulted in six-figure settlements and financial awards. Hurt in a Northern Arizona slip and fall accident? We can help.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall (and Trip and Fall) Accidents
- Snowy and icy sidewalks and parking lots
- Wet flooring
- Fleshly waxed or mopped flooring
- Broken, uneven sidewalks or flooring
- Poor lighting
- Damaged or missing handrails
- Electrical cords or objects in walkways
What You Have to Prove in a Slip and Fall Case
In order to recover compensation in a slip and fall case, you must show that the defendant was negligent: that they owed you a duty of care and breached that duty, which caused the accident resulting in your injuries and losses. Here's what you need to know about this complex aspect of premises liability litigation.
Owners, managers, and occupants have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to maintain their property for the safety of tenants, visitors, shoppers, and others who are lawfully present. This means that if the people who own or control the property fail to complete appropriate inspections and maintenance—or warn visitors of hazards—they could be held financially responsible for the accidents and injuries that result.
Examples of negligence in slip and fall cases include:
- Improper use of de-icer
- Failed attempts (or no attempt) at rain, snow, and ice remediation
- Failure to install handrails and other safety accommodations
- Failure to post signs warning of slippery or wet surfaces
- Use of improper floor cleaning solutions
- Failure to maintain or repair leaky appliances
- Failure to rectify broken or uneven sidewalks or flooring
- Failure to install sufficient lighting
- Failure to maintain stairways
Protecting Your Rights After an Arizona Slip and Fall Accident—and How We Can Help
You can begin building a strong case for damages immediately after your slip and fall by reporting the incident to the property owner or manager, taking photos of your injuries and where you fell, and seeing a doctor as soon as possible. Then, you'll want to consult and hire a seasoned personal injury attorney. The sooner you involve an attorney in your case, the better.
Our top-notch Flagstaff slip and fall lawyers can:
- Investigate the accident
- Help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning potential, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional trauma, and other damages
- Gather and preserve vital evidence
- Interview eyewitness
- Work with your medical providers to document your injuries and delay billing
- Handle communications between you and the defendant's insurance company or defense lawyers
- Negotiate settlements and evaluate offers
- Take your case to trial
- Arrange for qualified experts to testify on your behalf
- Help you deal with medical liens, balance billing, subrogation claims by insurance companies, and other issues
- And much more