Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Pawtucket

Slip and fall accidents may not sound severe, but they can have catastrophic consequences. You deserve to feel safe while on someone else’s property, but if that fails to happen, a slip and fall accident lawyer in Pawtucket can help advocate for you to secure the compensation you deserve.

At Gemma Law, we have over 100 years of combined experience and are prepared to put it to work for you. Our personal injury lawyer in Pawtucket and the rest of our team have direct experience fighting these cases and want to help you get justice.

How Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Pawtucket

Slip and fall accidents are often preventable. They often occur when simple hazards go unmarked or are not promptly fixed. It is the duty of property owners to maintain public areas, and when they fail to do so, injuries can occur. Common examples of slip and fall hazards can include:

• Wet or recently mopped floors
• Uneven sidewalks or broken pavement
• Poor lighting in stairwells or parking areas
• Loose rugs or floor mats
• Snow or ice is not properly cleared

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, a knowledgeable slip and fall accident attorney in Pawtucket can work with you to see if you have a case and what it may be worth.

Common Places Where Slips and Falls Occur

Falls can happen anywhere, and a Pawtucket premises liability lawyer can help you understand if your case is a good fit for a claim. Locations such as grocery stores, retail shops, and shopping centers are common sites of slip and fall accidents.

Other areas open to the public that are hot spots for accidents include apartment buildings and other residential properties. Landlords have a duty to maintain the property, and if they fail to do so, there can be major consequences.

Outdoor areas where slip and fall accidents often occur include parking lots, sidewalks, and other public walkways. These areas are often the responsibility of local governments and municipalities and can require frequent de-icing, sweeping, and other maintenance to ensure their safety.

Slip and Fall Injuries Are Not Always Minor

While many slip and fall accidents may seem minor, the resulting injuries can be debilitating. Oftentimes, they seem minor at first but can worsen over time. This is why early medical evaluation is crucial:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Head injuries and concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Hip injuries
• Abrasions and lacerations

Receiving prompt medical care not only looks out for your physical health by ensuring your injuries are treated and do not worsen, but also helps your legal case. When determining if an injury is related to an accident, a judge will often check to see if you received medical care. If you did not, it may show them that your injuries were not serious, which can affect your total compensation.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Pawtucket

At Gemma Law, we know that every slip and fall case is different, but there are a few things that you should do after any fall accident. As discussed, seek medical care as soon as possible to protect you both physically and legally. Additionally, make sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your medical provider.

Documenting the scene with photo and video evidence can help your attorney get a full scope of the accident, thus strengthening your case further. You should also collect any witness contact information in case you need their testimony later. Having a neutral eyewitness can be extremely helpful in these cases.

Report the accident to the property owner or manager. This can help prevent injuries to others and shows that you have taken the proper steps to ensure safety. Be sure not to give any formal statements to insurance without first speaking with a Pawtucket slip and fall accident lawyer.

Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case

Rhode Island follows a pure comparative negligence system (Rhode Island General Laws § 9-20-4). This means that even if you are partially liable, you may be able to recover damages. This stipulates, however, that your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Not all falls are eligible for compensation. To prove negligence, your attorney must be able to show that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard and did not properly repair it or warn patrons.

You must also be able to prove that the hazard directly caused the fall and that the injuries were a result of the accident. Insurance companies will fight against this, so speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Pawtucket can be exceptionally helpful in determining if you have a case and how much it may be worth.

How a Pawtucket Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Can Help

Navigating the court system can be challenging, especially when your main priority should be recovery. Working with an attorney allows you to relax knowing that your case will be handled professionally, efficiently, and correctly. Some ways your attorney works on your behalf can include:

• Collecting evidence such as maintenance reports, police reports, and other legal documentation that may show that the area was or wasn’t up to standard
• Speaking with witnesses
• Filing documentation entirely and correctly
• Hiring experts such as accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and private investigators
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Representing you in court if need be

After a slip and fall accident, you may feel stuck on what to do next. Between complex legal red tape, doctors’ appointments, and general healing, you need an advocate handling all the details so you can get back to your life.

Gemma Law is Here to Fight for You

At Gemma Law, we believe that you deserve justice. Far too often, victims are left feeling powerless against insurance companies, but we will not let that happen.

If you are ready to get started on your case, call us today for your free, zero-obligation consultation, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.