A slip and fall accident can happen to anyone, anywhere. When someone’s negligence causes an injury, victims have the right to file a claim for monetary compensation for their losses. If you were injured because of the irresponsibility of a business or individual, you should speak to a St. Johns slip and fall lawyer. They may be able to help you recover the economic and non-economic damages that resulted from your injury.
The Kaiser Law Group is an aggressive law firm serving St. Johns and the surrounding communities. We have experience in a wide array of civil courts, and we are prepared to handle your case, no matter how big or small. Our approach aims for results while maintaining compassion for our clients. When you choose our law firm to represent you, you can receive the individualized legal services you deserve. Let us address your case head-on for you.
By definition, a property owner has a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. The Arizona premises liability law has various definitions of a visitor. It states that a premises owner’s duty of care to child visitors is held to a higher degree of care. The law also uses the term ‘unreasonably dangerous conditions,’ which purposely leaves ambiguity surrounding what ‘unreasonably’ means for the specific property involved in each individual case.
There are certain key elements that must be present for a slip and fall injury claim to be valid. The first component is that the property owner owed a duty of care to the victim. This is often a subject of discord, but a good slip and fall attorney should have no problem establishing a duty for a valid claim.
The second element is that the duty of care was breached. This element faces its own set of challenges in a courtroom. It is especially difficult when the plaintiff is up against the legal team of a corporate insurance company. In these cases, you should hire a slip and fall lawyer who has a reputation for standing up against this type of defense. To win these cases, you must have an experienced and aggressive approach.
The third element of a successful St. Johns slip and fall lawsuit is proof that the victim’s injuries occurred as a direct result of the defendant’s breach of duty of care. Sometimes, this requires an investigation or third-party opinions or statements to provide enough support to make a valid claim.
The last component of a successful slip and fall settlement is easier than the previous three. It involves presenting proof that the injury caused the victim’s losses. Losses can include medical bills and lost income, which can easily be proven via a paper trail. Pain and suffering are also possible damages you may be able to recover, but these can be harder to prove.
Slip and fall accidents are most common among older adults. In fact, adults aged 75 and older account for about 60% of all fall injuries. In St. Johns, 8% of the population is over 65 years old. Thus, the danger of slip and fall accidents is an ongoing concern.
To make matters worse, St. Johns is a very old city that still has many antiquated homes and public buildings. The Isaacson Building on Commercial Street was built in 1918. While the city takes pride in preserving these buildings, some homes and public spaces have uneven floors and outdoor steps that aren’t always up to modern-day safety standards. This outdated infrastructure presents an increased risk for all ages, but even more so for older adults who use it daily.
There’s no average amount that a slip and fall case in Arizona is worth. Rather, the size of a settlement is unique to each case. Factors such as the severity of the injury and the level of negligence play a big part in determining a settlement amount. Medical expenses can vary from one person’s injury to another, and lost wages will vary based on income and injury recovery times. Talk to an Arizona slip and fall lawyer in your area to determine an estimate for your particular claim.
A common defense for a slip and fall case is comparative negligence. This is the conclusion that cites both parties as at fault for the accident and/or injury. While it gives up some responsibility to the victim, it’s often a better alternative to losing the whole settlement altogether. The defense that the dangerous conditions were ‘open and obvious’ is another commonly used defense. However, a skilled personal injury attorney knows how to disprove these defense strategies.
The majority of personal injury lawyers who represent victims of slip and fall accidents work on a contingency fee. This means their fees are contingent on winning their client’s case. The percentage the lawyer will receive upon the culmination of a case should be determined at the onset of the attorney-client relationship.
Historically, slip and fall cases have been more difficult to win than other personal injury claims. However, this does not mean they are impossible. A good attorney who is well-versed in local slip and fall laws is an ideal asset to anyone considering filing a slip and fall claim. While slip and fall cases are more difficult to win, many lawyers are up for the challenge.
Not all St. Johns slip and fall lawyers are equal. The Kaiser Law Group is, in fact, a cut above our competition. We take pride in the number of successful slip and fall cases we have worked on in St. Johns and surrounding Arizona communities. Don’t risk your settlement with another firm. Contact The Kaiser Law Group to discuss your case sooner rather than later.