Arkansas Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
At the Arkansas Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we know exactly what to do to provide you with the best legal help possible. Contact our lawyers today if you or someone you know has fallen, received life-altering injuries, and has seen a medical professional for the injuries. We will help you through this tough time. Take the time to recover and let us handle your injury case.
Helping Injury Victims With Their Recovery
The most important thing to remember about a slip and fall accident is that the property owner could be held responsible for your injuries.
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere – a person’s property, a store, a restaurant, an airport, a bus terminal, or work.
Although expensive medical care can come with a significant injury sustained from a fall, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. After seeking medical attention, the next best step you can do for yourself, or a loved one is immediately contact a skilled Arkansas slip and fall attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield We have your back.
Who Is at risk for a slip and fall accident?
The extent of the injuries suffered in a slip and fall accident often depends on how severe the fall was and the person’s health. Older individuals can sustain more severe injuries. Statistically, Arkansas seniors aged 65 and older are at a substantial risk of sustaining serious injuries if they slip and fall. In fact, falls are the cause of 87 percent of bone fractures among adults ages 65 and older. The CDC found that three million elders are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
Additionally, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) across all demographics and the second leading cause of brain injury for those 65 and older.Return to table of contents
Injuries from Slips and Falls
A slip and fall is not just an inconvenient event. It can change someone’s life forever. One in five falls causes a severe injury, such as broken bones or a head injury. Typical injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents include:
- Fractured Hips
- Broken Bones (of the arms, legs, or hips)
- Torn Ligaments/Tendons
- Traumatic Brain Injury/Head Concussions
- Dislocated Shoulders
- Paralysis
- Spinal Cord Damage/ Tailbone Damage
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Internal Organ Damage
- Internal Bleeding
- Thoracic Injuries
- Dental Injuries
Any of these injuries can result in a trip to a local Arkansas hospital. However, serious complications, secondary infections, difficulty walking, improper healing, or re-hospitalization can occur.
What are the most common causes of slip and fall accidents?
Contact our lawyers today if you or someone you know has fallen, received life-altering injuries, and has seen a medical professional for the injuries. We will help you through this tough time. Take the time to recover and let us handle your injury case.
Weather conditions like snow or ice
Unmarked slip hazards, including floors & stairs
Poor lighting
Torn or ripped entrance mats, carpeting or flooring
Faulty or defective handrails
Uneven walking surfaces
What are the deadlines for a slip and fall accident claim
Do not wait to file a slip and fall accident claim. Act quickly and decisively to get medical treatment and create a paper trail of your injuries. Starting from the date of your accident, you will have three years to file a claim.
Partner with our skilled Arkansas slip and fall attorneys today to start a claim. We help keep your records organized because they are essential to preparing a solid case. Records can help determine your damages, such as medical costs and lost wages.
As we prepare each case, we understand that no two cases are the same. We take the time to analyze all documents and prepare them for the next steps. A personal injury case can go through discovery, mediation, or trial.
An important note about comparative negligence in Arkansas
Arkansas follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, where the plaintiff and the defendant may be assigned a portion of responsibility for an accident.
Responsibility is typically designated as a percentage of the liability. It is important to note that if an injured party is found to be more than 50% responsible for an accident, they will not be able to recover compensation. Even if you are found to be at fault, if it is under 50%, then you are entitled to recover compensation.
A plaintiff and defendant may collect damages after a slip and fall accident. However, if a plaintiff played a substantial role in causing the accident, the amount recovered may be reduced
Where do slip and fall accidents happen?
Slip and fall accidents can happen in various places, many of which we visit daily. For example, falls can occur in coffee shops, department stores, grocery stores, bus stations, bus stops, train stations, restaurants, airports, and other locations that invite the public to use their facilities. Poor flooring material or floor coverings often cause an individual to slip and fall.
Falling at work
Slip and falls can also happen at work for several reasons. In most cases, a person should file a personal injury lawsuit under the umbrella of premises liability law.
All listed business locations are called “premises.” If a person slips and falls on premises, an experienced lawyer can apply premises liability law.
In short, any public premises have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions on their property, regardless of the time of day or weather.
Property owner responsibilities
Businesses in Arkansas, by law, must do the following:
- Inspect property regularly.
- Fix identified hazards in a timely fashion.
- Keep people visiting the property away from potential risks.
A property owner who does not do the above can be held financially liable for an individual’s injuries. Payments may result from an out-of-court settlement or an insurance payout.
How property owners play a role in a slip and fall
A property owner may engage in several examples of arguments to counter a slip and fall lawsuit. They include:
- The dangerous condition should have been apparent.
- The business blocked off the hazardous condition with signs and cones.
- The plaintiff was not paying attention to where they were going.
- The plaintiff was texting while walking.
- The plaintiff was on the part of the property not open to visitors/customers.
- The plaintiff ignored the warning signs and proceeded on their way.
If you believe that you were not cautious of your surroundings during your unexpected slip, your insurance settlement or court award may be reduced by a percentage amount in line with your negligence.
Experience. Dedication. Compassion.
20 years of legal experience in helping personal injury victims
Not sure if you have a case? Not sure what you need to do to file a slip and fall lawsuit? Reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield by calling 479-361-3575. Our dedicated team of Arkansas slip and fall attorneys is here to help.
Call us today for a free initial consultation and determine what you can expect should you file a claim for compensation in a slip and fall case. We know you have questions, and we can answer them for you. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is just one quick call away: 479-361-3575.