Roanoke Slip and Fall Lawyer

When you least expect it, a slip and fall accident can happen and leave you with severe injuries, medical bills, and worries about your future. You should seek legal assistance as soon as possible. If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident in Roanoke due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation to help you move forward.

At Marks & Harrison, for over 100 years, we have protected the rights of Roanoke residents many of whom have been injured in slip and fall accidents. Our reputation is backed by a record of substantial results, including more than $1 billion secured for clients throughout Virginia, and by the many heartfelt testimonials from our satisfied clients.

Contact us today to learn more about how our experienced Roanoke slip and fall lawyers can help you fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve. We can explain your rights and review your case in a free consultation.

What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Roanoke?

Whether on a downtown sidewalk, a wet mall floor, or a poorly lit staircase in a private residence, slips and falls frequently happen in Roanoke. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Obstructed walkways
• Loose rugs or torn carpeting
• Poor lighting
• Uneven sidewalks
• Broken pavement
• Spilled substances.

Virginia’s premises liability laws require property owners and managers to keep their premises safe. When they fail to meet those obligations, they may be liable for the injuries and losses their guests suffer in slip and falls due to their neglect.

What Are Frequent Slip and Fall Injuries?

Even seemingly minor falls can cause lasting damage and significant medical expenses. At Marks & Harrison, some of the most common slip and fall injuries we see in Roanoke include:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Cuts and abrasions
• Broken bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Our attorneys can help you seek medical care and gather the documentation you will need to establish the impact of your injuries and pursue maximum compensation in a slip and fall lawsuit.

What Are the Premises Liability Laws in Virginia?

Virginia’s premises liability laws require property owners and managers to remove hazards from their property or post adequate warnings to protect visitors from injury. The hazards can be direct, like a cluttered walkway full of things to trip on, or indirect, like a poorly lit stairwell that raises the risk of missing a step and falling down the stairs. When the property owner or manager doesn’t address these issues or warn visitors about them, and someone gets hurt, they may be liable.

However, Virginia has a contributory negligence law. Under this law, you cannot seek compensation if you are even one percent at fault for the accident. For this reason, you should work with an experienced attorney on your slip and fall claim. The attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and consult with experts to make a compelling argument for you.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Depending on the nature of the slip and fall accident, a few different parties may be responsible for it, including:

• Property owners
• Property managers
• Business owners
• Maintenance companies
• Government agencies.

When a government agency is potentially liable, the process for pursuing your slip and fall claim differs. You must file a Notice of Claim within six months of your injury against a town or city, and within one year if it’s against the Commonwealth . Contact our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines that apply to your case.

How Do You Prove Fault for My Slip and Fall Accident?

Proving fault in slip and fall accidents in Roanoke requires strong evidence, which may include the following in your case:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Witness testimony
• Incident reports
• Medical and financial records
• Surveillance footage
• Maintenance logs or inspection reports.

Your lawyer must show that the property owner’s negligence caused the accident and prove the extent and impact of your slip and fall injuries. They may consult with medical and accident reconstruction professionals to establish your case.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured in a Slip and Fall?

To protect your rights and strengthen your slip and fall accident claim, you should:

• Call a lawyer — An experienced lawyer can review your case, inform you of your legal options, and lead you through the process of pursuing your claim.
• Report the incident — Immediately inform the property owner or manager of the property. If they create an incident report, then request a copy.
• Document the scene — Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including hazards, light conditions, signage, and any visible injuries.
• Collect contact information — If you know of any witnesses, get their names and contact information. They may provide crucial information to support your version of events.
• Be careful when speaking with insurance companies — Insurers may call you and request a recorded statement or offer a low settlement. Never admit fault, never accept quick settlement offers, avoid recorded statements, and contact a lawyer before you talk with the insurer.

What Compensation Could You Recover in a Slip and Fall Claim?

Your Roanoke slip and fall lawyer can help you to seek compensation for damages that may include the following:

• Medical expenses — Ambulance services, ER visits, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, medical devices, medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical costs related to your injuries
• Lost wages — Hourly wages or salary, commissions, tips, missed raises and promotions, sick days and vacation time, medical benefits, and future lost wages
• Pain and suffering — Chronic pain, limited mobility, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress — Anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit?

Under Virginia law, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a slip and fall lawsuit. This time can pass faster than you expect. Once it does, you will have severely limited legal options if you don’t file a timely claim. A lawyer at Marks & Harrison can help you get the process moving as smoothly as possible.

Contact a Roanoke Slip and Fall Accident Attorney

If you’ve suffered slip and fall injuries caused by someone else, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights. The team at Marks & Harrison offers compassionate support and skilled and experienced legal representation when you need it most. Contact us for your free consultation today and learn how we can help with your Roanoke slip and fall accident claim.