Biloxi Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents aren’t an uncommon part of life, nor are the injuries that result from them, but their consequences can linger for years. From minor bumps and bruises to serious trauma, these injuries frequently lead to unexpected medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. The National Safety Council reports that falls have been the third leading cause of accident-related death since 2002 and the leading cause of preventable death for people over 65 years old.

When such accidents result from another party’s negligence, victims have the right to seek compensation. A skilled Biloxi slip and fall lawyer can provide you with the guidance and expertise you’ll need to navigate these complex claims.

What is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident is when a person loses their balance and falls. Often, these falls are caused by hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, things like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or broken stairways.

While some falls are purely accidental, many result from a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment.

Under premises liability law, a property owner has a legal duty to make sure that their premises are safe for visitors. If they neglect this responsibility, they may be held liable for injuries that occur. Determining who’s at fault in a slip and fall incident requires proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and yet failed to address it in a timely manner.

Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe to debilitating.

Some common injuries caused by slips and falls include:

Head Injuries

  • Concussions: Striking your head during a fall can cause a concussion, resulting in headaches, dizziness, and memory problems.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Severe falls can cause long-term or permanent brain damage, affecting cognitive and physical abilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are a leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries, especially for older people and young children.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

  • Herniated Discs: The sudden impact of a fall can result in pressure on the spine, causing a slipped disc or a rupture. This often results in chronic pain or limited mobility.
  • Spinal Cord Damage: Severe falls may result in partial or total paralysis from spinal cord damage, depending on the area of the spine affected.

Fractures

  • Broken Bones: Wrists, arms, hips, and ankles are common sites of fracture after falls.
  • Hip Fractures: Particularly common in older adults, hip fractures often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Soft Tissue Injuries

  • Sprains and Strains: Damage to ligaments, tendons, and muscles commonly occur in falls.
  • Torn Ligaments: Particularly in knees or ankles, ligament tears can require surgical intervention.

Psychological Impact

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Victims of severe falls may experience anxiety or fear of similar incidents in the future.
  • Depression: Chronic pain or reduced mobility from a fall can contribute to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Some victims may experience long-term effects, such as chronic pain or reduced mobility, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

The severity of the injury often depends on factors such as the height of the fall, the individual’s age, and the surface on which they fell. Regardless of the severity, every slip and fall injury deserves careful evaluation to determine its cause and the appropriate course of action.

Let Us Help with Your Slip and Fall Claim

Why You Need Legal Representation

At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we understand that trying to navigate a slip and fall (or any claim) without legal representation can be confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming. Insurance companies and property owners will often try to minimize their liability by disputing your account of the accident, minimizing your injuries, or trying to pressure you into quick, low-ball settlement amounts.

Our slip and fall lawyers can help level the playing field by fighting for your rights and building you a strong case for maximum compensation.

One of the first steps a lawyer takes is conducting a thorough investigation of the incident. This includes gathering evidence such as photographs of the hazardous condition, witness statements, and video surveillance footage. Your lawyer may also consult with safety experts or engineers to provide professional insights and testimony into the cause of the accident.

Once the evidence is compiled, the lawyer works to show that it was the property owner’s negligence that directly caused your injuries. They’ll also calculate the full extent of the damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

This is vital to making sure that you can get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.

With this information, the lawyer is ready to begin negotiations with insurance companies or to take your case to court if a fair settlement can’t be reached.

To Help You Understand the Legal Process

The legal process for filing a slip and fall claim begins with filing a written complaint against the responsible party. Here in Mississippi, our statute of limitations for personal injury claims is just three years from the date of the accident, making it essential to act as quickly as possible.

Once your complaint has been filed, both parties will exchange information and evidence. This phase is known as the “discovery” phase.

The goal is to build a complete understanding of your case and identify any possible areas of dispute in advance.

If your case isn’t settled during negotiations, it may proceed to trial, where both sides will present their arguments, and a judge or jury will decide the outcome. While the idea of going to trial can be daunting, having an experienced attorney in your corner can help ensure that your interests are properly represented.

To Prove Negligence

Proving negligence is a critical component of any slip and fall claim. As the victim, you must establish that it was the property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions that directly led to the accident and resulting injury. To do this, you’ll need to demonstrate three key elements: that a hazardous condition existed on the property, that the property owner had, or should have had, knowledge of the hazard before your accident, and that they deliberately failed to address it.

For example, if an employee mops the floor but doesn’t put up any warning signs, the property owner can be held accountable for any accidents that result. Similarly, if a broken staircase remains unrepaired for an extended period, it indicates an owner failed to provide reasonable care of the property.

In some cases, defendants may argue that your actions contributed to the accident. Mississippi follows the comparative negligence rule, which means that compensation may be lessened based on your (the victim’s) percentage of fault. A skilled lawyer can counter these arguments and ensure that your rights are being protected.

Get the Compensation You Need with Our Help

Compensation for a slip and fall case will vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injuries and losses. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address the emotional and psychological impact of the accident, including pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Recovering from a slip and fall accident often involves more than physical healing. Victims often face emotional and financial challenges that require long-term support. Legal claims are an important step in making sure that negligent property owners are held responsible for their actions (or inactions) as well as getting you the resources you need and deserve for your recovery.

With the help of our dedicated lawyers at Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, you can face the legal process with confidence.

By focusing on building a strong case and fighting for fair compensation, our legal professionals will help empower you to move forward and rebuild your life, providing you and your family with the guidance and support you need to get justice and ensure that your rights are upheld.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a slip and fall accident due to a property owner’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation.