Slip and fall accidents happen very suddenly and can leave you with severe injuries. Whether your accident occurred at a grocery store, office building, or private home, if a property owner failed to keep their premises and walkways clear or warn you of any dangers, you deserve compensation for your medical treatment and any other expenses that result from serious injuries. A Kalispell slip and fall lawyer from Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP understands the unique challenges individuals face when dealing with these unexpected injuries.
Mounting medical bills and lost wages can feel overwhelming. You might wonder if you have a case and what the next steps are. The team of personal injury lawyers at Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP can review the accident details and help you hold the property owner accountable. Contact us today to get a personal injury lawsuit started with a free consultation. Our track record can speak for itself in handling premises liability for your slip and fall accident.
Properties Where Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
Slip and fall accidents can happen on these types of property:
- Private Residential Properties — When visiting someone’s home, the property owner should ensure the walkways, floors, and staircases are safe for guests. They may be liable if you slip and fall due to their carelessness.
- Commercial Properties – Slips and falls can happen at all types of businesses. Some of the most common commercial locations of slip and falls include restaurants, bars, office buildings, construction sites, retail stores, and auto repair shops. Business owners must keep walkways, aisles, and stairs safe for customers. If a hazard exists and isn’t cleaned up or marked with a warning (such as orange cones or yellow folding signs), the business can be responsible for any injuries.
- Public Properties – The local government is typically responsible for maintaining safety on public property, such as city sidewalks, parks, swimming pools, and government buildings. Proving negligence can be challenging since governments have immunity in many cases. However, an injury attorney can prepare a strong case arguing for the government’s liability.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall incidents can cause a variety of injuries that range from very minor to severe, including:
- Broken Bones – Broken bones occur when excessive force causes a bone to crack or break completely. Typical fractures in slip and fall accidents include broken wrists, hips, and ankles. Broken bones almost always require some kind of medical treatment, such as casting or surgery.
- Sprains and Strains – Sprains and strains are soft tissue injuries. Sprains involve overstretching or tearing ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons. Twisting or falling can easily cause these injuries, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility, sometimes requiring physical therapy for recovery.
- Head Injuries – These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They occur when a fall causes the head to strike the ground or another object. Common symptoms of slip and fall head injuries range from mild headaches and dizziness to severe memory loss, confusion, or long-term cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Injuries – These involve damage to the vertebrae, discs, or nerves. Slip and fall accidents can cause herniated discs, fractures, or even paralysis. These injuries often result in chronic pain or loss of movement and may require extensive medical care, including surgery.
- Cuts and Bruises – Cuts can happen if the skin is punctured or tears during a fall. Bruises are injuries to blood vessels under the skin, resulting in discoloration. While these injuries may appear minor, they can be painful and occasionally lead to infections that require extended treatment.
The severity of your injuries can reduce or eliminate your ability to work and earn an income and often lead to high medical bills.
Compensation Available in a Slip and Fall Claim
In Montana, if a property owner’s negligence caused your slip and fall accident, you might be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – Coverage for your injury’s current and future treatment costs
- Lost Wages – Compensation for the income you’ve lost due to your inability to work and future earning capacity if your injuries are long-term
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical and emotional pain
- Punitive Damages – In some cases, including slip and falls, if the property owner or manager’s negligence was extreme, the court might award additional damages as a form of punishment and deterrence
A Kalispell slip and fall lawyer from Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP can help you maximize the compensation you can get. We can also help you recover it without the hassle of doing it alone while giving you peace of mind.
Filing an Insurance Claim
After a slip and fall accident, you will likely need to deal with the property owner’s insurance company. They may reach out to you quickly with a settlement offer, but it often won’t cover the total costs of your injuries. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts for personal injury cases, so don’t be surprised when they try to shift the blame onto you or suggest your injuries aren’t as serious as you think they are.
This is why it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable attorney who can review your personal injury case and negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement or take the case to trial so a jury can see the damage they caused. Your Kalispell slip and fall lawyer can also handle communications with insurers and other third parties. This protects you from common tactics designed to reduce compensation and even jeopardize your claim. It also takes considerable stress off your shoulders and allows you to focus on healing during mediation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Slip and Fall Accidents
We understand you may have many questions after your accident. Below are answers to common questions to help you be better informed and confident about your next steps.
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?
Your health and safety come first, so seek medical help immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Document the accident by taking pictures of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Report the injury or incident to the property owner or manager and request an incident report. Collect contact information for any witnesses.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after my slip and fall accident in Montana?
In Montana, you generally have three years to file a slip and fall lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, requires you to take legal action within this period or risk losing your right to recover compensation. Speaking to an attorney right away is essential to ensure you file on time.
What if I can’t afford to hire a Kalispell slip and fall lawyer after my accident?
At Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP, we understand that a slip and fall accident can lead to significant financial strain. We believe receiving access to legal services and support shouldn’t add to your financial burden. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, our Kalispell slip and fall attorneys only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. This allows you to pursue your case without additional financial risk.
Will my case go to trial, or can it be settled outside of court?
Many slip and fall cases resolve themselves through negotiations with the property owner’s insurance company before going to court. If the insurance company offers a fair settlement covering your losses, your attorney can help you accept it without setting foot inside a courtroom. However, if negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory settlement of personal injury claims, your lawyer will be ready to represent you in court to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Can I still file a lawsuit if I was partly at fault for my fall?
You may still have a case even if you were partially at fault. Montana has a comparative negligence rule that applies in slip and fall cases. This rule allows you to recover a proportionately reduced amount of compensation even if you were partially responsible, as long as your share of fault wasn’t more than 50 percent. For example, if a court finds you’re 25 percent at fault, your damages will be reduced by 25 percent. A Kalispell slip and fall lawyer can analyze your situation and make a compelling case for total liability on the property owner’s part.
How can a lawyer help with my slip and fall case?
Our attorneys can help you gather evidence to prove a property owner’s negligence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and maintenance records. We can also manage negotiations with insurance companies, protecting your interests and ensuring a fair settlement. If we can’t reach a settlement, your attorney will prepare to take your case to trial and advocate for your rights in court.
What do I need to bring to my consultation with Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP?
When you meet with us, bring any medical records, incident reports, photographs, or eyewitness contact information related to your accident. These documents will help us understand your injury’s circumstances and evaluate your case’s strength. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything – Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP will help you gather additional information.
Contact a Kalispell Slip and Fall Lawyer at Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP Today
The effects of even a relatively minor slip and fall incident can be costly and far-reaching. You deserve to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses resulting from an accident caused by a negligent property owner. If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, reach out to our law firm to discuss your legal options. Our compassionate Kalispell slip and fall lawyers understand how distressing this extensive experience can be and are committed to helping you seek justice. Contact us online or call (406) 752-7550 for an initial consultation and free case evaluation to get the compensation you deserve.
