Phoenix AZ Slip and Fall Attorneys
Attorney Representation in Phoenix, Arizona Since 1996
Slip and Fall Injuries
In the wake of enduring a slip and fall, what steps should you take to maximize your chances for compensation?
First of all, it's a good idea to create a paper trail throughout the process. Make sure to get your account of the Phoenix slip and fall accident down on paper. Include photographs of relevant details (e.g. the hazard that you slipped on) as well as any witness accounts, if you can. If you slipped and fell at a place of business, the owner or proprietor might mandate that a report be filled out, but Arizona state law generally doesn't require such a report to be completed so getting input from an experienced lawyer is a good start prior to filling out such a report with the property owner. If you believe that you might have a case against a liable party, landlord, business owner, or construction site operator, seek legal counsel quickly.
When Is a Negligent Property Owner Not Liable For an Arizona Slip and Fall Accident?
The law demands that property owners take reasonable steps to maintain grounds. For instance, if a condition on the property had caused several people to trip and suffer some injuries and the owner still hasn't taken undertaken efforts to alert or protect clients, then he or she might be liable for slip and falls or trip and falls on the dangerous condition. If, however, there was a hidden impediment that had never caused anybody to fall, was not created by the owner, and there was no way that the owner knew or should have known of the existence of the condition, there will usually not be any fault on the property owner.
If You Have Only Minor Injuries from Your Slip and fall, Should You Still Pursue Legal Action?
The decision to seek compensation for an injury is ultimately a personal one. Filing an Arizona personal injury law suit can be time-consuming and emotionally involving. Not every injury is worthy of a lawsuit to the person who was hurt or to anyone else. We have seen far too many people “pushed” towards pursuing litigation on cases that are not worth the time, effort, energy or expense. In addition, due to the perception that most people and juries have that we live in an overly litigious society, bringing a lawsuit for injuries that are minor and heal quickly may not be in the best interest of anybody.
However, where to “draw the line” is a tough call, and it never hurts to get the input of experienced, straightforward lawyers who will tell you if you have a case worthy of the investment of time and money to pursue.
If Your Slip and Fall Happened A While Ago Can You Still Make a Claim?
Statutes of limitations in Arizona premises liability cases do apply. If you were hurt due to property defects, for instance, your case likely has a statute of limitations of two years. However, in some cases the time frame for getting initial paperwork filed on a slip and fall or trip and fall case is less than six months - 180 days - depending upon who the owner or possessor of the property was at the time of the injury.
To get feedback about your potential slip and fall case, connect with Alexis and Mark Breyer. For 12 years, our Phoenix Arizona's personal injury law team has excelled at fighting to receive fair compensation for our clients, and we're happy to provide you with a free case consultation today.
