Gulfport Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys

What Is a Slip & Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident is a type of personal injury case that falls under the category of premises liability. Slip and fall accidents can occur when an individual slips, trips, or falls while on someone else’s property. These types of accidents are common, and they can lead to serious injuries.

Slip and fall accidents can occur in a variety of locations, including:

Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the property owner is responsible for the accident because they failed to fix a dangerous condition. In other cases, the property owner is responsible because they failed to warn visitors about a dangerous condition.

Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

Common Defenses Used in Slip & Fall Cases

Property owners and their insurance companies often mount defenses to avoid liability in slip and fall cases. One common defense is the argument of comparative negligence. Under this principle, the property owner may claim that the injured party was partially to blame for the accident, perhaps by not paying attention to warning signs or failing to navigate the area with due care. The degree of the injured party's responsibility could reduce the compensation they might otherwise receive.

If you've been injured in a slip and fall, contact our Gulfport slip and fall injury lawyers by calling (228) 231-3989 today!

How to Prove Negligence in a Slip & Fall Accident Case

Many slip and fall accidents are the result of negligence on the part of the property owner. However, proving negligence can be challenging. In order to hold the property owner responsible for your injuries, you must be able to prove that the property owner was negligent and that their negligence caused your accident and injuries.

Proving negligence typically involves gathering and presenting evidence that clearly illustrates the property's unsafe conditions and establishes a link between the unsafe environment and the injuries sustained. This may include photographic evidence of the scene, eyewitness accounts, and maintenance records that show a history of neglect or failure to warn.

In order to prove negligence, you must be able to show the following:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care
• The property owner breached their duty of care
• The breach of duty caused your accident and injuries
• You suffered damages as a result of the accident

In Mississippi, the duty of care a property owner owes to a visitor depends on the visitor’s status. There are three types of visitors:

• Invitees are owed the highest duty of care. An invitee is someone who has been invited onto the property for the benefit of the property owner. This includes customers at a supermarket or grocery store, for example. Property owners owe invitees a duty to keep the property safe and to warn them of any known dangers.
• Licensees are owed a slightly lower duty of care. A licensee is someone who has been invited onto the property for their own benefit. This includes social guests at a home, for example. Property owners owe licensees a duty to warn them of any known dangers, but they do not have to inspect the property for potential hazards.
• Trespassers are owed the lowest duty of care. A trespasser is someone who is on the property without permission. Property owners do not owe trespassers a duty to keep the property safe. However, they cannot intentionally harm a trespasser.

Most visitors are either invitees or licensees. If you were injured on someone else’s property and you were an invitee or a licensee, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the property owner.

In order to have a valid slip and fall claim, you must be able to show that the property owner breached their duty of care. This means you must be able to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you about it.

What to Do After a Slip & Fall Accident

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights. First and foremost, you should seek medical attention. You may not realize you are injured right away, and you should see a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

It is also important to report the accident to the property owner or manager. If possible, do this right away. If you were injured in a store, for example, you should report the accident to the manager and ask for a copy of the incident report. If you were injured at a private residence, you should report the accident to the property owner.

Documentation is key in building a strong case, so taking comprehensive photos or videos of the accident scene is crucial. Capture any visible hazards, such as wet floors or poor lighting, that contributed to your fall. These images can serve as vital evidence to support your claim.

Additionally, gathering statements from witnesses can strengthen your case. Witnesses can provide objective accounts of the conditions leading to your accident, adding credibility to your claim. Keep detailed records of all medical visits and treatments, as these will help quantify the impact of the accident on your health and finances.

How Our Slip & Fall Lawyers Can Help

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, proving negligence in a slip and fall case can be challenging. In addition, the property owner’s insurance company will do everything they can to avoid paying you the full compensation you deserve.

Our slip and fall attorneys at Gulf South Law Firm can help. We have a comprehensive understanding of slip and fall accident cases, and we know what it takes to win. We can conduct a thorough investigation into your accident and gather the evidence needed to prove negligence. We can also handle all communication with the insurance company and negotiate with them to get you a fair settlement.

Our attorneys are skilled litigators, and we have a long track record of success. We are prepared to fight for you.

Call Our Slip & Fall Lawyers Today

Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and back and neck injuries. In some cases, these injuries can be life-changing. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our slip and fall accident lawyers at Gulf South Law Firm can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action. We are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve, and we will fight to protect your rights.

Contact us online or call our Mississippi slip and fall accident attorneys at (228) 231-3989 to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Following a Slip & Fall Accident?

It’s vital to take specific steps right after a slip and fall accident to protect your legal rights. First, seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain, since some injuries may not manifest right away. Document the scene by taking photographs of the hazardous condition that caused your fall. If there are witnesses, gather their contact information as they may be able to support your claim with an independent account of the incident. Reporting the fall to the property owner or business manager ensures there is a record of the incident. Finally, contact a qualified slip and fall lawyer to understand your legal options and begin building your case. At Gulf South Law Firm, our team can guide you every step of the way.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip & Fall Claim in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. This timeframe is crucial as it determines how long you have to initiate legal proceedings for compensation. Failure to file a claim within this period can result in losing the right to seek damages. However, there can be exceptions, such as when the injured party is a minor or if the injury was not immediately discoverable. Consulting with a knowledgeable legal professional at Gulf South Law Firm soon after your accident can ensure all deadlines are met and your rights fully protected.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for My Slip & Fall Injury?

The compensation for a slip and fall accident can cover various aspects of the victim’s experience. Typically, you can seek reimbursement for medical expenses, including hospital bills, therapy, and any ongoing treatment related to the injury. Lost wages can also be recovered if the injury affects your ability to work. Furthermore, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life can be compensated. Every case is unique, and the specific circumstances will dictate what compensation is appropriate. Discussing your situation with our attorneys at Gulf South Law Firm can provide clarity and direction on what you might expect in compensation.