Albuquerque Slip-and-Fall Lawyers

What is a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

A slip-and-fall accident occurs when someone is injured due to hazardous conditions on another person’s property, potentially leading to severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries. Property owners are responsible for ensuring visitor safety, and if they fail, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

After a slip-and-fall accident, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you navigate premises liability law and seek the compensation you deserve.

Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents in NM

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen in various settings. Understanding the common types of fall accidents can help clarify the specific circumstances under which property owners may be held accountable.

The most common slip-and-fall accidents in Albuquerque include:

Wet or Slippery Surfaces

Wet or slippery surfaces are a leading cause of slip-and-falls, especially in grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers. Property owners are responsible for cleaning up spills promptly and putting up warning signs when floors are wet. Failing to do so can cause visitors to slip, leading to injuries like fractures, sprains, or concussions.

Uneven Flooring or Pavement

Uneven flooring, cracked sidewalks, or broken tiles can create tripping hazards. These hazards are often found in public spaces, including sidewalks, parking lots, or building entrances. Areas that experience heavy foot traffic are particularly susceptible to wear and tear, and it’s the owner’s responsibility to maintain these areas or face liability for any resulting accidents.

Poor Lighting

Inadequate lighting in stairwells, hallways, parking garages, or building entrances can obscure hazards otherwise visible in daylight or with proper illumination. Dim or burned-out light bulbs increase the risk of slips and falls because individuals may not see potential dangers like uneven surfaces or obstacles. Property owners must ensure that their premises are adequately lit to reduce the likelihood of accidents. 

Stairs Without Handrails

Stairs without handrails or with unstable railings can be highly hazardous. Whether in apartment complexes, commercial buildings, or private residences, handrails are essential for maintaining balance and preventing falls, particularly for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues. Property owners must ensure that all staircases have secure, sturdy handrails to avoid these accidents.

Broken or Damaged Stairs

Broken stair treads, loose or uneven steps, and otherwise damaged or neglected staircases can be extremely dangerous, particularly in apartment complexes, commercial buildings, and residential homes. Property owners must ensure that staircases are in good repair to help prevent serious falls. 

Cluttered Walkways

Cluttered walkways filled with debris, cords, or equipment create tripping hazards. This is common in workplaces, construction sites, and public event spaces. Property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring clear paths to avoid accidents.

Loose Carpeting or Rugs

Loose, torn, or wrinkled carpeting and rugs are common tripping hazards in homes and commercial spaces. These issues can easily lead to falls if not repaired or secured. Property owners should ensure that carpets and rugs are maintained to prevent accidents. 

What Causes Slip-and Fall-Accidents?

Several factors can contribute to a slip-and-fall accident. While accidents may seem like random occurrences, they are often the result of the property owner’s negligence. Common causes include:

Lack of Maintenance

Property owners must maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. Regular inspections and timely repairs are essential to prevent hazards such as broken steps, loose floorboards, cracked sidewalks, or potholes from causing accidents.

Spills and Wet Floors

Spills and wet floors are common in environments where liquids are frequently handled, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and office buildings. Property owners or business operators are responsible for quickly cleaning up spills and placing warning signs to alert patrons to the danger until the area is dry.

Inadequate Signage

Warning signs are crucial in alerting people to potential hazards, particularly in areas undergoing maintenance, cleaning, or repair. Inadequate or missing signage is common in slip-and-fall cases, where people are unaware of dangers that could otherwise have been avoided.

Weather-Related Hazards

Snow, ice, and rain can create dangerous conditions, particularly on sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots. Property owners are responsible for addressing weather-related hazards promptly. This includes shoveling snow, salting icy areas, and placing mats or signage in entryways to prevent slippery floors caused by tracked-in water. Property owners can be held liable for any injuries if they do not take reasonable steps to reduce these hazards.

Slip & Fall Compensation in Albuquerque, NM

You can seek compensation for your damages if you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to someone else’s negligence. Compensation can cover: 

Medical Expenses

This includes hospital bills, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.

Lost Wages

If your injury prevents you from working, you may be compensated for lost income or reduced earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Slip-and-fall accidents can cause not only physical pain but emotional distress as well. Both of which are compensable under personal injury law.

Our Albuquerque slip-and-fall lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and work to secure the full compensation you’re entitled to. We are committed to holding negligent property owners accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

What is a Slip & Fall Claim Worth?

The value of your slip-and-fall claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and financial losses. More severe injuries and serious negligence cases can significantly increase your claim’s value. Key factors include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and long-term effects.

Our experienced team will evaluate your case to determine its worth and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

An Albuquerque Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Can Help

After a slip-and-fall accident, dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain can be incredibly burdensome. A skilled Albuquerque slip-and-fall lawyer can make a crucial difference by:

• Investigating your fall: Your lawyer will gather evidence, review accident reports, and interview witnesses to establish the cause and liability.
• Proving negligence: Demonstrating that a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment led to your injuries is key to your claim.
• Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies may try to reduce your payout, but your attorney will advocate for the compensation you deserve.
• Calculating damages: An experienced slip-and-fall lawyer will assess your economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Representing you in court: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney will be ready to take your case to trial and fight for your rights.

With the right lawyer by your side, you can focus on getting better while our legal team handles the complexities of your case.

Hurt in an Albuquerque Slip-And-Fall? The Law Giant Wins Big

A slip-and-fall injury can impact your health, job, and quality of life. Don’t face it alone. At The Law Giant Injury Lawyers, we have the experience to hold negligent property owners accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay unless we win your case. Contact The Law Giant at (505) 900-0000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.