Premises Liability/Slip and Fall Lawyer in Indiana
Slip, trip, and fall accidents are a more common cause of serious injury than many people realize. In fact, falls send more people to emergency rooms than car accidents and kill almost 25,000 people per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They are the leading cause of death on the job, the most frequent cause of death in people over 65, and the third most frequent cause of accidental death overall.
Many of these falls and resulting injuries and deaths could be prevented. People often slip, trip, and fall because of a hazardous condition that was either caused by the owner of the property where the accident occurred or that the owner allowed to exist or failed to fix. Law requires property owners or those in control of a property to keep their premises in safe condition. If the person or entity responsible for maintaining the premises causes or allows a hazard to exist and it causes someone to fall and be injured or killed, that person (or the family of someone who has been killed) is entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Premises Liability & Regional Safety Standards
Indiana's safety standards for premises liability reflect a commitment to public safety and meticulous management of both public and private properties. Landlords and business owners must adhere to local building codes and regulations, ensuring their premises meet the specifications outlined by the state. This includes maintaining adequate lighting, repairing structural hazards, and ensuring walkways are free of obstacles during winter months. Furthermore, property owners are tasked with regular inspections and timely maintenance to preemptively eliminate potential safety threats. Consistently meeting these standards not only reduces the risk of slips and falls but also fosters a safer environment for the community as a whole, diminishing the likelihood of liability for property owners.
Understanding the intricacies of premises liability law in Indiana is crucial for victims seeking fair compensation. Indiana law mandates that property owners owe varying degrees of duty to visitors, classified as invitees, licensees, and trespassers. The duty of care extends most significantly to invitees, such as customers in a store, who should expect a higher level of safety. If an owner breaches this duty, they may be held responsible for any ensuing injuries. Knowing your rights and the legal obligations of the property owner can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Moreover, the weather conditions in Indiana can present unique challenges, including icy sidewalks and wet floors during certain seasons, making vigilant property maintenance even more critical. Failure to address these common environmental factors can lead to severe injuries and legal ramifications for property owners. Therefore, proactively maintaining premises and promptly addressing known hazards are essential steps in preventing slip and fall accidents.
How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You
If you or a family member has been hurt in a fall caused by someone’s negligence, it is in your best interest to consult a seasoned premises liability attorney. The attorneys at the Alvarez Law Office in Crown Point, Indiana, with more than 60 years of combined experience, have been successful in addressing hundreds of slip, trip, and fall and other premises accidents in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. To prove owner negligence, we will need to determine:
- How the condition that caused the accident came to exist
- How long the condition existed
- Whether the property owner knew about the condition
- Whether the property owner violated any laws, codes, regulations, or common safety practices
- Whether there have been other similar accidents on the premises
We will conduct an investigation of your accident, which may include taking photos of the scene, interviewing witnesses, and examining maintenance records. We will obtain your medical records and documentation of all your losses, including lost earnings, medical expenses, cost of required household help or assistive devices, and other intangible losses like pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
With this information, we will present a thoroughly documented claim and demand a settlement that includes full and adequate compensation for all damages, both monetary and intangible, and will negotiate with the liable party’s insurance company, or directly with the company, if self-insured. If they don’t offer a settlement amount that adequately covers all losses, we will proceed to trial. We have a proven track record of substantial settlements, jury verdicts, and satisfied clients. You will be involved and informed of what is happening in your claim every step of the way. We develop close relationships with our clients, and by the time your claim is complete, you’ll feel like family!
We've Recovered Billions for Clients
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$15 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$8.5 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$4 Million Steel Mill Explosion
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$3.55 Million Injured Tradesmen/Steelworker
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$3 Million Prescription Medical Defect
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$2.5 Million Amputation in Illinois
Conditions That Cause Falls
Some of the hazardous conditions that can cause fall accidents include:
- Wet and slippery floors
- Poor lighting
- Sidewalks made slippery by irrigation systems
- Uneven sidewalks, often caused by roots growing beneath them
- Torn or uneven carpet
- Trash or debris on a floor or sidewalk
- Staircases with missing or broken steps
- Staircases lacking handrails
- Slippery sidewalks due to water
- Slippery sidewalks due to ice or snow
- Uneven or torn carpet
- Debris or trash on a sidewalk or floor
- Missing or broken steps on a staircase
What Are Common Injuries in a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Slip-and-fall accidents can range in severity, depending on the hazardous conditions, age, and overall health of the victim. Possible injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Damaged knee
- Dislocated shoulder
- Muscle strains
- Spinal injury
- Nerve damage
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
If you or someone you love has suffered any of these injuries due to a slip-and-fall accident, reach out to the knowledgeable team at Alvarez Law Offices.
Watch some of our personal injury videos. Then, call Alvarez Law today for a free consultation. Remember, you pay us nothing unless we win money for you.
Understanding the range of potential injuries underscores the importance of immediate and comprehensive medical assessment following a slip-and-fall incident. Quick diagnosis and treatment not only improve recovery outcomes but also provide detailed medical records vital for verifying claims of injury and associated costs. Even seemingly minor injuries can escalate without prompt attention, emphasizing the necessity of thoroughness in both medical and legal responses.
Moreover, acknowledging the psychological impact and emotional distress caused by falls is essential. Victims may experience anxiety or fear of re-injury, affecting their daily life and mental well-being. Our legal team is aware of these dimensions and strives to secure compensation that accounts for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life alongside physical injuries.
FAQs About Premises Liability & Slip and Fall in Indiana
What Should I Do Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
After a slip-and-fall accident, immediate actions can significantly influence the strength of your case. First, ensure your safety and seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor. Quick medical evaluation creates a vital record of your injuries and their correlation to the accident. Documenting the incident is equally important: take photographs of the hazard that caused your fall, note the time and location, and gather contact information from any witnesses. Additionally, report the accident to the property owner or manager to ensure an official acknowledgment of the incident. Keeping a detailed record of these early steps strengthens your potential claim by preserving crucial evidence and substantiating your account of what occurred.
How Do Indiana Laws Affect My Slip-and-Fall Case?
Indiana's approach to slip-and-fall claims is rooted in its modified comparative fault system. This framework allows the assessment of each party's responsibility in contributing to the accident. If it is determined that you share some fault for the incident, your potential compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, your claim may still proceed unless your level of fault exceeds 50%. Understanding the dynamics of comparative fault and the nuances of Indiana's legal environment is essential when pursuing a claim, emphasizing the importance of skilled legal representation to navigate these complexities.
Can I Claim Compensation for Emotional Distress After a Slip-and-Fall?
Beyond physical injuries, slip-and-fall accidents can lead to significant emotional distress. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and a decline in overall quality of life due to the trauma of the accident and the resultant inconveniences. It is possible to include claims for emotional distress as part of your comprehensive compensation package, provided there is sufficient evidence to substantiate the impact on your life. Documentation from mental health professionals, personal journals, or testimonies from family and friends can all contribute to validating the severity and legitimacy of your emotional distress claims. Our dedicated team at Alvarez Law Offices works diligently to ensure that all aspects of your suffering, both seen and unseen, are fairly represented in your pursuit of compensation.
Why Is Professional Legal Representation Crucial for Slip-and-Fall Cases?
Having professional legal representation is crucial in navigating the complexities of slip-and-fall cases. Attorneys experienced in premises liability understand the tactics often employed by insurance companies to minimize payouts. They bring the knowledge needed to counter such strategies effectively, ensuring that you receive a fair assessment of your claim's worth. From investigating the circumstances of the accident to collating evidence and negotiating with insurers, your attorney acts as a tenacious advocate, shielding you from potential pitfalls and misunderstandings that could devalue your claim. Engaging a seasoned attorney also provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on recovery without the added stress of managing legal intricacies.
What Does the Claim Process Look Like After Hiring an Attorney?
The journey of pursuing a slip-and-fall claim with an attorney begins with a thorough evaluation of your case, including a comprehensive collection of relevant data such as medical records and eyewitness accounts. Your attorney will establish a solid factual foundation, enabling them to present a compelling demand for compensation to the responsible party's insurer. Throughout negotiations, your attorney will keep you informed and consult with you about any settlements offered. Should negotiations fail to yield an acceptable outcome, your attorney is prepared to escalate the claim through litigation, advocating for your rights in court. With a focus on transparency and client empowerment, Alvarez Law Offices ensures you remain an integral part of the decision-making process from start to finish.
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My experience with the Alvarez Law office was outstanding. They took my case and completed it in a timely manner. Ms. Theresa was outstanding with my case and made sure that I had everything I needed. If anyone needs a law firm that would fight for you like no other this is the Law firm for you. Thank you Anna Gallo- Anna G.
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The office staff was always polite answering the phones. The paralegals are always there to answer my questions through email or by phone calls it may have taken time to get back to me but just had to be patient. The legal secretary called to go over and make sure I understood what and how it was going to be finalized. Attorney Steve Alvarez not settling and making sure he went the extra mile for me.- Brandy F.
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Everyone that I have spoken with at Alvarez has been polite, positive, & professional. These interactions have inspired my confidence in this firm. It’s reassuring when you’re not well to have a team like this on your side. My attorney, Steven Alvarez a great communicator, very helpful, and kind. He has already been a huge help. I’m grateful I have Alvarez Law working on my behalf.- Lilly P.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me settle a workers compensation case. I am very pleased with the results thus far! Brandon along with the paralegal staff have been very professional and friendly. If you are in need of legal representation, consider Alvarez Law Office. Thank you so much!- Laura J.
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I recommend the Alvarez Law Office; Friendly, helpful, and needful advice and also very knowledgeable regarding workman's comp claims. I appreciated their professional representation and skill.- Faith F.
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Very pleased with this law firm Brandon has kept me updated throughout my case. Brandon and Nicole are Rock Star's. I would definitely encourage anyone to use this law firm. If you want a Rock Star lawyer then Brandon Morford at Alvarez Law that's the guy you need.- James C.
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Got me more money back than I expected for my injuries! Thanks Alvarez law firm. You guys are awesome!!!- Jerry G.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me with a personal injury case and did a superb job. Everyone from the office staff to Walter Alvarez are very personable and friendly. My experience was great. Shout out to Steven Alvarez for a great job! Thank you so much!- Marci W.
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- Hailey S.
Brandon was great at getting back to me and answering all of my questions. It was nice having someone that would answer 24-7 and Attorney Alvarez got me a great resolution on my case.
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I was in an awful wreck in January and I contacted Mr. Alvarez. He has been such a great attorney but an even better friend! From checking up on me and making time for calls with both of our busy schedules. I can honestly say in an awful circumstance Steve Alvarez did his absolute best at all times. I Highly recommend this attorney to anyone!!! Thank you- Collin S.
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The whole entire staff IS GREAT from the front desk to the top. Very nice very friendly honest and reliable!- Joseph L.
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This is a firm you want on your side. They did an amazing job on my car accident case. They really are 24-7. Brandon answered all my questions promptly even on the weekends. Steven got me an amazing settlement. He is the man! He even got my medicals lowered. This is a powerhouse lawyer you want on your side.- Moses V.