It only takes a brief moment for someone else’s negligence to cause a trip and fall accident that can change your life forever. You may be facing daily pain, limited mobility, time off work, and a growing stack of medical bills that can leave you uncertain of what the future holds. You may have a valid personal injury claim, but you’ll need a skilled attorney to help you through it.
The team at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman is dedicated to protecting the rights of Mississippi residents when they’re injured due to property owner negligence. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Contact us today to learn more.
Common Causes of Trip and Fall Accidents
Trip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, from public sidewalks to private businesses. Some of the most common causes of accidents our trip and fall attorneys see include:
- Uneven sidewalks or pavement
- Loose flooring or carpeting
- Cluttered walkways
- Broken staircases or handrails
- Poor lighting
- Ruffled up door mats
- Low hanging and protruding displays
No matter how your accident occurred, if it resulted from the property owner or manager’s negligence, you may have a valid personal injury claim.
Common Trip and Fall Accident Injuries
Even if the fall seemed minor, the ramifications can be severe. Victims often face lengthy recovery times and costly medical bills, both of which can weigh heavily on their emotional well-being. Common injuries our attorneys see include:
- Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Our attorneys work with medical experts to determine the full extent and impact of your injuries so we can calculate your maximum compensation.
What to Do After a Trip and Fall Accident
You can do a lot to strengthen your claim in the days and weeks following a trip and fall accident. You should:
Seek Medical Attention
If you haven’t already, seeking prompt medical care is critical. Some injuries worsen over time, and others won’t show symptoms for hours or days after the accident. Seeing a healthcare professional right away can protect your health and create vital documentation for pursuing your claim.
Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, manager, or landlord of the accident and request a copy of the incident report. This provides evidence that connects your injuries to the accident and shows that the negligent party was made aware that the incident occurred.
Document the Accident Scene
Take photos and videos of the hazard that caused your trip and fall accident, the surrounding area, lighting conditions, warning signs (or lack thereof), and visible injuries. This will provide visual support for your version of events.
Collect Witness Contact Information
Third-party testimony lends credibility to your claim and may provide key details you may have missed. If anyone saw the accident, collect their names and contact information.
Be Cautious When Speaking with Insurers
Insurance companies may contact you to make initial low settlement offers or to request a recorded statement regarding the accident. These are attempts to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. Your safest option is to refer them to your attorney, but if you must speak with an insurance adjuster, never admit fault or speculate, never accept quick settlements, and don’t offer any recorded statements.
Contact an Attorney
A skilled trip and fall accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance as you pursue your claim. They can handle insurance company communications, gather crucial evidence, and help you avoid critical errors. Contact one as soon as you’re able.
What Kind of Compensation Might Be Available?
If the property owner or manager failed to maintain safe premises and caused you harm, they may be responsible for the physical, emotional, and financial damage they caused. Your attorney will likely seek compensation for the following losses on your behalf:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We work with medical and financial experts to determine how your injuries have impacted your daily life and finances, and then pursue all the compensation you’re entitled to for the losses you’ve suffered.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You don’t legally need an attorney to pursue a personal injury claim. However, seeking compensation on your own can be stressful and challenging. Our experienced trip and fall lawyers can do the following:
- Review Your Case for Free: We can sit down with you, discuss your case, review any evidence you may have, and ask you some key questions to determine whether you have a valid claim.
- Investigate and Gather Evidence: We obtain incident reports, interview witnesses, seek surveillance footage, review maintenance records, and consult experts to build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
- Deal with Insurers: Insurance companies employ various tactics to avoid paying you the compensation you deserve. We can protect your rights by handling all communications with them.
- Offer Critical Support: We understand how devastating trip and fall accidents can be for victims and their families. We offer not only legal advice and tenacious advocacy, but compassion and understanding to all of our clients.
- Negotiating and Litigating: Holding the negligent party responsible often requires aggressive negotiation. We don’t back down to big insurance companies, and we’re fully prepared to take your claim to court if necessary.
Contact a North Mississippi Trip and Fall Attorney Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in a trip and fall accident on someone else’s property, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman PLLC can protect your rights. We have extensive experience with trip and fall accident cases, and have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for clients just like you. We have the knowledge and experience to seek the accountability and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.
