Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries that affect your daily life, work, and long-term health. An Aurora personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages for your losses.
Falls can occur in public places, on private property, and even in the workplace. If you fell and got hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, a slip and fall accident lawyer in Aurora from Therman Law can help you recover financial compensation.
Why Hire an Aurora Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer?
Navigating a slip and fall claim can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with injuries. A slip and fall accident attorney in Aurora can help by:
- Investigating the accident: An attorney can investigate your accident and gather evidence to determine liability.
- Assessing your damages: A lawyer can evaluate your medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and long-term care costs to calculate fair compensation.
- Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies aim to pay accident victims as little as possible. A lawyer can push back against their tactics and fight for a fair settlement.
- Representing you in court: If your case cannot be settled, your lawyer will advocate for you in court.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in injury cases, making it difficult to recover the full value of your claim. Having legal guidance significantly increases your chances of receiving a settlement that covers your losses.
Potential Compensation in Slip and Fall Cases
Victims of slip and fall accidents may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. These can include:
- Medical expenses: You can be compensated for hospital visits, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: You can claim compensation for time you missed at work due to injury.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: You can be compensated if your injuries result in long-term impairment.
- Future care costs: You can recover funds for ongoing medical treatment or assistance.
Victims often underestimate the long-term costs of their injuries, such as ongoing therapy or reduced earning capacity. An Aurora slip and fall accident lawyer can help ensure all potential losses are accounted for and included in your claim.
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Several parties may be responsible for a preventable fall, including:
- Property owners: Homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
- Businesses: Stores, restaurants, and other public-facing businesses are liable for unsafe floors, cluttered aisles, or wet surfaces.
- Property managers: Those responsible for upkeep, inspections, and maintenance may share liability.
- Third-party contractors: If a repair or maintenance company created the hazardous condition, they may be held accountable.
Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation of maintenance records, inspection logs, and witness statements. An experienced lawyer can identify all responsible parties to ensure you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations in Aurora
In Aurora, the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe can prevent you from pursuing compensation. A lawyer can help ensure your claim is submitted on time.
It’s important to act quickly because gathering evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene, becomes more difficult as time passes. Prompt action also allows your attorney to identify liable parties and preserve critical documentation before it is lost or destroyed.
Common Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents in Aurora
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but certain locations see them more often than others. These locations include:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets: Spilled liquids, debris, and cluttered aisles create hazards.
- Parking lots and sidewalks: Uneven pavement, ice, and poor lighting often contribute to falls.
- Restaurants and bars: Wet floors from spills or cleaning can lead to accidents.
- Apartment complexes: Broken stairs, poorly maintained walkways, and loose carpeting are common culprits.
- Public buildings: Schools, libraries, and municipal offices may have areas that are unsafe if not properly maintained.
Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies
If you were hurt in a fall, insurance companies may use deceptive tactics to try to get you to compromise your claim. For that reason, it’s important to:
- Document everything: Keep records of all medical treatments, bills, and any correspondence with insurers.
- Take photos: Photograph the accident scene, hazards, and your injuries to support your claim.
- Be careful with statements: Only provide factual information about the accident and avoid speculating or admitting fault.
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer: Initial settlement offers probably won’t cover all of your medical costs, lost wages, or long-term care needs.
- Consult your lawyer: Your lawyer can handle communications with adjusters and help ensure your statements do not harm your claim.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common ones include:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures or broken bones
- Head injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Bruises and soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
Speak to a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney in Aurora
Slip and fall accidents can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you were the victim of one, a dedicated Aurora slip and fall accident attorney from Therman Law can fight for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and start putting together your claim.
