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Salem Slip and Fall Attorney
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Slip and Fall Lawyer in Salem
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. But when they happen in Salem, Goldberg & Loren is ready to help represent you. Whether occurring on public sidewalks, in retail stores, or on private properties, these accidents can result in severe injuries.
Did you know in the United States, falls result in more than 8 million hospital emergency room visits, making it the primary reason for visits with a 21.3% rate? Out of the total falls, slip-and-falls contribute to more than 1 million visits, representing 12%. [1]
Have you recently been a victim of a slip-and-fall accident in Salem, Oregon?
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the legal process. Don’t wait, take action now to protect your rights and get the justice you deserve. Call us or schedule your consultation.
Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Salem
There were 951 deaths were caused by slip-and-fall injuries in 2022 in Salem, Oregon. [2]Â Here are common causes of slip-and-fall accidents where legal action may be appropriate:
- Unsafe Premises: Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises. If a property owner fails to address hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or debris in walkways, and someone is injured as a result, the injured party may have grounds for a lawsuit. [3]
- Negligent Maintenance: Failure to perform regular maintenance, repairs, or inspections on property can lead to hazardous conditions that contribute to slip-and-fall accidents. This negligence could involve issues like broken handrails, loose carpeting, or crumbling pavement.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit areas can obscure hazards and increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, especially in parking lots, stairwells, or walkways. Property owners who neglect to provide adequate lighting may be liable for injuries resulting from falls in dimly lit areas.
- Weather Conditions: Inadequate snow and ice removal during winter months can create slippery surfaces on sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners and managers have a duty to take reasonable measures to address weather-related hazards promptly.
- Spills and Wet Surfaces: Spilled liquids, recently mopped floors, or wet surfaces due to rain or cleaning activities can create slippery conditions that contribute to slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners or employees who fail to promptly clean up spills or warn visitors of wet floors may be held liable for resulting injuries.
- Defective Stairs or Ramps: Broken steps, loose handrails, or uneven surfaces on stairs or ramps can pose significant hazards and increase the risk of falls. Property owners who fail to repair or maintain these structures may be liable for injuries caused by defects.
- Improper Signage: Failure to provide warning signs or barricades around hazardous areas, such as construction zones or freshly waxed floors, can contribute to slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners have to adequately warn visitors of potential dangers on their premises.
- Code Violations: Violations of building codes or safety regulations that contribute to slip-and-fall accidents may form the basis for a lawsuit against property owners or managers responsible for maintaining compliance with applicable laws.
Each slip-and-fall accident case is unique, and liability will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. If you have been injured in a fall, consult with our experienced personal injury attorneys and our team will assess merits of your case, determine liability, and explore options for pursuing compensation through legal action.
Injuries Caused by Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Salem, Oregon
Common injuries associated with slip-and-fall accidents in Salem, Oregon, include:
- Abrasions
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Contusions and Bruises
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Head Injuries (Including Concussions)
- Knee Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Shoulder Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
The specific injuries sustained often depend on factors such as the nature of the fall, the condition of the premises, and the health and age of the individual involved.
Who Can Be at Fault in a Slip-and-Fall Claim?
In slip-and-fall claims, the parties who can be held at fault vary depending on the accident’s circumstances. Common parties at fault in these cases include:
- Business Establishment: The owner or operator of a business establishment, such as a retail store, restaurant, or grocery store, may be held liable for slip-and-fall accidents that occur on their premises. Business owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for patrons and visitors, including keeping floors clean and free from hazards.
- Government Entities: Slip-and-fall accidents that occur on public property, such as sidewalks, parks, or government buildings, may involve liability on the part of government entities. In such cases, the city or municipality responsible for maintaining the property may be held accountable for injuries caused by negligent maintenance or hazardous conditions.
- Independent Contractors: Property owners or businesses may hire independent contractors to perform maintenance, repair, or construction work on their premises. If a slip-and-fall accident occurs due to the negligence of an independent contractor, both the contractor and the property owner may be held liable for the resulting injuries.
- Manufacturers of Defective Products: Slip-and-fall accidents may also result from defects in products such as flooring materials, floor mats, or cleaning equipment. If a defective product contributes to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the product may be held liable for injuries under product liability laws.
- Property Management Company: In cases where the property is managed by a third-party property management company, the management company may bear responsibility for slip-and-fall accidents if they fail to fulfill their duty to maintain safe premises or address known hazards.
- Property Owner or Occupier: Ultimately, the property owner or occupier has the primary responsibility for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. Property owners have a duty to inspect their property regularly, address any hazards promptly, and warn visitors of potential dangers. If they fail to fulfill this duty and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable for the slip-and-fall accident.
Consulting with our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you understand your legal options if you have suffered injuries in a slip-and-fall accident in or around Salem.
Table of Contents
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Slip and Fall Lawyer in Salem
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Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Salem
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Injuries Caused by Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Salem, Oregon
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Who Can Be at Fault in a Slip-and-Fall Claim?
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Damages Recoverable with a Slip-and-Fall Claim in Salem, OregonÂ
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Statutes of Limitation for Slip and Fall Accidents in Salem, Oregon
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Why Should You Hire Our Salem Slip and Fall Attorney?
Our Salem Practice Areas
Damages Recoverable with a Slip-and-Fall Claim in Salem
In slip-and-fall claims, victims may be entitled to damages to compensate for their losses and injuries. Here are some of the most common damages that can be recovered in a slip-and-fall claim:
- Disfigurement: Compensation for disfigurement or scarring resulting from the slip-and-fall accident, which may include physical alteration of appearance and associated psychological effects.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the slip-and-fall accident and resulting injuries.
- Legal Fees: Reimbursement for reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation costs incurred in pursuing the slip-and-fall claim, ensuring that victims do not bear the financial burden of legal representation.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy suffered by the victim’s spouse due to the injuries sustained in the slip-and-fall accident.
- Lost Wages: Recovery of lost wages or income resulting from the victim’s inability to work due to injuries sustained in the slip-and-fall accident, including past and future earnings.
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for all past, present, and future medical expenses related to the treatment of injuries suffered in the slip-and-fall accident, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation therapy.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain, discomfort, and suffering endured by the victim as a result of the slip-and-fall accident and associated injuries, which may include both past and future pain and suffering.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged personal property, such as clothing, eyeglasses, electronic devices, or other belongings damaged in the slip-and-fall accident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Compensation for the expenses associated with rehabilitation and physical therapy necessary for the victim’s recovery and rehabilitation from injuries sustained in the slip-and-fall accident.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where a slip-and-fall accident results in the victim’s death, surviving family members may pursue compensation for wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
Statutes of Limitation for Slip and Fall Accidents in Oregon
In Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for slip-and-fall accidents is two years. This means that you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the property owner or other responsible party. If you do not file a lawsuit within this two-year period, you will likely lose your right to recover damages. [4]
There are some exceptions to this two-year Statute of Limitations. For example, if the injured person is a minor, they may have until they reach the age of 18 to file a lawsuit. Other exceptions may apply; reach out to our legal team to discuss the specifics of your situation.Â
Why Should You Hire Our Salem Slip and Fall Attorney?
If you have suffered a slip-and-fall accident in Salem, Oregon, hiring our slip-and-fall attorneys can provide you with numerous benefits:
- Effective Communication:Â Our personal injury lawyers will communicate with all parties involved, including the property owner, witnesses, and medical professionals. This ensures that all necessary information is obtained and presented accurately, strengthening your case.
- Litigation: Our slip-and-fall lawyers will collect all relevant evidence, such as accident reports, witness testimonies, and surveillance footage. This evidence can be instrumental in establishing liability and proving the extent of your injuries.
- Negotiation: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny insurance claims altogether. Our legal team is skilled in advocating for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We will handle all communications with the insurance company and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Solid Experience: We have over 3 decades of experience in slip-and-fall cases and a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding these types of accidents in Salem, Oregon. This knowledge allows us to build a strong case on your behalf and navigate the legal complexities efficiently.
Hiring our Salem, Oregon, slip-and-fall attorneys will increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to seek our legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Book a free consultation today!
FAQs
Even in such cases, you may be entitled to compensation. Insurance coverage may come into play, and consulting with an attorney can help determine the best course of action.
Bring any relevant documents, such as incident reports, medical records, photographs of the accident scene, and contact information for witnesses. These can help the attorney evaluate your case.
Fault is determined by assessing factors such as the property owner's negligence, the hazardous condition that led to the fall, and the injured party's actions. An attorney will investigate these elements to establish liability.
Sources:
[1] Slip and Fall Quick Facts | NFSI. (n.d.). https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/
[2] Death Data. (n.d.). Oregon Health Authority. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://visual-data.dhsoha.state.or.us/t/OHA/views/Oregondeathsfromexternalinjuries/DemogDash?
[3] Slip and fall. (2023, January 31). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip_and_fall
[4] Oregon Gov. (n.d.). https://www.osbplf.org/assets/forms/pdfs/Statutes%20of%20Limitation%20Generally.pdf
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered slip & fall injuries in Salem, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
We Represent Those Who Have Experienced Falls in the Following Cities and Communities Near Salem, Oregon.
- Keizer, OR
- Hayesville, OR
- Dallas, OR
- Tigard, OR
- Woodburn, OR
- Albany, OR
- Newberg, OR
- West Linn, OR
- Canby, OR
- Wilsonville, OR
- Corvallis, OR
- Lebanon, OR
- Sherwood, OR
- Tualatin, OR
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