Slip and Fall & Premises Liability

Property owners have legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of customers and visitors in Birmingham, Alabama. However, one of the most common injuries stems from slip and fall incidents. These accidents can result in serious injuries that lead to financial strain and emotional distress.

You may recover compensation if you experience a slip and fall accident due to a property owner’s negligence. A slip and fall premises liability lawyer in Birmingham can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury team at Riley & Jackson, P.C., has decades of experience recovering millions in compensation for victims of slip and falls and other personal injury accidents.

Why You Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Birmingham

Depending on the facts of the incident, premises liability claims can be complex and challenging to prove. Property owners and their insurance companies often deny responsibility or attempt to shift blame onto the injured party or other parties that may be involved.

Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning that you may be barred from recovering compensation if you are found even partially at fault for the accident.

Our skilled premises liability lawyers can:

Investigate your case and gather evidence to establish liability
Handle communication with insurance companies and opposing parties
Accurately calculate the value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Advocate for your rights in settlement negotiations or court

At Riley & Jackson, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that slip and fall victims face. Our dedicated attorneys are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation. With a proven track record of success in Birmingham, recovering millions in compensation for our clients, we are prepared to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Premises Liability in Alabama

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their property. Under Alabama law, property owners must ensure that their premises are free of hazards that could harm visitors. This includes:

Repairing hazards: Property owners must fix any dangerous conditions, such as broken stairs, uneven flooring, or slippery surfaces.
Warning of hazards: If the property owner cannot immediately repair a hazard, they must give notice by warning visitors of the danger.
Adequate lighting: Property owners must provide sufficient lighting to prevent accidents, especially in dimly lit areas.
Removing debris: Property owners must regularly inspect and clean their property to remove debris, such as spills or fallen objects.

If property owners fail to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition and someone gets injured, they can be held liable for damages.

Proving Negligence in Premises Liability Cases

The key to a successful premises liability claim lies in proving that the property owner was negligent. To establish negligence, you must demonstrate:

A duty of care: The property owner owed you a duty to maintain safe conditions. This duty varies depending on your status as a visitor. Property owners owe invitees, who are customers or others invited onto the property for business purposes, the highest duty of care. They owe licensees, who are social guests or others who enter the property with permission, a reasonable duty of care.
Breach of duty: The property owner failed to fulfill their duty of care, such as neglecting to fix a known hazard or failing to warn visitors about it.
Causation: The property owner’s negligence caused your slip and fall accident.
Damages: You suffered injuries and financial losses because of the accident.

Evidence Matters When Proving Your Case

The success of your premises liability claim depends on the evidence you present. Our team will work to collect and preserve evidence such as:

Surveillance footage: Videos that capture the accident or hazardous condition
Maintenance records: Documents showing whether the property owner was aware of and addressed potential hazards
Expert testimony: Input from medical professionals, engineers, or safety experts to strengthen your case
Medical records: Documentation of your injuries and the treatment you received

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can occur in a variety of settings, from grocery stores and parking lots to private homes and workplaces. Some of the most common hazards leading to these accidents include:

Wet or slippery floors: Spills, mopped floors, or leaks that are not promptly cleaned or marked with warning signs
Uneven surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, potholes, or poorly maintained flooring
Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking lots that obscures hazards
Cluttered walkways: Objects or debris left in walkways that pose tripping hazards
Broken stairs or railings: Damaged steps or railings that create unsafe conditions

Many times, reasonable care and maintenance could have prevented these hazards. When this is the case, you deserve compensation from the liable party for your injuries and other damages.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, the actions you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your ability to pursue a legal claim. Here is what you should do:

Seek medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor to document your condition and ensure you receive proper treatment.
Report the incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or landlord about the accident and request a copy of any incident report they complete.
Document the scene: Take photographs of the hazard that caused your fall, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Note any details such as poor lighting or lack of warning signs.
Collect witness information: Obtain the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. Their testimony can support your claim.
Preserve evidence: Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing during the accident, as they may provide essential evidence.
Consult a lawyer: Contact our experienced Birmingham premises liability lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your case.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If your claim is successful, you may recover compensation for:

Medical expenses
Physical therapy
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages

Do Not Wait to Get Help from Our Birmingham Slip and Fall Premises Liability Lawyers

Alabama’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including slip and fall accidents, is two years from the injury date. This means that if you wait too long to pursue your claim, you could lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries. The clock starts ticking the moment you are injured, and failing to act within the allotted time frame can result in the court dismissing your case.

It is critical to contact our experienced Birmingham slip and fall lawyers as soon as possible to ensure that we can protect your rights and gather all necessary evidence before time runs out. We are ready to help you navigate this process and handle your case promptly and effectively.

Our expertise spans a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

Contact Riley & Jackson Today

Slip and fall accidents can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you have been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, do not face the aftermath alone. Our knowledgeable slip and fall premises liability lawyers in Birmingham can guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

By holding negligent property owners accountable, you can protect your own interests and help ensure safer environments for others. Contact our trusted premises liability lawyers at Riley & Jackson today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.