Salt Lake City Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Most slips and falls do not result in serious injuries. However, these accidents can still cause severe or disabling injuries and, in some instances, prove fatal. If the property owner failed to maintain their premises in a safe manner, they could be held liable.

A slip and fall accident lawyer at Valiente Mott will protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Common Slip and Fall Accidents in Salt Lake City

Common causes of Salt Lake City slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet floors
• Missing or broken floorboards
• Broken stairs
• Torn carpeting
• Inadequate lighting
• Debris in walkways
• Loose wires and cords
• Lack of handrails on stairs
• Uneven pavement

While ice and snow are responsible for many slip and fall accidents, that does not necessarily mean the property owner is liable. Much depends on how long the snowy or icy conditions existed and other factors. If you are unsure, it’s always best to speak with a lawyer.

Premises Liability in Salt Lake City

Slip and fall accidents fall under the category of premises liability. A property owner has an obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant failed to take reasonable steps to keep their property free from hazards. Under Utah’s comparative negligence rule, the plaintiff may be partially responsible. However, it is still possible to receive damages under these circumstances.

After a slip and fall accident, it is critical that you collect evidence at the scene–if you can do so. That includes taking photos of the scene and the cause of the slip and fall. If you are too badly hurt to document your fall, try to have a relative or friend go to the scene as soon as possible to record the evidence.

Always seek medical attention immediately if injured in a slip and fall accident. Failure to do so may compromise your claim.

Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Injury Claim

In Utah, a plaintiff has up to four years after the date of the accident to file a slip and fall injury claim, one of the longest statutes of limitations in the country. However, it is crucial to promptly contact a Utah personal injury lawyer. Premises liability cases are often complex, and evidence can disappear rapidly. For example, witnesses should be contacted as soon as possible–before they move away or become impossible to reach. You also want an attorney to deal with the insurance company since their job is to minimize your damages.

Most slip and fall accident claims are settled. However, if the insurance company fails to agree to a reasonable settlement, we may pursue the matter in court.