DC Slip And Fall Lawyer

You Have The Right To Seek Compensation

When you slipped and fell on another’s property due to unsafe conditions, trust our Washington, DC slip and fall lawyer with your case.  If you’re thinking about contacting a personal injury lawyer, you may already know firsthand that slipping on something and falling can result in a serious injury. What you may not know about slip and falls is that you have the right to seek compensation if someone’s negligence caused you to fall. With over 75 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys can help you seek justice after an accident. Founded in 1992, our firm is dedicated to assisting those who have been hurt and wronged by others. Schedule a free consultation with the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today to learn how our skilled and compassionate lawyers can pursue compensation for a slip and fall accident.

How We Can Help You

Many victims who are injured after slipping and falling in a business are often under the impression that their claim against the business should be a pretty simple one to process. On the contrary, many premises liability cases can be difficult to prove.

With decades of combined experienced among our skilled legal team, we have established a solid reputation amongst residents throughout the DC area. When it comes to working with lawyers in DC, you have many legal firms to choose from, but not all are created equal.

We can discuss your case during a free and confidential consultation. Afterward, you should have a clearer picture of your legal options so that you can make a decision best suited for your needs and circumstances. Some reasons why people elect to hire our firm include:

• We have over 75 years of combined experience.
• We listen to our clients.
• We offer honest and practical legal advice.
• We will commit all available resources to your slip and fall case.
• We carry out in-depth investigations of slip and fall and other personal injury cases.
• We provide hospital and home visits to those who cannot come to us for consultations.
• We use a contingency fee structure so that you do not pay us until or unless we recover damages on your behalf, making legal representation affordable for those who can’t afford a lawyer.
• We are prepared to go to trial if we cannot negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
• We will remain in frequent contact with you as your case progresses.
• We will make every effort to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible.

No matter what the details of your case may be, we encourage you to contact our personal injury law firm as quickly as possible. During this initial call, you and our attorney will discuss your case. There is no charge for the first consultation.

It’s important to keep in mind that there is a three-year statute of limitations for slip and fall cases in Washington D.C. The sooner you contact one of our lawyers, the better your chances are for receiving a fair settlement.

Compensation May Be Available

Every slip and fall case is inherently unique. In general, the worse your injuries are, the more compensation you may be able to collect. For this reason, it is prudent to see a medical doctor as soon as possible following the incident. Be sure to tell the doctor of any aches or pains regardless of how minor you might think it to be. We can review your medical records and extent of your personal injury damages to determine the value of your case. Typically, this damage total will include losses such as:

• All related medical bills
• Future medical costs
• Physical rehabilitation
• Lost wages from the inability to work
• Pain and suffering

Sometimes, punitive damages are also sought. These damages are meant to punish the negligent party so that another person will not become injured in the same way. If you are the family member who lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident, you might also benefit from working with our wrongful death lawyer for advice. Compensation may be available to cover a number of losses related to the death, including funeral expenses.

What To Do After A Fall

Below we have listed the five steps to take after slipping and taking a hard tumble while shopping in a store. After that, we strongly advise speaking with our DC slip and fall lawyer for support.

Get Medical Treatment

The health of the person who slipped and fell is of the utmost importance. So, whether it was you or someone you care about that fell, you must call 911 so they can get medically evaluated before leaving. Of course, it’s most important that a person’s health is taken care of. But also, secondary to this is if you don’t have certain pieces of evidence related to the incident, you may not have a strong enough case to pursue compensation for injuries. Medical records strengthen personal injury claims by connecting the accident to the suffering you endured.

Document The Area

As a component of your claim against the store, you will need to provide evidence of the incident. You can document the area you fell by taking photographs and video on your phone. You can also ask bystanders if they will give you their contact details to provide a statement about what they saw later on.

It’s even a good idea to begin a post-accident pain journal where you include your testimony about how the slip and fall happened through your eyes, and any symptoms you experience in the days to follow. Place what you were wearing in a safe storage bin or basket at home, as these articles of clothing may be used by our attorney during your case as elements of proof.

Communicate About Your Fall With The Property Owner Or Manager

It’s best practice to report your accident to whoever’s in charge of the property where you fell. They will have you complete paperwork and ask for details about how the slip and fall occurred, along with any potential injuries. Ask for a copy of this incident report for your own records and to give our attorney at our Washington, DC slip and fall injury law firm.

Do Not Speak With Anyone Else

After reporting the incident to a manager, it is vital that you then do not speak with anyone else at the store about what happened. Do not post about it on your social media, and do not answer additional questions by store staff who seem to be concerned for your well being. Remember that most stores want to protect themselves against liability at any cost, so it’s in your best interest to keep things factual and not overshare.

Speak With An Attorney

During this time, our attorney is going to have your best interests in mind more than anyone else. Our attorney can represent your case and make sure that your claim against the store is handled properly. Our personal injury lawyers can advise the next steps to take in getting financial restitution for losses such as medical bills, loss of wages from missing work, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.

Common Causes Of Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases we handle. They can occur in many different settings and cause minor to serious injuries. Here are the most common causes of slip and fall accident:

• Snow And Ice. In the wintertime, snow and ice are natural occurrences. However, if you walk over snow and ice, you are at risk of suffering a slip and fall accident. That’s why it’s important for property owners to regularly shovel snow off their sidewalks and sprinkle salt. If property owners fail to take these precautionary steps and you suffer an accident, they may be held liable.

• Inadequate Lighting. Poor lighting inside building and parking lots is another common cause of slip and fall accidents. If you can’t see where you’re going, you are more likely to slip and fall. To prevent these accidents, building owners need to make sure there is adequate lighting in their hallways, staircases and parking lots at all times.

• Wet Floors. Wet floors are to blame for a large percentage of slip and fall accidents. Whether it’s caused by a milk spill in a grocery store or grease spill in a factory, wet floors are very hazardous. It’s every builder owner/manager’s responsibility to make sure the liquid spills are cleaned up immediately. Freshly mopped surfaces can also increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. Putting up warning signs may reduce these accidents.

• Broken Handrails. Some people need to use handrails as they walk up and down staircases to keep their balance. If the handrails are broken, more people may suffer slip and fall accidents.

• Nursing Home Neglect. Many slip and fall accidents occur in nursing homes. Some residents have poor balance and other health conditions that can increase the risk of falls. It’s critical for nursing home staff members to watch residents more closely to prevent these types of accidents.

• Clutter. The more objects there are in a person’s pathway, the more likely a slip and fall accident will occur. For example, if there are loose electrical cords or boxes in a work area, employees are more likely to trip and fall over these objects. It’s important to keep areas free of clutter at all times.

Washington DC Slip and Fall Infographic

Washington DC Slip And Fall Statistics

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, in the United States, there are an estimated 2.3 million slip and fall accidents each year. This means that every day, over 6,000 people are injured in slip and fall accidents. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but they are most common in public places, such as grocery stores, malls, and parking lots.

According to a National Survey on Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behaviors, approximately 24% of pedestrian injuries were due to tripping on uneven or cracked sidewalks, and an additional 17% fell or were injured due to other factors. When the owner or manager of a property was aware of potential hazards, but failed to correct them in a timely manner, a premise liability lawsuit could be filed against them in the event of an injury.

 

Slip and Fall Accident FAQs

How Are Slip And Falls Dangerous?

Slip and falls happen all the time. You bump your head on a cabinet, or slip on a puddle of something in the break room. They’re minor accidents that cause minor injuries – at least that’s what they look like on the surface. Without a medical professional’s input, there’s no telling how bad a slip and fall injury can get, and it’s important to report an incident when it happens so you can get it looked at in a timely fashion.

Why Should I Report My Fall?

Nobody wants to be the office klutz. Someone who slipped and fell into the koi pond in the lobby isn’t going to want to talk about it. Sometimes a person who experienced a slip and fall just wants to move past their little accident, whether through pride or embarrassment. And in some toxic environments, managers may intimidate their employees from reporting their injuries – big or small. Unfortunately, this underreporting can lead to serious consequences later on.

I Fell At Work. Should I Report It To My Employer?

Yes. Without proper reporting (and proper medical attention) you may be setting yourself up for some serious medical bills in the future. And if you experienced a slip and fall in the workplace without telling anyone, you may have to pay those medical bills out of your own pocket. Of course, you’d expect insurance to cover the costs, but worker’s comp will be out of the question if you don’t report your injuries at all.

Do I Need An Attorney?

If you experienced a slip and fall, you shouldn’t handle it alone. It’s easy to blame your own clumsiness when you suffer a minor injury, whether at the office or anywhere else. But you should always ask yourself and important question: Could my injury have been avoided if someone else had been more careful?

At the root of every slip and fall case is another party’s negligence. It could have been the building manager’s fault those stairs weren’t properly spaced, or it could have been your employer’s fault that that spill in the break room wasn’t cleaned up or properly marked. Whatever the specifics, you need to understand that you’re not to blame, and our DC slip and fall lawyer can help you work to prove it. Reach out to us today to discuss your options.

Washington DC Slip And Fall Glossary

At the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., our Washington DC slip and fall lawyer works with clients to seek fair compensation for injuries caused by unsafe property conditions. With over 75 years of combined experience, our firm is dedicated to helping individuals recover after slip and fall incidents. Below, we’ve outlined key terms and legal concepts relevant to these cases.

Premises Liability

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners or managers to maintain a safe environment for visitors and occupants. If a property owner fails to address hazards—such as wet floors, uneven walkways, or broken handrails—they may be held accountable for injuries sustained on their property.

For example, a grocery store owner who fails to clean up a spilled liquid promptly could be held liable if a customer slips and suffers a serious back injury. Our firm’s attorneys have extensive experience proving premises liability in slip and fall cases.

Constructive Knowledge

Constructive knowledge occurs when a property owner should have reasonably known about a hazardous condition on their premises. Even if the owner or manager claims they were unaware of the issue, the law may consider whether they had enough time to notice and fix the problem.

For example, if a spilled drink is left unattended in a store aisle for hours, the owner could be deemed to have constructive knowledge of the danger. Our attorneys carefully investigate timelines, surveillance footage, and employee reports to establish this key element in your case.

Comparative Fault In Slip And Fall Cases

Washington, DC operates under pure contributory negligence rules, meaning if an injured party is found even 1% at fault for their accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation. This strict standard makes it essential to demonstrate that the property owner was entirely responsible for the hazardous condition.

For instance, if a customer slips on a wet floor without a warning sign but was distracted by their phone, the defense might argue contributory fault. Our attorneys work diligently to counter these arguments and protect your rights after an injury.

Hazardous Conditions

Hazardous conditions encompass the various unsafe situations that can lead to slip and fall injuries. Examples include:

• Wet floors with no warning signs.
• Uneven or cracked sidewalks.
• Poorly lit stairwells or hallways.
• Snow or ice left uncleared on walkways.

Identifying and documenting hazardous conditions is essential in slip and fall claims. Photos, witness statements, and inspection records are often used to show how the property owner’s failure to address these risks caused your injuries.

Loss Of Earning Capacity

Loss of earning capacity refers to the reduction in an injured person’s ability to earn income in the future due to their accident-related injuries. Unlike lost wages, which cover income missed during recovery, this concept focuses on long-term impacts on career prospects.

For example, if a warehouse worker sustains a back injury from a fall and can no longer perform physically demanding tasks, they may be entitled to compensation for their reduced earning potential. Our attorneys work with vocational experts to calculate these losses accurately and build a strong case for fair recovery.

Proving Negligence In Your Slip And Fall Case

Our trusted DC slip and fall lawyer knows that slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. While these accidents may seem trivial at first, they often result in serious injuries that can disrupt your life. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Washington, DC, it’s essential to understand that you may be entitled to compensation if negligence can be proven.

Duty Of Care

The foundation of any slip and fall case is the duty of care owed by the property owner or occupier to visitors or customers. In Washington, DC, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This means taking reasonable steps to prevent hazards, such as slippery floors or uneven surfaces, that could potentially cause accidents. To establish negligence, we must first demonstrate that the property owner owed you a duty of care. This is often straightforward, as businesses and property owners generally owe a duty to maintain their premises for the safety of their visitors.

Breach Of Duty

The next step in proving negligence in a slip and fall case is to establish that the property owner breached their duty of care. This involves demonstrating that the property owner failed to take reasonable precautions to address known hazards or should have reasonably been aware of the dangerous condition that caused your fall.

Causation

Causation is a critical element in any negligence case. Your DC slip and fall lawyer knows in a slip and fall case, it’s necessary to establish a direct link between the property owner’s breach of duty and your injuries. This means showing that the hazardous condition directly led to your slip and fall, resulting in the injuries you sustained.

Damages

To prove negligence in a slip and fall case, it’s essential to demonstrate that you suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to evaluate the extent of your damages and ensure that your claim accurately reflects the full scope of your losses. We understand the financial and emotional toll a slip and fall accident can take, and we’re committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.

Work With A Team You Can Rely On

Proving negligence in a slip and fall case is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of the legal principles involved. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in slip and fall cases and securing the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in DC, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation. We are here to provide expert guidance, protect your rights, and pursue justice on your behalf. If you are ready to move forward with your slip and fall case, look no further than our team. Get in touch with our DC slip and fall lawyer now.

Filing A Slip And Fall Claim

Slip and fall accidents can happen unexpectedly, leading to significant injuries and financial burdens, and our DC slip and fall lawyer can help you receive the recovery that you need. If you’ve suffered a slip and fall accident, it’s essential to understand how to file a claim in order to protect your rights and receive the compensation that you deserve. The process of seeking compensation can be complex, and having the right legal guidance is crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience providing dedicated and passionate assistance to our clients. Our firm prides ourself on the attention to detail and personal touch that we provide to every case. We do not receive an attorney fee unless we help you win your case. Contact our team at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today to schedule your consultation.

Gathering Evidence

The success of a slip and fall claim heavily depends on the evidence you can present. Immediately following the accident, it is important to document as much evidence as possible. Take photographs of the scene, noting any hazardous conditions that contributed to your fall, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the incident. Their statements can be invaluable in supporting your claim. Additionally, secure a copy of the accident report if the incident occurred in a public or commercial space, as it provides an official record of the event.

Establishing Liability

Proving liability is a crucial aspect of any slip and fall claim. You must demonstrate that the property owner or responsible party was negligent and that their negligence led to your accident. This involves showing that the hazardous condition existed for a sufficient period, allowing the property owner time and ability to address it. Evidence such as maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies can help establish negligence. Our DC slip and fall attorney will help you gather the necessary evidence and build a case that proves liability on the part of the responsible party.

Calculating Damages

Determining the value of your slip and fall claim involves assessing various factors. Medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and future medical needs, are primary considerations. Additionally, lost wages from time off work and any potential loss of earning capacity due to long-term injuries are factored into the claim. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life are also significant components. Our experienced DC slip and fall lawyer can help you accurately calculate these damages and ensure that we are pursuing the maximum amount of compensation possible in your case.

Filing The Claim

Once all necessary evidence is gathered and damages are calculated, the next step is to file the claim. This process involves submitting the required documentation to the responsible party’s insurance company or, if necessary, filing a lawsuit. It’s essential to adhere to the statute of limitations for slip and fall claims in Washington, D.C., which typically is three years from the date of the accident. Timely filing ensures that your case is heard and that you have the best chance of securing compensation. Our team will assist you with all matters related to filing your claim and representing you in court if necessary.

The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., Washington, DC Slip And Fall Lawyer

922 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20003

Contact Our Firm Today

When you’re involved in a slip and fall, time is of the essence. If you have a potential personal injury lawsuit, our lawyer may need to carry out an investigation of the accident, identify and speak to possible witnesses, and document evidence. You have rights under Washington D.C. personal injury laws. Contact the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today to protect yourself and secure the compensation you deserve. Call or message our firm to request your free case consultation.

 

DC Slip And Fall FAQs

Slip and fall accidents can happen unexpectedly, and many people are unsure of what to do next or how to proceed. Knowing your options and rights is important when seeking compensation for injuries caused by hazardous conditions. Our experienced DC slip and fall lawyer is here to answer all questions that you may have regarding your case. With over 75 years of combined experience and a commitment to one-on-one personal service, we are here to help you every step of the way.

What Compensation Can I Receive For A Slip And Fall?

Compensation for a slip and fall accident can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Medical expenses may cover hospital bills, therapy, and long-term care if needed. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income. Each case is unique, so it’s important to evaluate all factors related to your accident and injuries. Our DC slip and fall attorney can help you analyze all expenses and losses to help you calculate the amount of compensation that you need and deserve.

How Often Do Slip And Fall Cases Go To Court?

Most slip and fall cases settle before going to court. Settlement negotiations between the parties often resolve the claim without the need for a trial. However, if a fair agreement can’t be reached, the case may proceed to court. Having legal guidance during this process can help protect your interests and strengthen your case.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Slip And Fall Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, seek medical attention right away to document your injuries. Report the accident to the property owner or manager and request a written incident report. Take photos of the accident scene, including any hazards that caused your fall. Collect the names and contact information of witnesses, and keep records of all medical treatments and related expenses. Acting promptly helps preserve critical evidence.

How Long Do I Have To File A Slip And Fall Claim In DC?

According to Washington, DC law, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This time frame, known as the statute of limitations, is crucial. Filing after the deadline typically results in losing the right to seek compensation. It’s best to begin the process by contacting our experienced DC slip and fall attorney as soon as possible to allow time for investigation and case preparation.

What If I Was Partially At Fault For My Accident?

In DC, slip and fall claims are subject to strict contributory negligence laws. If you are found even partially at fault for the accident, you may not be eligible for compensation. This makes it important to document evidence that supports your claim and demonstrates the property owner’s negligence. Speaking with a legal professional can help clarify your rights in these situations.

Contact Our DC Slip And Fall Lawyer Today

Slip and fall cases can be challenging to navigate, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our team works hard to help our clients injured due to unsafe conditions get the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, contact The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today to schedule a consultation.

DC Slip And Fall Glossary

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe property conditions, speaking with a DC slip and fall lawyer is a key step toward pursuing recovery. Slip and fall cases often involve specific legal concepts that may affect how your claim is handled. Below, we’ve included five important terms that often come up in these types of cases, especially within Washington, D.C. premises liability law. Each term is explained with context relevant to your situation so you can feel more informed when discussing your claim.

Premises Inspection Protocols

Premises inspection protocols refer to the regular checks that property owners or occupiers are expected to conduct in order to identify and remedy hazardous conditions. In Washington, D.C., business and property owners must take consistent steps to examine their property for wet floors, uneven surfaces, or other risks that could cause someone to fall. These inspections should be thorough and happen frequently enough to catch problems before injuries occur. If a property owner had not followed a reasonable inspection routine and a hazard went unaddressed, this detail could support a claim that the owner failed in their responsibility to maintain a safe environment.

Unsafe Surface Conditions

Unsafe surface conditions describe physical defects or hazards on walkways, stairs, parking lots, or hallways that create a risk for slipping or tripping. Examples include water on the floor without proper signage, broken pavement, loose tiles, or worn-out carpeting. Inadequate lighting can make these dangers harder to notice, increasing the risk. A slip and fall claim often involves establishing that such a surface condition existed and directly contributed to the injury. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and scene photographs often help confirm the presence and visibility of the condition at the time of the incident.

Incident Reporting Documentation

Incident reporting documentation is the official record created after a slip and fall event occurs on a property. This may include written statements by the injured person, witnesses, and property staff, as well as internal forms completed by businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants, or nursing homes. These reports help establish that the event happened and can contain early evidence about the condition of the premises. While not every property owner voluntarily provides this report, we recommend requesting it immediately after the fall. Our team at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can assist in securing these records if needed for your case.

Hazard Recognition Delay

A hazard recognition delay refers to the time between when a danger became present on the property and when the responsible party noticed or should have noticed it. This delay is critical in showing whether the property owner had a reasonable opportunity to fix or warn about the problem. For example, if a stairwell handrail had been loose for several days, and multiple people used it during that time, a delay in identifying and repairing it could be used to support a claim. Courts often consider whether a reasonable person maintaining the property would have discovered the problem sooner.

Surface Condition Log

A surface condition log is a documented history of inspections and maintenance performed on a particular area of a property. These logs are often used in commercial or public spaces to track when cleaning, repairs, or hazard warnings were issued. If a business can’t produce this type of record after a slip and fall incident, it could raise questions about whether inspections were being done properly. On the other hand, inconsistencies or gaps in the log might demonstrate negligence. Reviewing these logs can play a key role in establishing how long a hazard was present and whether it was ignored.

If you’ve suffered injuries due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, don’t wait to speak with legal counsel. Contact us today at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. to speak with a DC slip and fall lawyer who can help evaluate your case and take the next step toward resolution.