Understanding Slip and Falls

When you have a slip and fall claim on your hands, trust our Washington, DC slip and fall lawyer. 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, as a personal injury attorney can attest, many slip and fall cases can be difficult to prove. This is because the hardest part of a slip and fall or premises liability case can be proving that the owner of the property knew or should have known that the hazard that caused the victim to slip and fall even existed.

If you’re thinking about contacting a slip and fall lawyer, you may already know firsthand that slipping on something and falling can result in a serious injury. What you may not know 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 Stephen F. Brennwald and Frederick J. Brynn can help you receive justice after an accident. Founded in 1992, our team is dedicated to assisting accident victims, and we do not get paid unless you receive compensation. Schedule a consultation with The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today.

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Slip and falls are pretty much exactly what they sound like. They’re innocent trips, slips, tumbles and falls that can be caused by anything from spilled coffee to wet steps or low-hanging cables and wires. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, and while they always seem innocent enough on the surface, they can cause serious health complications later on in life.

When you suffer a slip and fall, you may feel more embarrassed than actually injured. But without proper medical care and attention, your minor injuries can develop into something much more serious and painful later on. While countless people experience slip and falls every year, they oftentimes fail to report their injuries – and suffer the consequences.

Reporting Slip and Falls

The reasons vary, but slip and falls oftentimes go unreported. Some people who experience slip and falls may feel too embarrassed to report them to property managers or employers. And in some cases, such as when someone experiences a slip and fall in a workplace, they may actually feel too intimidated to report their injuries to their managers. Toxic workplaces can be more than just mentally harmful: They can be downright dangerous when it comes to getting proper injury care.

Despite this initial embarrassment, you should never feel too ashamed to seek compensation for your slip and fall. Would you rather deal with a bit of embarrassment, or a serious health issue in a few weeks or months?

Why Work with The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

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 a slip and fall lawyer 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.
  • We are prepared to go to trial if we cannot negotiate a 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 a slip and fall lawyer DC respects from our firm as quickly as possible. During the 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 are statute of limitations in slip and fall cases. For the best possible outcome, a slip and fall lawyer DC offers will require some time to investigate your case, compile evidence, and build a strong defense. The sooner you contact one of our lawyers, the likelier you will receive 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 damages to determine the value of your case. Typically this damage total will include losses such as:

  • All related medical expenses
  • 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 a slip and fall lawyer for advice. Compensation may be available to cover a number of losses related to the death, including funeral expenses.

Common Myths About Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common injury cases personal injury lawyers deal with. If you were recently hurt in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to learn the facts. Here are some common myths about slip and fall cases that you shouldn’t believe.

  • If you get injured on someone’s property, the property owner is automatically responsible. This isn’t necessarily always the case. In order to have a successful slip and fall case, you must prove that the property owner created the hazardous condition, knew about the condition and didn’t rectify it or should have known about the condition and fixed it. If you got injured because of your own carelessness, the property owner may not be held liable.
  • If there was a warning sign, you can’t file a lawsuit. Many people assume that if there was a warning sign, they don’t have a slip and fall case. This just isn’t true. Just because the property owner put up a sign, doesn’t mean that everyone can avoid a dangerous condition. For example, you might have tripped and fell over spilled milk at a grocery store, despite there being a warning sign. The owner may still be held liable.
  • If you suffered a slip and fall accident on public property, you don’t have a case. This is another common myth that a slip and fall lawyer in Washington D.C. often hears. Some people believe that if they fell at a park or on a sidewalk, there’s no one to blame. However, many public properties are actually owned by private companies, so it’s possible to pursue legal action.
  • If the property owner wasn’t aware of the dangerous condition, you can’t sue. False. Even if the property owner didn’t know that the dangerous condition existed, he or she could still be held responsible. If it’s determined that the property should have known about the hazardous condition that caused your slip and fall accident, you can still pursue a lawsuit.
  • You have to go to court frequently. Some slip and fall accident victims shy away from pursuing legal action because they don’t want to spend months in a courtroom. However, most slip and fall cases actually get settled out of court. There’s a good chance that you don’t have to step foot into a courtroom.

Washington DC Slip and Fall Infographic

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident 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.

Benefits of Working with a Slip And Fall Attorney

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may need to hire a slip and fall lawyer in Washington DC to represent your interests. A slip and fall is a personal injury claim in which a person slips or trips and falls due to the negligence of another party.

These types of cases are often complicated. If you were hurt as a result of another party’s negligence, your best bet is to contact a slip and fall injury attorney who specializes in slip and fall cases.

However, it is important that you understand the benefits of hiring slip and fall lawyer in Washington, DC from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. sooner rather than later. Here are just some of the reasons why hiring legal representation will be beneficial to you after your accident:

Medical Bills

One of the main issues with getting injured in an accident is that this can cause numerous financial problems for yourself. The bills that result from being injured can be astronomical, especially if you do not have health insurance or good health insurance coverage. A slip and fall lawyer can help to ensure that these bills are covered by the party or parties responsible for your accident.

These types of cases are often complicated. If you were hurt as a result of another party’s negligence, your best bet is to contact a slip and fall lawyer in Washington, DC who specializes in slip and fall cases.

Lost Wages

In addition to medical bills, another common problem people face after getting injured in an accident is lost wages at work. This can be a major issue because it limits your ability to pay your medical bills and other expenses related to the accident.

Insurance companies will often try to get victims of slip and fall accidents to settle for the lowest amount possible. They may even deny claims that are valid. An experienced slip and fall lawyer in Washington, DC from The Law firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can negotiate on your behalf with an insurance company so that you get fair compensation for your injuries.

What To Do After A Slip and Fall Accident

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 a slip and fall lawyer Washington DC injured residents turn to for support.

#1 Get Medical Treatment Before Leaving
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 crucial 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.

#2 File a Report with the Store
You must report the slip and fall to the store manager on duty at the time. 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 report for your own records and to give your attorney at our Washington, DC slip and fall injury law firm.

#3 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 say later on.

It’s even a good idea to begin an “injury 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 an attorney from our slip and fall injury law firm in DC during your case as elements of proof.

#4 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 except for an attorney at our DC slip and fall injury law firm. 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.

#5 Speak with an Attorney
During this time, an attorney is going to have your best of interest in mind probably more than anyone else. An attorney can represent your case and ensure that you your claim against the store is handled properly. An attorney from our slip and fall injury law firm based in Washington, DC 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 Fall Accidents

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

  • 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.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall, The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. offers a consultation with a slip and fall lawyer DC residents can trust. Slip and fall accidents typically occur because the owner, manager, or operator of a building or property failed to bring attention to a dangerous situation on the grounds. Our lawyers are well versed in the laws surrounding slip and fall accidents in the DC area, and may be able to answers to your questions.

Complications of Slip and Fall Accidents

We see our fair share of clients who are dealing with serious medical issues, all because of a minor slip up at work or elsewhere. Many people underestimate the danger of a slip and fall accident, and only when it’s too late do they finally realize that they should have reported their injuries as soon as possible.

Fortunately, the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve for your slip and fall injury. Read on to learn a little more about what makes slip and falls so dangerous, and don’t hesitate get in touch with us so we can get started on your case.

Lack of Safe Environment

Cities, municipalities, businesses, and private property owners have a responsibility to provide a safe environment. This means that when you have the right not to be injured due to another entities’ carelessness, wrongful actions, or negligence.  If you or a loved one are injured because something caused you to slip and fall, you may be entitled to compensation and should consult a slip and fall lawyer DC residents trust, such as The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

This type of lawsuit is related to injuries caused by slipping, tripping and falling on someone else’s property as the result of the owner’s negligence. If you were injured because of negligence, a competent slip and fall lawyer DC has to offer can help you get the settlement you deserve, including but not limited to reimbursement for medical bills, time off work, and pain and suffering.

Washington DC Slip and Fall FAQs

How are slip and falls dangerous?

They happen all the time. You bump your head on a cabinet, or slip on a puddle of something in the breakroom. 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 a slip and fall when it happens so you can get it looked at in a timely fashion.

Why do some people not report their slip and 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.

Should I report my slip and fall to my employer?

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 for a slip and fall accident?

If you experienced a slip and fall, you shouldn’t pin it on yourself. 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 slip and fall lawyer in DC can help you work to prove it. Reach out to us today to get the compensation you need.

What Happens During a Personal Injury Claim

Every municipality has their own set of laws that businesses are required to follow. However, these laws can be similar in many ways. For example, property and business owners are required to keep their property and establishment hazard free for any visitors who have permission to be on the property. When a victim is injured, then it must be proven the owner knew that a dangerous condition existed and failed to eliminate it, or it must be proven that the owner should have known about the condition.

When our personal injury attorney is preparing the victim’s case, he or she will conduct an investigation to determine what evidence there may be to prove that the owner knew the hazard was there. One example of this type of evidence would be if there was already a complaint filed because some other victim had previously been injured because of the hazard.

There may also be reports with the municipality of safety violations which would prove that the owner knew the hazard existed. For example, if the town cited the owner for not having handrails in a stairway and then a victim was injured in a fall down those stairs because there was no handrail, this would be proof that the owner knew that the hazard was present but failed to act on it.

Proving that an owner should have known that a hazard existed can be a little harder. This is referred to as constructive knowledge. An example of constructive knowledge is when there is liquid on the floor that causes the victim to slip and fall. The question for a successful personal injury claim is how long the liquid was sitting on that floor. The longer it was there, the stronger the victim’s case is. Our Washington, DC slip and fall lawyer could subpoena the security videos the business has to help prove that the owner (or their employees) should have known the liquid was there. However, it is not uncommon for businesses to record over these tapes multiple times. If this happens, then the evidence could be destroyed.

Many variables come into play in determining if you qualify for a personal injury settlement; ultimately, you may be best served by consulting our District of Columbia slip and fall lawyer. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we’re proud to be a reliable source for residents around the Washington DC metro area who need legal counsel.

From the perspective as an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Washington, DC, any slip and fall injury can potentially be serious. Unfortunately, many victims have discovered this the hard way. They may be embarrassed that they fell, or they may feel their injury is minor, so they pick themselves up and keep walking. What often follows is that the real nature of their injury becomes apparent. Shock, embarrassment, adrenaline — these often work together to disguise the seriousness of an injury.

Washington DC Slip & Fall Law

Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately common, and can result in minor to severe injuries, or even death. These accidents can occur anywhere, from public places like malls and parks, to private residences. Washington DC has specific laws in place that pertain to slip and fall accidents, which are important to understand if you find yourself in such a situation.

Understanding Liability

In Washington DC, as in many other jurisdictions, the key factor in a slip and fall case is proving negligence. Negligence refers to the failure of a property owner or occupier to act responsibly or do what any other reasonable person would do in the same situation. To win a slip and fall case, the injured party must prove that the property owner or occupier was negligent, and that this negligence directly led to the injury.

The burden of proof is on the injured party, and it is often necessary to gather substantial evidence to establish negligence. This may include photographs of the accident scene, eyewitness testimony, and any other evidence that can establish that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition and failed to take appropriate action.

Comparative Negligence

Washington DC follows the doctrine of comparative negligence. This means that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of their fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. This is another reason why it is crucial to have an experienced slip and fall lawyer representing you, as they can help minimize the percentage of fault attributed to you.

Statute of Limitations

In Washington DC, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including slip and fall cases, is three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It is important to contact our slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that you do not miss this deadline.

Negotiating Damages

Assessing and advocating for damages in a slip and fall case can be a nuanced endeavor. Damages are bifurcated into economic and non-economic categories, encompassing tangible losses like medical expenses and intangible impacts such as emotional distress, respectively. In certain scenarios, where the defendant’s conduct is egregiously negligent, punitive damages may also be sought. An astute Washington DC slip and fall lawyer will assiduously work to not only quantify these damages but also to weave them into a compelling narrative that underscores the necessity and justification for the compensation sought.

The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. – Washington DC Slip and Fall Law Firm

922 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20003

Contact The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. – Your Trusted DC Slip and Fall Attorney

When you’re involved in a slip and fall, time is of the essence. If you have a case, a lawyer may need to carry out an investigation of the accident, identify and speak to possible witnesses, and document evidence. You have rights. Contact The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., today to help better protect them.

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“Mr Brynn did a good job but i was told my case would stay open because a bill was paid out of my settlement that shouldnt have been paid. But he did such a good job that once again I’m using his services”
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