A Slip and Fall Accident in an Office Building

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in Office Buildings

A slip and fall accident in an office building happens more often than you might think, and the consequences can be serious. For example, we have a slip and fall client right now who will need a hip replacement. And too often, these kinds of cases can be complex to prove. They can also become a mess for the victim, who just needs to focus on getting better.

As a personal injury lawyer, I’m here to help you understand what causes these accidents, why determining liability can be complicated, what damages should be covered, and how to choose the right attorney to handle your case.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Office Buildings

Slip and fall accidents in office buildings can occur for various reasons, including:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Loose or worn carpets
• Cluttered walkways
• Poor lighting, and
• Uneven surfaces

A lot of people assume these sorts of accidents are bogus or only impact older folks. Elderly people are certainly at risk, but slip and fall injuries can happen to anyone. And when they do, the question becomes: who pays?

That’s where insurance and liability come into play.

Why Determining Liability Is Complex

When you slip and fall in an office building, figuring out who is responsible isn’t always straightforward. The insurance companies will fight over it, because none of them want to be the ones who have to pay.

Here are some factors that make these cases complex:

1. Ownership and Maintenance

Is the building owned by a single company, or is it managed by a property management firm? Different parties might be responsible for maintenance.

2. Negligence

Did someone know about the hazard and fail to fix it? For example, did a construction crew leave their tools out? Or perhaps a cleaning service didn’t put up signs about a wet floor? Proving negligence can be key to your case.

3. Employee vs. Visitor

Are you an employee or a visitor? Employee cases might fall under workers’ compensation, while visitors would pursue a personal injury claim. This all depends on your role at the company, where the injury happened, and what you were doing at the time.

4. Evidence

Gathering evidence like photos, witness statements, and maintenance records is crucial but can be challenging. Many people don’t think to get this information at the time of the fall.

What Damages Should Be Covered?

If you’re injured in a slip and fall accident, you might be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses, like doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages, for if you’re unable to work due to your injury.
• Pain and suffering, which compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Out-of-pocket expenses, for costs like transportation to medical appointments or modifications to your home due to disability.

How to Choose the Right Attorney for a Slip and Fall Accident in an Office Building

Selecting the right attorney to handle your slip and fall case is so important. Look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law and has a track record of handling slip and fall cases. Check online reviews and ask for references to find a lawyer with a good reputation. Find someone who is genuinely concerned about your well-being and is committed to fighting for your rights.

A good attorney will communicate clearly and keep you informed throughout the process. And they’ll have the resources to investigate your case thoroughly, including access to experts and investigators.

For decades, our Memphis personal injury firm has built a reputation for our compassion, care, and communication. We’ve taken on just about every type of slip and fall case, and won. And we also represent people in workers’ comp and SSDI – so no matter your situation, we can help you with the next steps. And we don’t get paid anything unless and until we win your case.

Slip and fall accidents in office buildings can have serious, long-lasting effects on your life. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

To get started, contact us today at 901-327-2100, or fill out the form below. We look forward to helping you get the compensation you need and deserve.