One of the most common types of accidents are slips and falls. These accidents can have serious consequences, including pain, suffering, and medical bills. The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after slipping and falling depends on the circumstances of the case.
Although the legal process and filing requirements can be overwhelming, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. This way you can make sure that all required steps are taken before it is too late.
At Kiley Law Group, we have extensive experience handling slip-and-fall cases. We can help you understand the statute of limitations in your state and make sure your claim is filed on time. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve and will do everything we can to help you get the best possible outcome.
Don’t let the clock run out on your opportunity to seek justice. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Call (888) 435-1321 or complete our online contact form.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
The statute of limitations, which is the legal timeframe you have to bring a lawsuit, varies from state to state. In general, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is 2 years from the date of the accident.
However, some exceptions could extend or shorten this time frame. For example, if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended.
Additionally, if the at-fault party is a government entity, you may have to file a claim within a shorter time frame after the accident. When a victim is mentally incapacitated, the time limit may be extended altogether. If the incident happened at work in the State of Massachusetts, you may have up to 4 years to file a claim.
If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, it will likely be dismissed by the court. If that happens, you will be unable to seek compensation for your injuries through the courts.
When you are unsure about the specific time limit in your case, do not worry. Contact our team to schedule a free consultation with an experienced slip and fall attorney. Our legal team can help you to determine which statute of limitations applies to your case.
Do not delay taking action. You should give yourself and your legal team enough time to gather evidence, develop a solid case, and file any necessary paperwork.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Lawsuit?
There are many different types of damages that you can sue for after a slip-and-fall accident. Damages that you may be eligible to recover include:
- Medical expenses: You can sue for any medical expenses for any injuries you received from your fall. Medical expenses can include hospitalization, surgery, or ambulance fees. It also covers prescriptions, physical therapy, and long-term medical treatment.
- Lost wages: If you missed work because of your injuries, you can recover the cost of your lost wages. Lost wages may include any future lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or working at the same level as before.
- Pain and suffering: This type of damage allows you to recover compensation for the physical and emotional pain that you have endured. Emotional suffering includes feelings of anxiety, depression, and fear.
- Property damage: If any of your property was damaged during your fall (e.g. damaged clothing, broken glasses, etc.), you can sue for reimbursement.
- Punitive damages: In some instances, punitive damages may also be available. These are designed to punish the negligent party for their carelessness. Punitive damages also deter others from allowing negligent conduct.
Since the circumstances for each accident are unique, the damages you are eligible for may vary. Talking to a personal injury lawyer is the best way to find out what type of damages you can recover.
Seek Medical Attention Even If You Do Not Think You Were Seriously Injured
One of the most common types of injuries that can occur from a slip-and-fall is a concussion. Concussions can range in severity from mild to severe and can cause a variety of symptoms including headache, nausea, and vomiting. Some people also experience dizziness, blurred vision, and memory problems. In some cases, concussions can also lead to more serious issues such as brain damage or even death.
Other common injuries that can occur from a slip-and-fall include:
- Scrapes and bruises
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord damage
- Sprains and strains
- Neck, head, and back injuries
- Bruised or crushed organs
- Lacerations or cuts
- Internal bleeding
If you have been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, they could potentially worsen over time and lead to more serious health complications.
If you wait too long to seek medical attention, you may have a harder time proving that your injuries were caused by the slip-and-fall accident. Once you have received treatment, you should then consult with a personal injury lawyer. Discussing your legal options can help you build a plan to move forward in your recovery.
Evidence Can Help Your Slip and Fall Case
The right evidence can help your case regardless of the circumstances of your accident. The types of evidence that can be used in slip and fall cases include:
- Photographs: Photos can be taken to document the hazardous condition that caused your fall. Make sure to take pictures from multiple angles so you have a clear view of the area.
- Video footage: If there is security camera footage of your slip-and-fall or its aftermath, this can be used as evidence. It can also help show the property owner’s level of negligence in maintaining the premises.
- Eyewitness accounts: Find out who else saw your accident happen or was present at the scene afterward. Their statements may help prove that the property owner was negligent in some way.
- Medical records: Medical records can provide valuable information. Your records document your injuries and how they were treated. This can be used to show how severely you were injured as a result of the slip and fall. It can also help you to recover your medical costs.
- Police reports: Was a police report filed for the incident? If so, this can provide important information about what happened before your fall and who was present at the scene afterward
Offering evidence that shows the property owner was negligent in maintaining the premises can help the success of your case. Your legal team will need to collect as much evidence as possible to help prove your case.
Don’t wait to get started on your claim – contact the attorneys of Kiley Law Group to discuss your case. We are available 24/7 to assist you.
The Lawyers of Kiley Law Group Can Fight for the Settlement You Deserve
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, knowing how much time you have to file a lawsuit is essential. In review, after a slip-and-fall accident:
- Most states have a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit
- The deadline for filing a claim may vary depending on the state as well as the circumstances of the accident
- When the victim is a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended
How can the attorneys of Kiley Law Group help your case? We want to make navigating the legal system easier for you. If you are eligible to recover damages for your injuries, we can help you seek a fair settlement to cover any medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
To help your case, our personal injury attorneys can:
- Help you investigate your claim
- Gather evidence and interview witnesses
- Determine whether you have a valid case and what your case is worth
- Assist in filing a lawsuit
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
At Kiley Law Group, our personal injury attorneys care about you. We can help you understand the deadlines that apply to your case and take the necessary steps to protect your rights. We have over three decades of experience in handling cases like yours, and we can use our knowledge to protect your rights.
Our attorneys are not afraid to stand up for injured clients and get them the compensation they deserve. If necessary, we are ready to take your case to trial. Our goal is to protect your rights and get you the justice you deserve.
We understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to deal with an injury, especially if the accident was not your fault. That is why we offer free, no-obligation consultations with our attorneys. During your session, we can review the details of your case, answer all of your questions, and let you know what your options are.
We also provide a No Fee Until We Win guarantee, which means you do not pay us unless we win a settlement for you. Contact us at (888) 435-1321 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
