A Rhode Island slip and fall lawyer can help if you were injured in a premises liability accident. Fall injuries are common in both privately owned and publicly maintained places. Falls often result in very urgent and even life changing injuries.
Our attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates are slip and fall legal gurus who have been getting maximum compensation for over 35 years. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury from a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our experienced slip and fall RI lawyers do not charge a fee unless you receive a settlement or award. Please contact us toll-free 24/7 at (Click To Call (508) 715-3134) or through our online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation today.
What Is A Slip And Fall Case?
How Do Most Slip and Falls Happen?
The most common place where slip and fall accidents happen is in grocery stores. The items in supermarkets contain liquid that can easily fall on the floor and can spread around the store by grocery cartwheels. Aside from the grocery store, some other common causes include ice and snow, ripped or torn carpeting or missing handrails on stairways. The reasons for slip and falls are endless (Click-To-Learn-More).
How Much Does Your Firm Charge?
Our firm will initially cover any costs that may be necessary while proving your case, such as by getting medical reports or conducting investigations related to the incident. From the beginning of your case, you are not required to pay any fees until we are successful in obtaining a settlement or award.
Revised Slip and Fall Legislation In RI
Changed in favor of the injured party, the old, “open and obvious doctrine” went into effect July 15, 2019. Before this change, the injured party was unable to recover if they were injured in a situation that was thought to be open and obvious. Under the new version of this doctrine, the injured party now has the potential to recover monetary damages even if the hazardous situation was considered open and obvious. It should be noted that Rhode Island is still a comparative negligence state. For example, if the injured party was 10% negligent, they would only receive 90% compensation. However, it is still good to have the potential for some recovery rather than no chance to recover at all.
What May I Be Compensated For?
Our attorneys are dedicated to getting you the most favorable settlement for all your losses. Many legal sources suggest the average settlement is between $10,000 and $50,000 but this can vary widely based on several factors. Such factors may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other losses. Get educated today! (Click-To-Learn-More) about getting full compensation.
Slip and Fall Questions? Click Here to ask a Lawyer – Contact us for a Free-no obligation consultation
According to the (CDC) Center for Disease Control, the number of falls resulting in an injury is mind-boggling.
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall?
After a slip and fall, there are some immediate actions you should take to maximize your potential compensation, such as seeking medical attention, taking photographs and video of the scene, and gathering witness statements. A key thing to remember is to avoid making any statements that could be construed as admitting fault. Stick to the facts of what occurred and consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Here at d’Oliveira we offer free, no obligation case evaluations, and can provide you with the necessary legal advice.
- Medical Attention: By seeking medical attention, that creates a medical record of your injuries, and that the accident was the likely cause of them. Make sure to inform your doctor of the fall, as they often will include that information in your report.
- Incident Report: The property owner or manager should be notified immediately and make sure an incident report is filed. This creates documentation of the incident, so be sure to include key facts, like what caused you to fall, if there was any gross negligence and the pain suffered.
- Photographs and Videos: Take photographs and videos because these will prove there was a hazard and assist in proving negligence. This is incredibly important, so if you are unable to do it, ask a friend or an eyewitness to do it for you. If applicable, take a photo of the incident report, that way there is proof it existed.
- Witness Information: Make sure to gather witness names and contact information, as eyewitnesses can vouch for your side of the story and help you win the case, especially if it goes to trial.
- Document all Expenses: Any medical bills, time lost at work, or other losses related to this injury should be maintained and held onto for your slip and fall lawyer.
- Get the Insurance Information: If injured at a business, request the insurance information, and the manager should be able to get this for you. If it is a large business, like a supermarket, you can get information about its corporate headquarters. If it is a small store or operation, get the owner’s contact information.
What About Slip and Falls on Private Residences?
Homeowners and renters must keep their properties safe for everyone who is allowed to be there. These situations can get complicated, which is why we recommend you contact a proficient Rhode Island slip and fall lawyer who can help you with everything. Homeowners are responsible for keeping their property safe. Learn Today About Private Residences Slip and Falls .
Slip and Falls at Supermarkets, Walmart and Other Big Box Stores
The supermarket is a very common area where slip and falls take place. Supermarkets see hundreds, potentially even thousands, of people every day. All around the supermarket are potential slipping hazards from liquids and tripping hazards from small objects. It is important to be aware of these dangers and know what to do if you are involved in a slip and fall accident.
Are Supermarkets Legally Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents?
Like any commercially owned business, a supermarket is legally obligated to keep their property safe from foreseeable dangers. If an injury occurs on the property from a foreseeable danger, then the property owners are held responsible for these resulting injuries. You would then be compensated for your medical expenses, lost earnings from work and pain and suffering, among other losses.
What About Slip and Falls on Government Property?
While the government is usually afforded more protection against slip and fall claims than businesses or homeowners, they still have a duty to keep their premises safe. Read more.
Can You Collect Workers’ Comp After a Slip and Fall Case?
For 35 years, we have successfully represented clients who were injured in slip and fall accidents in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. For example, our firm maintained joint responsibility with another law firm and negotiated an $850,000 settlement after our client was injured because of a flight of stairs collapsing underneath him. Over $250,000,000 Won for our clients. Click Here –Â to see some of our other successful slip and fall settlements.
|
Award Amount |
Type of Case |
|---|---|
|
$850,000 |
While at working, the client was stepping down a flight of stairs, that fell apart causing him to sustain a serious lower back injury requiring an urgent surgery. |
|
$610,000 |
The client was servicing an attic when the floor fell beneath his feet,the injuries included fractures to his lower back and pelvis, that resulted in a low back surgery. |
|
$300,000 |
Our client fell in the parking lot of a local motel. The lot was covered with a layer of ice, topped with a layer of snow. He suffered fractured vertebrae and a ruptured disc in his lower back. Our firm maintained joint responsibility with a local attorney who settled the claim. |
|
$300,000 |
Our client came crashing down the stairs after catching his foot on old bubbling up carpeting, that the homeowner failed to maintain. He suffered a severe broken foot that required extensive treatment. |
|
$250,000 |
Our client slipped and fell on ice at her apartment building and dislocated her shoulder out of place. |
|
$200,000 |
While visiting a residential property, our client fell on a driveway covered in black ice resulting in a broken ankle. He had to undergo three reconstructive ankle surgeries to correct the problem. |
|
$170,000 |
A 63 year old man slipped and fell at a bowling alley due to the bowling alley’s negligence for using too much oil on the wood floor. He sustained a serious head injury which required surgery. |
Why d’Oliveira & Associates?
Each of our lawyers have at least 20 years of experience handling these types of cases and will not charge you a legal fee until you obtain the settlement or award that you deserve. If you’re still unsure, here are 10 simple reasons why you should consider hiring our firm to handle your Rhode Island slip and fall case. For a free (no-obligation) case consultation, call us at 1-(508) 715-3134 or fill out a contact form online.
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