Slip and Fall Lawyer in Youngstown, OH

Person lying on the floor next to a wet floor sign

If you suffered a slip and fall on someone else’s property in Youngstown, you may have suffered more severe injuries than some scrapes and bruises. You could be facing an extensive medical recovery and permanent disability. If your fall was caused by a dangerous or defective property condition, you may be entitled to demand financial compensation for your losses.

Let a Youngstown slip-and-fall lawyer at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law help you with your case. We only represent regular people like you, not businesses or insurance companies. We can fight to get you the recovery you deserve after being injured because of someone else’s negligence. Reach out to us today for a free initial case review to discuss your legal options after a Youngstown slip and fall accident.

What Is a Slip and Fall Claim, and How Do You Get Money?

You may have a slip and fall claim if you have been injured by a hazard on someone’s property that causes you to fall. A slip and fall claim can allow you to recover compensation for losses that you incur due to your injuries, including the following:

Costs of medical care and rehabilitation
Long-term care expenses due to permanent disability
Lost wages and future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Permanent physical impairments
Emotional distress

In a slip and fall claim, you usually seek financial compensation from the property owner where the accident occurred. You can either file a claim with the owner’s insurance or pursue compensation in a negotiated settlement or lawsuit.

What Do You Have To Prove in a Youngstown Slip and Fall Case?

So how do you win a slip and fall claim? To win compensation for a Youngstown slip and fall accident, you must prove that the property owner or other party responsible for the property’s condition caused the accident through their negligence. Proving liability for a slip and fall usually requires showing the following:

Duty of care — You’ll first have to establish that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care. If you’re a customer or guest on the property, the property or business owner must provide a certain amount of safety. Business and property owners must make a reasonable effort to keep the property free of dangerous conditions and warn customers of any hazards. An owner must warn social guests of hazards that aren’t open and obvious.
Breach of duty — The most important aspect to prove is that the owner breached this duty of care. You’ll have to demonstrate that the property or business owner knew or should have known about the hazard. They must also have had a reasonable opportunity to discover and clean up or repair the slip and fall hazard.
Causation — You must show that the owner’s breach of duty caused the accident and injuries. This will require evidence such as surveillance footage, accident scene photos, and medical records. It’s essential that you see a doctor as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident so they can establish that the fall caused your injuries.
Damages — There must also be compensable damages, such as medical bills, missed time from work, and emotional distress. Evidence for this may include receipts, pay stubs, and journals.

If you have to pursue legal action, Ohio slip and fall laws dictate how long you have to file a lawsuit. Under Ohio Revised Code §2305.10, you usually have only two years from the date of a slip and fall accident to file a lawsuit against the property owner or other liable parties. Waiting to file will typically result in your claim being dismissed by the court, which means you will lose your opportunity to recover compensation.

What Are Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents?

According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for over 20 percent of all emergency room visits, with millions of total visits each year. Slip and fall accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries depending on the type of fall and the property’s condition. Some of the most common injuries in fall accidents include the following:

Broken bones
Sprains, strains, and tears
Nerve damage
Herniated disc injuries
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Head and facial injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Lacerations and scarring

Should You Hire a Youngstown Slip and Fall Lawyer?

If you’ve had a slip and fall accident, you may wonder whether you need to hire a slip and fall lawyer or if you could handle your claim on your own. Although it might seem like you can save money by negotiating a settlement with the insurance company yourself, securing a knowledgeable attorney can increase your odds of recovering more money.

You should consider hiring a lawyer to ensure you pursue maximum financial recovery if there’s any question about fault or how serious your injuries are. A slip and fall attorney can also help with the following:

Investigating the accident and recovering evidence
Working with experts to build an effective and persuasive case
Identifying all parties that may owe you compensation
Negotiating with insurance companies to demand a fair settlement
Preparing your case for court if necessary to get the money you need

After being hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t put off getting the efficient and skilled legal representation you need to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law today for a free consultation with a Youngstown personal injury lawyer.