Falls are among the most common ways people sustain injuries in Wilmington, North Carolina. Property owners, maintenance companies, government agencies, and other responsible parties are legally obligated to adequately maintain their premises to keep visitors safe. When they fail in this obligation, and someone suffers an injury, the injured person can hold the negligent individuals and companies accountable.
The Wilmington slip and fall accident attorneys at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, want you to know that legal assistance is available if you suffered serious injuries in a fall accident on someone else’s property. We’re here to help you recover financial compensation for your injuries and hold the property owner liable for their negligence through a personal injury lawsuit.
Call us today or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation from our Wilmington personal injury attorneys.
Why Choose Our Wilmington Slip and Fall Attorneys?
The Poisson family has practiced law in North Carolina since 1857, and more than three generations have worked at our Wilmington law firm. All those decades of legal service give us a commitment to excellence and depth of knowledge you won’t find at other law firms.
Our client service goes beyond representing you in court and filing paperwork. We can help you find the right doctors to treat your injuries and assist you with anything else you need during your recovery. Above all, our Wilmington slip and fall lawyers will use all our resources to make this process easier on you and help you pursue the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Wilmington, NC
Slip and fall accidents are common but often preventable if only property owners would take steps to address dangerous conditions on their premises. In Wilmington, NC, some frequent causes of these accidents include:
- Wet and uneven surfaces – Spills in places like supermarkets and water on floors after cleaning can make surfaces slippery. Uneven sidewalks or unexpected steps can also be significant tripping hazards.
- Poor lighting – Inadequate lighting in areas such as parking lots and staircases makes it difficult to see obstacles, increasing the risk of falls.
- Weather conditions – Wilmington’s weather can lead to outdoor hazards. Rain, snow, and ice can make walkways, steps, and entrances particularly treacherous.
- Faulty flooring – Old or poorly maintained floors, including torn carpets or loose floor tiles, pose significant risks for trips-and-falls.
- Cluttered walkways – Areas crowded with objects, like boxes or equipment in store aisles, can easily cause someone to trip.
- Construction zones – Ongoing construction can leave behind debris or uneven surfaces, increasing the likelihood of falls.
Places Where Slip and Falls Often Happen in Wilmington
Slip and fall accidents in Wilmington, NC, can happen anywhere, including:
- Shopping malls and grocery stores – These busy venues are prone to spills and wet floors, especially near entrances, drink dispensers, and produce aisles.
- Restaurants and bars – Floors in these places can quickly become slippery from spilled drinks and food. The areas around the bar and bathrooms are particularly hazardous due to frequent foot traffic and occasional neglect in quickly cleaning up spills.
- Public sidewalks and parking lots – Uneven surfaces, potholes, and seasonal hazards like ice or fallen leaves can make outdoor walking treacherous.
- Residential areas – Private homes and apartment complexes may have hazards like loose rugs, cluttered staircases, and unattended spills. Be cautious in communal spaces where the risk of unnoticed obstacles increases, such as laundry rooms and lobbies.
- Workplaces – Whether in an office or on a construction site, work environments often have cables, rugs, or other trip hazards, compounded by the busy nature of these spaces. Keeping walkways clear and adhering to safety protocols is crucial.
Types of Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
While some might initially seem relatively minor, many injuries from slip and fall accidents can be severe and have long-lasting effects. Some common serious injuries from slip and falls include:
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries, which can cause partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures (especially hip fractures)
- Dislocations
- Joint damage
- Back and spine injuries, including slipped discs
- Sprains and strains
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal injuries and bleeding
Proving Premises Liability in Wilmington Slip and Fall Cases
Winning a slip and fall accident claim requires you to show that you fell because of a hazard on the premises and that the property owner knew about or reasonably should have known about the hazard but failed to take steps to fix it or warn about it. That can be a challenging standard, but our slip and fall attorneys in Wilmington, NC, can help you find the evidence you need to prove the property owner’s negligence.
Common types of evidence in these personal injury cases include:
- Photographs of the accident scene – Images capturing the exact condition of the location at the time of the accident, including any hazards, poor lighting, or lack of warning signs
- Surveillance videos – Footage from nearby security cameras that recorded the incident, providing a clear view of the actions and conditions leading to the fall
- Witness statements – Accounts from people who saw the accident or can testify to the conditions that caused the slip and fall
- Incident reports – Any reports filed with the property owner or manager documenting the accident and initial observations
- Maintenance records – Documents showing how often the area was inspected and maintained, which can indicate negligence if upkeep was insufficient
- Medical records – Documentation of injuries sustained from the fall, linking them directly to the accident and illustrating their severity
How Our Lawyers Can Help Maximize Your Injury Settlement
At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, our job is to handle all the details of your case so you can rest and focus on treating your injuries. Our team diligently gathers and analyzes the evidence about unsafe property conditions to build a compelling personal injury case. We understand the nuances of local laws and how they can impact your premises liability claim. Our knowledge helps us explore every legal avenue to secure the best possible outcome for you.
We also negotiate directly with insurance companies and other responsible parties, striving for a settlement that reflects the full extent of your injuries and related losses. We’re prepared to represent you in court and present a forceful slip and fall lawsuit at trial if necessary. With our Wilmington slip and fall accident lawyers by your side, you’ll have the support and guidance needed to move forward confidently after a fall accident.
Talk to an Experienced Wilmington Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Waiting too long to talk to an attorney could jeopardize your personal injury claim and prevent you from gaining the compensation you need for a thorough recovery from your fall injuries. Don’t let that happen to you.
Contact Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, today for a free consultation with a slip and fall lawyer.
