Salem Slip & Fall Accident Attorneys

Types of Recoverable Compensation in Slip & Fall Accident Claims 

Various types of compensation may be available in a slip-and-fall accident claim. There are two primary types of recoverable damages:

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for direct financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the incident. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium (companionship), and reduced quality of life. 

Understanding Premises Liability in Slip & Fall Accidents

Property owners and entities owe a duty of care to visitors, customers, and patrons. This includes maintaining reasonably safe conditions and addressing or warning guests of known hazards on the premises. If you were injured due to unsafe or hazardous conditions, you may be entitled to compensation under Oregon’s premises liability laws. 

Our attorneys are well-versed in these legal nuances to discuss your legal options, help you file a claim, and advocate for the settlement you deserve. We can explain your rights and gather evidence to build a robust case and maximize your chance of recovering fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Proving Liability in a Slip & Fall Accident Claim

Suffering an injury on someone else’s property doesn’t automatically mean you are entitled to damages. The plaintiff bears the burden of proof in slip-and-fall accident lawsuits, making it imperative to seek legal counsel from our trusted injury lawyers. 

To recover compensation, you must prove that the negligent party (typically the property owner, manager, or business operator) breached their duty to keep their premises in reasonably good condition. This requires you to establish four key elements:

1. Duty of care. The owner owed you a duty of care, such as providing signage for freshly mopped floors or failing to complete timely repairs. 
2. Breach of duty. The owner breached their duty by acting negligently, such as failing to repair broken handrails or stairsteps within a reasonable timeframe. 
3. Causation. The injury would not have occurred if not for the negligent party.
4. Damages. You suffered actual losses as a result of the defendant’s negligence. 

Proving negligence can be complex, especially in cases involving multiple parties or disputed fault. Our attorneys can thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence of fault, and work to prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip & Fall Accident Claim?

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for slip-and-fall accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident (ORS § 12.110(1)). However, cases involving government entities may be subject to stricter deadlines and statutory requirements. We can review the facts of your situation to determine which statute applies and help you file a claim within the correct deadline. 

Should I Speak to the Insurance Adjuster After a Slip & Fall Accident?

After a slip-and-fall accident, insurance adjusters usually call to request a recorded statement or present an early settlement offer. Unfortunately, insurance companies aren’t on your side and will do everything they can to minimize injuries and deny claims. What seems like a casual call can easily be used against you later on, when insurers twist your words or weaponize your own statement. 

We strongly advise against accepting an early settlement offer or agreeing to give a statement without a lawyer present. Our attorneys are familiar with these underhanded tactics to safeguard your rights and vigorously negotiate on your behalf to prevent you from settling for less than you deserve.

Why Choose Our Top-Rated Injury Lawyers? 

There’s a common misconception that working with a massive law firm will yield the biggest recovery, but catchy slogans and billboards only go so far. When you’re facing a long recovery period, extensive time off work, and rapidly accruing healthcare costs, you can’t afford to waste time on empty promises, poor case management, or inconsistent communication.

At Johnson & Taylor, our first priority is our clients. When you work with our caring team, you can expect personalized care, straightforward communication, and unwavering support every step of the way. We can help you understand the realities of your case so you can move forward with confidence and clarity. Our lawyers work on contingency, meaning you won’t owe attorney fees unless we recover compensation. 

When your health and financial security are on the line, our firm is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us online to discuss your case. Se habla español.