Why Choose Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers for Your Slip and Fall Case?
- Proven Success: Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers boasts a formidable track record, having secured over 150 jury trial victories and successfully obtained more than $1.5 billion in verdicts and settlements for our injury clients. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for those we represent.
- Dedicated Team Approach: Unlike smaller firms, our large team of experienced injury attorneys and dedicated support staff ensures that your case receives comprehensive attention. At any given time, at least three skilled legal professionals will be actively working on your slip and fall accident claim, providing a depth of resources and expertise.
- Recognized Excellence: Our firm’s dedication to exceptional legal service is consistently recognized by both our peers and satisfied clients. Accolades, such as the 2017 Trial Lawyer of the Year award from the Nevada Justice Association, reflect our ongoing pursuit of excellence and client advocacy in the field of personal injury law.
How a Las Vegas Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Can Advocate For You
Slip and fall accidents in Las Vegas can be complex, often involving multiple responsible parties. These may include corporate tenants, landlords, property management companies, and maintenance contractors. Our slip and fall accident lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of Nevada’s property safety regulations and the reasonable expectations visitors have regarding their personal safety on various properties. We leverage this extensive experience in every slip and fall case we handle, leveling the playing field against large corporations and their insurance representatives. Our firm will manage all aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we diligently pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 333-7777 to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Understanding the Cost of a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Many individuals who have suffered injuries in slip and fall accidents are concerned about the financial burden of legal representation. It’s understandable to worry about attorney fees, especially when facing mounting medical bills and lost income. Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers, like many reputable personal injury firms, operates on a contingency fee basis to alleviate this concern.
Under our contingency fee arrangement, you will not be required to pay any upfront fees to retain our services. Your slip and fall accident lawyer will provide expert legal representation with no initial costs and no hourly charges. Instead, our fee is a pre-agreed percentage of the financial compensation we successfully recover for you, whether through a settlement or court judgment. If we do not win your case and obtain financial compensation on your behalf, you owe us nothing. This is our no-fee guarantee – no hidden costs, no surprises.
Will Your Slip and Fall Case Require Court?
Filing a slip and fall claim does not automatically mean your case will proceed to court. In fact, the vast majority of slip and fall accident claims are resolved without the need for a trial. Most cases reach a settlement during the insurance claim stage. This occurs when the at-fault party’s insurance company offers a financial settlement to the injured victim to avoid the uncertainties and expenses of a courtroom trial. This is the most typical outcome in slip and fall cases.
Insurance companies are often motivated to settle claims because they bear the financial risk of a trial. Consequently, they are usually willing to negotiate a fair settlement with the injured party and their attorney. However, it remains crucial to engage a slip and fall accident lawyer who is fully prepared to litigate a case in court if necessary. This demonstrates to the insurance company that you are serious about pursuing your rights. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney should possess the trial experience and resources to effectively represent you in court.
Typical Damages Recoverable in Slip and Fall Cases
A slip and fall accident can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe, significantly impacting your health and well-being. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Severe Sprains and Strains
- Cuts, Bruises, and Abrasions
When a property owner or their employee’s negligence in maintaining a safe environment directly causes a slip and fall accident and subsequent injuries, they can be held liable under the legal principle of premises liability. If negligence is proven, you may be entitled to recover compensation for various damages, including:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
- Physical Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress and Psychological Trauma
- Diminished Quality of Life and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If you believe a property owner’s negligence contributed to your slip and fall injuries, pursuing a premises liability claim may be necessary. Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers has extensive experience handling premises liability cases in Las Vegas. Learn more about how a Las Vegas premises liability attorney can assist you. Call us today at (702) 333-7777 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Understanding Contributory Negligence in Nevada
Many slip and fall accidents arise from systemic failures in safety protocols designed to protect visitors. This can mean inherent hazards exist due to an establishment’s operational practices, such as policies that disregard visitor safety. For instance, a business lacking a clear policy for promptly cleaning up spills may be considered negligent. Leaving spills unattended in a busy environment significantly increases the risk of slip and fall accidents. Property owners have a duty to implement and enforce safety measures to prevent such incidents.
In many slip and fall cases, the concept of contributory negligence may arise. Contributory negligence refers to the injured party’s own percentage of fault in causing the accident. The defendant (the property owner or their insurer) may argue that the plaintiff contributed to their injuries by failing to pay adequate attention to their surroundings. Nevada’s comparative negligence laws allow for partial recovery of damages even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a court determines you were 20% at fault for a slip and fall because you were distracted while walking, you would receive $80,000 of a $100,000 damage award. As long as your fault is determined to be 50% or less, you remain eligible to recover compensation in Nevada.
Essential Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Injury
Taking immediate steps after a slip and fall accident is crucial to protect your legal rights and begin building a strong premises liability claim. The most important initial action is to report the incident to the business or property owner immediately. Provide a detailed account of what occurred, but avoid admitting fault for the fall. Request a formal accident report from the property owner or manager.
If possible, have someone with you document the scene by taking photographs of the area where the fall happened, including the hazard that caused your accident, as well as visible injuries. Photographic evidence can be invaluable in supporting your claim against the property owner. Seek medical attention promptly, even if you believe your injuries are minor at first. Obtain and carefully retain all medical bills, records, and documentation related to your injuries. Delaying medical treatment can raise questions from the insurance company about the legitimacy and severity of your claim. Strictly adhere to your doctor’s recommended treatment plan.
As soon as you are able, write down all details you remember about the accident scene and the incident itself. These notes will be helpful for your slip and fall accident lawyer in pursuing your claim. Before initiating any communication with insurance companies, consult with a qualified slip and fall accident lawyer. An attorney can advise you on what information to provide and what to avoid saying when notifying your insurance provider or the property owner’s insurer.
Navigating Communication with Insurance Providers After a Slip and Fall
During any conversations with an insurance provider regarding your slip and fall claim, it’s essential to understand one key principle: the insurance company’s primary goal is not to act in your best interest. Insurance companies are businesses focused on maximizing their profitability. They will often employ tactics to minimize payouts on claims, which may include undervaluing your damages or outright denying your claim in bad faith.
To safeguard your rights and interests, keep the following guidelines in mind when interacting with insurance providers:
- Maintain a calm and polite demeanor when speaking with the insurance representative.
- Never admit fault or apologize for the slip and fall accident.
- Answer all questions truthfully and concisely.
- Avoid providing lengthy, narrative responses or volunteering extra information.
- Do not hesitate to ask for clarification if you do not fully understand a question.
- Do not grant the insurance adjuster permission to record your statement.
- Refrain from signing any documents provided by the insurance company without legal review.
- Do not allow the insurer to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement offer.
- If a settlement offer is made, consult with a slip and fall accident lawyer for review before accepting.
Immediately after concluding any phone conversation with the insurance provider, document everything you recall about the discussion while it is still fresh in your memory. If possible and legally permissible, record the phone call. Then, contact a slip and fall attorney in Las Vegas for expert guidance on the next steps. Your lawyer can skillfully negotiate with the insurance adjuster to pursue a fair and full settlement or, if necessary, represent you in court to fight for your rights.
Common Types and Locations of Slip and Fall Accidents
Legally, slip and fall incidents are broadly categorized into four main types:
- Trip and Fall Accidents: These occur when an object obstructs a person’s natural walking path, causing them to trip.
- Step and Fall Accidents: These result from a structural defect or hazard in the walking surface itself, such as a hole, missing step, or uncovered opening.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These happen when footwear loses traction on a walking surface due to a slippery substance or condition.
- Stump and Fall Accidents: These occur when an unexpected impediment disrupts normal walking motion, such as a misplaced cord or an elevated edge.
Specific locations in Las Vegas where slip and fall accidents are frequent include:
- Casino slip and fall accidents due to slick or wet floors.
- Hotel and casino pool slip and falls around pool decks and wet areas.
Common contributing factors to slip and fall accidents involve spills or substances on walkways, uneven pavement, and the property owner’s failure to provide adequate warning signs for hazards. Additionally, poorly maintained stairs and ramps, missing non-slip surfaces or handrails, and inadequate lighting often contribute to injuries. Furthermore, a property owner’s neglect in removing snow, ice, or debris from walkways is a frequent cause of slip and fall accidents, especially during winter months or in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
Las Vegas Slip and Fall Lawyer Sean Claggett Discussing a Case
Contact a Dedicated Las Vegas Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact Claggett & Sykes Las Vegas personal injury attorneys for experienced legal representation. Our committed team is dedicated to helping you maximize your financial recovery while providing you with the peace of mind you deserve during a challenging time.
Sean Claggett, a highly respected Las Vegas slip and fall accident lawyer at our firm, has a proven record of success in securing significant compensation for his clients. Mr. Claggett has earned national recognition for his trial skills and has been honored on CVN’s Best of the Best list. Notably, in 2016, Sean achieved the fourth most influential verdict in the country, stemming from a slip and fall accident case against Lowes, where the jury awarded his client over $16 million. Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers has a history of achieving exceptional results for our clients. Call our law firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation at (702) 333-7777.
Client Testimonial:
“Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers is absolutely the best! They are incredibly professional, meticulous in every detail, and consistently kept me informed at every step of my case. Their team of lawyers, especially Jennifer M. and Christian A., went above and beyond; their client service is truly exceptional, and I highly recommend them!”
-Michelle O.
