Slip and fall accidents, though common and often incidental, can be the cause of serious injury.
If you have been severely injured in a slip and fall in Rhode Island due to someone else’s negligence, contact the Law Offices of William M. Kolb, LLC in Providence. Bill Kolb, a proficient personal injury litigation attorney, has been successfully fighting for his clients’ rights for over 30 years and is well-prepared to fight for you. His mission is always to get his clients’ maximum compensation for their losses, and he will not charge you any attorney fees until he recovers damages.
While some falls result from a misstep or a moment of inattention on the part of the individual who suffers harm, many are caused by premises liability. Premises liability is based on the concept that every property owner, landlord, or manager owes a duty of care to anyone on their property and must therefore keep that property safe. The owner also has a legal responsibility to use appropriate markers or signage as long as the site remains dangerous, i.e. before clean-up or repair has taken place.
Whether you are a neighbor, customer, client, vendor, or any other visitor, you have the right to expect you will not suffer harm on another’s premises and the right to be compensated if you do. In some circumstances, even trespassers, particularly children, are also entitled to be protected from hazardous conditions, and property owners may be held accountable if they are harmed.
Common Reasons for Avoidable Slip and Fall Accidents
Everyone has experienced an occasional slip and fall in their own home — over a rug, a slippery spot on the floor, a toy, or a misplaced slipper. If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, however, you may be entitled to damages for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you have had this unfortunate experience, contact our office now for a free consultation. We will evaluate whether you have a viable premises liability claim whether your injury on someone else’s property was caused by:
- Wet, icy, or otherwise slippery surfaces
- Crumbling stairs or wobbly banisters
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Falling debris
- Frayed or uneven carpeting
- Poorly lit vestibules or hallways
- Uneven flooring or broken tiles
- Unmarked obstacles on walkways
- Unsecured rugs
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?
Slip and fall accidents can occur in multiple locations, both indoors and outdoors. People regularly slip and fall:
- At neighbors’ homes or on their grounds
- On sidewalks and playgrounds
- In supermarkets or department stores
- In parking garages
- In government buildings
- In public or private schools
- In executive offices
- At theaters, hotels, amusement parks
Because it is important to act quickly in slip and fall cases, you should contact the Law Offices of William M. Kolb promptly. Not only is there a 3-year statute of limitations in Rhode Island for premises liability cases, but Bill Kolb will want to investigate and photograph the site of your accident before steps have been taken to repair the damage. He will also want to interview witnesses while their memories are still fresh.
Why William M. Kolb Is the Right Slip and Fall Attorney for the Job
Bill has impressive credentials and extensive experience. He will provide you not only with outstanding legal representation but also with compassionate personal attention. While you take the time you need to recover from your trauma, he will:
- Investigate the accident site
- Examine the police report, all pertinent medical records, and any surveillance videos
- Determine the identity of all parties responsible for your injuries
- Identify and interview witnesses
- Consult with experts (medical and otherwise) who may testify on your behalf
- Handle all communications with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters
The Broad Range of Slip and Fall Injuries. Some of the most common slip and fall injuries are:
- Fractures, especially of the leg, shoulder, wrist, and hip
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s)*
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Sprains and fractures
- Internal bleeding
*According to the CDC, falls are the most common cause of TBI’s
Although it is extremely unlikely that the defendant had malicious intent in leaving his or her property in an unsafe condition, you are entitled to meaningful damages for all you have lost.
Damages We Will Seek To Recover
Whether through adept negotiations, or if necessary through aggressive litigation, Bill Kolb has the well-honed legal skills to bring you compensation for losses, including:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Extended nursing care
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one to wrongful death as a result of a fall, Bill will fight vigorously to get you damages for final medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of financial/emotional support. If the defendant’s misconduct was especially egregious, he may be able to obtain punitive damages as well.
Comparative Negligence in Personal Injury Cases in Rhode Island
Rhode Island adheres to the principle of pure comparative negligence which means that even if you were partially at fault for your injury — for example, if you were wearing inappropriate shoes for the terrain or if you were inebriated at the time of the accident — you can still sue for damages.
The word “pure” in this context means that even if you bear more responsibility than the defendant for the accident, you are still legally entitled to compensation. The court will assign both you and the defendant a percentage of fault and your court award will be diminished by your percentage of fault. Of course, having Bill Kolb as your slip and fall attorney will give you a strong advantage. He will leverage his knowledge and skill to persuade the court that your percentage of fault is low.
Contact Our Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Though suffering a serious injury can be overwhelming, Bill Kolb will help you navigate the justice system by taking care of all legal and logistical matters. He has a history of successful outcomes and is committed to pulling out all the stops to win your case. Contact him now to give yourself the best chance of taking back control of your life and securing your future.