Were you hurt in a witnessed slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall event in Portland, Oregon, on someone else’s property (individual or a business)? Do not lose hope. With help from Rizk Law premises liability lawyers, you may be able to recoup lost income and medical charges, plus value for pain and suffering. Rizk Law patiently, carefully, and strategically guides its clients toward physical and financial recovery.
Our team knows the elements of a strong case and how to motivate insurers to pay injury-by-falling claims caused by carelessly designed and poorly maintained stairs and walkways. In the meantime, if you can, gather evidence of the dangerous pedestrian path involved, as landowners are known to quickly repair the danger once a claim is filed. And, of course, also promptly seek necessary medical treatment for injuries from a fall and report the fall to all treating medical providers.
Once you take care of yourself and document the danger, contact Rizk Law for a no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your situation and how best to move forward.
Why You Should Hire a Portland Slip-and-Fall Attorney
If you want to file a slip-and-fall or premises liability claim in Oregon, having an experienced attorney by your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case. A skilled slip-and-fall lawyer in Portland can assist you by:
- Investigating the scene of the incident thoroughly to gather useful evidence
- Assessing the property owner’s compliance with safety regulations
- Interviewing witnesses to build a strong case supporting your claim
- Identifying all potential sources of liability to maximize your slip-and-fall compensation
- Preparing and filing all necessary legal documents within applicable deadlines
- Advising you on suitable legal strategies tailored to your specific situation
- Communicating with all parties involved to keep you informed and involved
- Consulting medical professionals to validate the extent of your injuries
- Coordinating with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to strengthen your claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement
- Challenging any attempts by the opposing side to undermine your claim
- Representing you in court, if necessary, to advocate on your behalf
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
- Managing all aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery
As a former defense attorney for some of the nation’s leading insurers, Richard Rizk possesses an insider’s perspective on how insurance companies handle injury claims. This unique vantage point is particularly beneficial for individuals pursuing a slip-and-fall claim or premises liability claim in Portland. His previous role involved both representing insurers in premises liability lawsuits and authorizing settlements, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the insurance claim process from the inside out.
Richard’s experience allows him to effectively counter the strategies used by insurers to minimize or deny claims and pursue the compensation his clients are entitled to. With Rizk Law advocating for you, you gain a significant advantage in your fight for justice and fair compensation.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue in a Slip-and-Fall Case?
If you are hurt on someone else’s property, you could have the right to seek damages (money) for various expenses and impacts the injury has had on your life. This premises liability compensation can cover a wide range of needs and setbacks you have experienced due to the accident, which could include:
- Medical expenses for past and future care
- Lost wages if you could not work
- Loss of earning capacity for future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Travel expenses for medical treatment
Who Is Responsible for an Injury in a Slip-and-Fall Case?
The responsible party in a slip-and-fall claim can vary depending on the property type, the circumstances of the accident, and the relationship between the injured person and the property owner. Some examples of parties that could be liable for premises liability accidents include the following:
- Property Owners – Every property owner has a responsibility or “duty of care” to keep their premises safe. This responsibility means they must regularly inspect their property and repair any hazards or make visitors aware of those hazards to prevent accidents. If a visitor gets injured because an owner fails to fix or advise them of a dangerous condition, like a broken staircase or a slippery floor, the property owner can be liable.
- Landlords – Landlords are responsible for maintaining the common areas of rental properties, such as hallways, staircases, and outdoor walkways. If a tenant or their guest gets injured because a landlord neglects these areas, the landlord can be liable. For example, if a tenant falls on an icy walkway that the landlord should have salted or cleared, the landlord could be responsible for the tenant’s fall injuries.
- Tenants – A tenant can be liable for accidents that occur within their leased spaces, especially if their actions or negligence contribute to the unsafe conditions. For example, say a commercial tenant runs a store and neglects to clean up a spill, leading to a customer’s slip-and-fall. In that case, the tenant, rather than the landlord, would be liable because the accident happened in the area under the tenant’s control.
- Business Owners – Owners of businesses like shops, restaurants, and malls must ensure their spaces are safe for visitors. This means they must clean up spills, ensure aisles are clear of obstructions, and fix any unsafe conditions as necessary. If a customer gets hurt because a business owner did not address or warn visitors of a hazard, the owner can be liable for the accident.
- Government Entities – Government entities can also be liable for premises liability accidents when they occur on public properties such as sidewalks, parks, or public buildings. If a government entity fails to maintain safe conditions or properly warn the public of dangers, and this negligence leads to an injury, the government could be responsible. Claims against government entities often have specific filing requirements and strict deadlines, so professional legal representation is essential if you know or suspect you have this type of premises liability case.
