Attorneys for NH Slip & Fall Cases

If you have been injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall on another person’s or business’ property, you need legal representation on your side to fight for your rights.

If you were injured due to someone’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We typically represent victims of negligence on a contingency fee basis (no upfront cost to you). Contact us for more information and a free consultation.

Common causes of slip & fall injuries include:

• Ice or snow not being properly removed by building owner
• Debris on property leading to a trip and fall accident
• Damaged or improperly repaired stairs, railings or sidewalks
• Damaged or improperly repaired flooring

Slip and Fall Basics

Under New Hampshire law, all landowners have a duty to use reasonable care in the maintenance and operation of their properties. Simpson v. Wal-Mart Stores, 144 N.H. 571 (1999). A premises owner can be subject to liability for his failure to carry out his activities with reasonable care, or, the owner’s failure to provide a warning of a dangerous condition on the property.

If a property owner fails to use reasonable care, they may have acted negligently. In the context of a commercial building, store, restaurant, or other facility, negligence typically falls into one of three major categories:

Negligent design of a store or other commercial facility

A store’s floor design could be negligent if a fixed object protrudes into a walking lane, or if the floor is made from a very slippery material. Or, the building itself could have been designed negligently by having inadequate ventilation or lighting.

Negligent maintenance of a commercial establishment

The most common type of slip-and-fall negligence is negligent maintenance of the business or person’s premises. For example, if a bar or restaurant knows that drinks are often spilled in a certain area, that establishment has a duty to monitor and mop up those spills. Otherwise, a patron might slip and fall on the wet floor. Similarly, a grocery store has the responsibility to carefully observe its produce section for fallen pieces of vegetables and fruits, such as grapes. Because produce is not packaged and often ends up on the ground, the supermarket has the duty to periodically inspect and sweep the area to keep the floor clean and safe.

Businesses also have a responsibility to maintain the areas outside their buildings. For example, a store owner has a duty to take reasonable steps to remove ice from their stairs so that customers don’t get hurt.

Negligent operation of a business

A business may be operated in a negligent manner if its employees are not properly trained, or otherwise act negligently. For example, if a carnival ride is operated at a speed which is too fast and unsafe, the employees may have operated that amusement park ride negligently.

Conclusion

If you were injured on someone else’s property and believe the injury was caused by negligence, contact Welts, White & Fontaine, PC for a free consultation. As Nashua’s biggest law firm, we have the experience and resources to handle all types of cases.

Common Slip and Fall Scenarios

There are many ways that slip and falls can happen, and they can happen when you least expect it, as a Nashua, NH slip and fall lawyer knows. Slip and fall accidents can take many forms. Some of the most common causes of slip and falls are described below. 

Broken Rails

If you are holding onto a rail and it is too loose and suddenly breaks, you may end up falling and seriously injuring yourself. Common injuries from broken rails include sprained ankles and wrists. You may want to hire a lawyer for assistance with a slip and fall claim. They will be able to help you get the evidence that you need. For example, if the rail was on someone else’s property and they were aware that the rail was broken and failed to fix it, they can be held liable. If they find that the rail was on someone else’s property, a lawyer will be able to help you with your case.  

Spilled Water or Food

Another common cause of many slip and fall accidents are food or drinks that have been spilled. This is common in places like restaurants, food courts, hotels, and resorts. Slipping on even a small amount of food or water can still lead to a serious injury, like fractures, bruises, and sprained wrists and ankles. If you have slipped on spilled food that was not cleaned up, you may be able to file a claim against the owner or manager of the establishment who was responsible for cleaning up the mess. They are responsible for cleaning the spill and putting up a sign that warns anyone passing by that a mess was recently cleaned. With the help of a Nashua slip and fall lawyer like one from Welts, White & Fontaine, P.C., you may be able to file a claim against them. 

Cracks or Uneven Pavement 

Uneven pavement and cracks on the ground also lead to many slip and fall accidents. People walking on a sidewalk or floors where the ground is not even can be vulnerable to falling. If you tripped on a cracked sidewalk, you can have a lawyer assist you. Your case can be more difficult to build depending on the liable, such as a government body. Filing a claim against government departments and agencies can be difficult to do, and there are additional steps that must be taken. No matter who you are filing a claim against, you can count on a slip and fall lawyer to help you. 

Messy Wires

When wires are not put away or organized properly, people can trip or fall over them. Slip and falls that involve wires are common in settings like hospitals and offices. An exposed wire can be a serious hazard if they are not noticed and put away properly. Supervisors and managers can be held liable if a person were to suffer an injury due to an exposed wire because they are responsible for putting them away. 

Contact a Nashua slip and fall lawyer for more information about legal services available. 

Frequently Asked Questions | Slip & Fall

If you have sustained injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may want to consult Nashua slip and fall lawyers. You may be entitled to certain damages, like medical bills and lost wages. A lawyer from Welts, White & Fontaine, P.C. may help you pursue a timely claim against the negligent parties.

Can a Building Owner’s Violation of a Building Code Be Used to Win a Slip and Fall Claim?

Yes. Building owners are obligated to make sure that their building complies with certain building codes. For instance, building codes may state where handrails must be placed in a building. If you suffered a slip and fall accident on a stairway that had missing or defective handrails, you may be able to file a claim against the building owner. Try to take a photo of the dangerous condition that caused your accident.

Can I Receive Compensation If I Had a Slip and Fall Accident at a Grocery Store?

Yes. Grocery stores are one of the most common places where slip and fall accidents occur. Grocery store owners/managers are responsible for keeping the premises safe for customers and employees. They should regularly inspect the store for possible hazards, like liquid spills, clutter and wet floors. If a hazardous condition causes you to fall in a grocery store, Nashua slip and fall lawyers may help you sue if the grocery store/manager knew about the condition or should have known about it.

If I Fell On a Friend’s Property, Should I Still Sue?

If you suffered a slip and fall accident on your friend’s property, you might feel guilty about filing a lawsuit. However, you may have medical bills piling up and deserve to be properly compensated for that. Also, your friend likely won’t be paying your damages out of his or her own pocket anyway. Insead, your friend’s home insurance company may likely cover your damages. Therefore, you have no reason to feel bad for pursuing a legal claim.

Will My Slip and Fall Case Go to Trial?

Like other personal injury cases, the majority of slip and fall cases never see a courtroom. They most often get settled out of court. Your lawyer may negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company and help you obtain fair compensation for your losses. Settling your case out of court can save you time and stress. However, there is always a chance that the insurance company won’t offer you a fair settlement. In this case, it may be in your best interest to take your case to trial. 

Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer?

While you are technically not required to hire a slip and fall lawyer, it’s still a good idea. An experienced lawyer will know how much your case is truly worth and help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim. He or she will also handle communication with the defendant’s insurance company.

Schedule a consultation with Nashua slip and fall lawyers from Welts, White & Fontaine, P.C. today.