Des Moines Slip & Fall Lawyers
Helping Slip & Fall Accident Victims in Iowa
When you visit someone else’s property—whether it’s a private home or a commercial space—you expect a reasonable degree of safety. In fact, property owners in Iowa are required by law to conduct adequate maintenance and repair or remove hazards promptly. At the very least, property owners should warn visitors of any conditions that pose a foreseeable risk of injury or harm, such as wet floors or broken steps. When they fail to do this, and innocent people are hurt, victims are entitled to bring premises liability claims and seek fair compensation for their damages.
One of the most common types of premises liability claims involves slips, trips, and falls caused by hazardous property conditions. At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., we handle all types of slip and fall claims, including those involving private residences, commercial properties, public spaces, and government-owned or operated settings. Our Des Moines slip and fall lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal experience, as well as a proven record of success. We know the legal challenges you are up against, and we are prepared to do everything we can to secure the maximum compensation you are owed for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Call (515) 705-0233 or submit a free online case evaluation form today to get started with a complimentary consultation with our slip & fall accident lawyer in Des Moines.
How To Prove Negligence in a Slip & Fall Accident?
Iowa property owners are expected to keep their properties in reasonable condition and to remove, repair, or warn others of potentially dangerous conditions. A property owner can be held legally liable for a slip and fall accident when they fail to uphold this duty of care.
There are several things you will need to prove to bring a successful slip and fall claim, including:
- Duty of Care: You will need to establish that the property owner owed you a duty of care. Typically, this means establishing that you were lawfully on the property when the incident occurred. Property owners owe differing duties of care to different types of visitors, but they owe the lowest duty of care to trespassers.
- Breach: You will also need to prove that the property owner breached the duty of care. This might include things like proving the property owner failed to conduct adequate property maintenance or that they did not properly remove a hazardous condition that a reasonable person would know posed a foreseeable risk to others.
- Causation: You will need to prove that the property owner’s breach of the duty of care was the cause of your slip and fall accident. Often, this also involves proving that you were not being negligent yourself at the time of the accident and that the condition that caused your fall was not open, obvious, and easily avoidable.
- Damages: Lastly, you will need to prove that you sustained damages. Often, this involves proving your injuries, as well as related economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages. Damages can also be non-economic in nature and may include things such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and trauma.
At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., our Des Moines slip and fall attorneys work with a team of experts to conduct exhaustive investigations and determine exactly how a slip, trip, and/or fall accident occurred. We look at the various factors involved, including what the property owner should have done to remove the risk of injury. This allows us to build effective legal strategies for our clients, tailored to their unique needs and concerns.
What Types of Hazardous Conditions Lead to Slip & Fall Accidents?
A hazardous condition is one that poses a foreseeable risk of injury or harm to others. There are numerous possible hazardous conditions, many of which can contribute to slips, trips, and falls.
Some of the most common hazardous conditions involved in slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet floors
- Uneven floors
- Defective or missing handrails
- Broken stairs/steps
- Torn or ripped carpeting/floor coverings
- Slippery/just-waxed floors
- Spills
- Fallen merchandise
- Cluttered walkways or aisles
- Poor/insufficient lighting
- Improper signage
- Potholes
- Defective sidewalks
- Exposed cords, wires, and other tripping hazards
If you slipped, tripped, and fell because of any of these or similar property conditions, and you believe the property owner was negligent in repairing, removing, or warning of the condition, reach out to our team at LaMarca Law Group, P.C. for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and help build a case aimed at maximizing your recovery.
Common Injuries in Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe and life-altering consequences. Some common injuries connected with slip and fall accidents include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a fall can lead to fractures and broken bones, affecting various parts of the body, such as wrists, ankles, and hips.
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries and concussions could occur if the head is impacted during the fall. Even seemingly minor falls can have serious consequences for cognitive function and overall well-being.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common in slip and fall incidents, often causing pain and limiting mobility.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: A fall may result in damage to the back or spinal cord, leading to long-term complications, including paralysis or chronic pain.
- Cuts and Bruises: While cuts and bruises may seem less severe, they can still cause pain, discomfort, and potential complications, especially if the injury site becomes infected.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Slip & Fall Accident Claims in Iowa?
In Iowa, there is a time limit within which you must file a lawsuit for a slip and fall accident. This time limit is commonly known as the statute of limitations. It is crucial to be aware of this timeline, as failing to file within the specified period may bar you from seeking compensation for your injuries.
In Iowa, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents, is typically two years from the date of the incident. This means you have two years to initiate legal proceedings against the responsible party. However, exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, and the timeline can be influenced by elements such as the discovery of injuries or the involvement of government entities.
Promptly consulting with our experienced team is crucial to ensuring compliance with the statute of limitations and preserving your right to pursue a claim.
Contact Our Slip & Fall Attorneys in Des Moines Today
The first step in your recovery is contacting an experienced attorney who understands how to navigate these types of claims. Slip & fall cases are relatively common, but that does not mean getting compensation will be easy. In fact, property owners and their insurance companies often fight back against these claims, doing everything they can to dispute victims’ injuries, devalue their recoveries, or even deny their claims outright.
At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., our Des Moines slip & fall lawyers are ready to fight back. We have taken on countless insurance companies throughout Iowa—and won. We know what it takes to represent you and your rights and are prepared to help you throughout the entire personal injury claims filing process.
For a free consultation with a Des Moines slip & fall lawyer at our firm, please call (515) 705-0233. Hablamos español.
