Maine Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

Our experienced attorneys can help you recover compensation

A slip and fall accident can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of missed work. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and even unsure about what to do next – especially if you’re struggling with an injury. These accidents are unpredictable, but something you can plan on is getting the right legal help.

Our dedicated slip and fall attorneys know how to handle these types of cases. At Romanow Law Group in Portland, Maine, we’re here to take on the legal complexities for you, making sure you get the support you need while your rights are protected. Whether you need help with an insurance claim or a slip and fall lawsuit, if you’re in Maine and need guidance, we can help.

What is a slip and fall accident?

A slip and fall accident is when someone is injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property that causes them to lose their footing and fall down. In Maine, property owners have a legal responsibility under premises liability laws to keep their premises safe and free of hazards that could lead to accidents. When they don’t – whether by failing to fix an issue they knew about, neglecting to warn visitors of a risk, or simply ignoring unsafe conditions – they may be considered negligent.

Negligence in these cases can be tricky to prove, as it often requires showing that the property owner either knew or should have known about the hazard and didn’t take reasonable steps to fix it. For example, a store owner who doesn’t clean up a spill or post a warning sign on time could be held responsible if someone slips and falls as a result.

Where do slip and fall accidents commonly occur?

Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, but certain places are more prone to hazards than others. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, everyday environments can pose unexpected risks. Here are some common locations where slip and fall accidents occur:

Retail stores and supermarkets: Wet floors, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can create dangerous situations for shoppers.
Sidewalks and parking lots: Ice, snow, and poor maintenance often make these areas slippery and hazardous, especially in colder months.
Restaurants, bars, and cafes: Spilled drinks, food, or grease buildup can turn floors into slip hazards.
Office buildings: Staircases, stairs without railings, polished floors, and even entryways with water tracked in from rain can lead to slips and falls.
Apartment complexes: In shared spaces like hallways, stairwells, and laundry rooms, property owners are responsible for keeping common areas safe for tenants.
Hotels: Pool areas, lobbies, and stairways can all become slippery, especially if water isn’t promptly cleaned up.

Common slip and fall injuries

Slip and fall accidents might sound minor, but they can lead to serious injuries that impact your daily life and long-term health. These injuries can range from mild to severe, often requiring extensive medical care and recovery time. Here are some common injuries associated with slip and fall accidents:

Broken bones and fractures: Wrists, arms, ankles, and hips are commonly fractured during falls, often requiring surgery or rehabilitation to fully heal.
Head injuries: Hitting your head from a fall can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious conditions that affect memory, balance, and overall brain function.
Back, neck, and spinal injuries: Falls can result in slipped or herniated discs, spinal fractures, and other painful injuries that may limit mobility and require physical therapy.
Sprains and strains: Ligament damage, particularly in the wrists, knees, and ankles, is common and can be painful, often limiting your ability to move or perform daily tasks.
Cuts and bruises: Though they may seem minor, deep cuts can lead to infections, while severe bruising may indicate underlying injuries that need medical attention.

How much is an average slip-and-fall settlement?

You may be wondering what kind of payout you might expect after a slip and fall, but the reality is that there’s no “average” settlement. Each case is unique, and the amount you could receive depends on various factors specific to your accident and injuries. An experienced slip-and-fall attorney can help calculate an estimated payout based on your situation and fight for a settlement that reflects the impact of your injuries and losses.

How much is a slip-and-fall case worth?

Determining the value of a slip-and-fall case requires looking at several specific factors that can affect your compensation. Every case is different, and these details play an important role in determining the final payout. Here are some key factors that go into calculating how much your slip and fall case could be worth:

Severity of injuries: Generally, the more serious the injury, the higher the potential settlement. For example, a case involving surgery may result in a higher payout than one where surgery wasn’t required.
Medical expenses: From emergency room visits to ongoing treatment, all medical costs are considered when calculating compensation. This includes not just current bills but future medical expenses as well.
Lost wages: If your injury kept you from working or affected your ability to earn income in the future, these financial losses are factored into your settlement amount.
Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury are also considered in your case’s value, as they can have a lasting impact on your quality of life.

An experienced lawyer can help ensure all these factors are accounted for so that you’re not left with less than you deserve. Our attorneys work to secure fair compensation that fully addresses the costs and consequences of your injury.

What should I do after a slip and fall accident?

If you’ve had a slip and fall accident, there are some steps you can take that can make a big difference in protecting your health and your rights. Here’s what you should do:

Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and having medical documentation is important for your case. See a doctor as soon as possible and make sure to attend follow-up appointments as needed.
Report the accident: Tell the property owner, manager, or person in charge about the accident and ask for a written report. Keep a copy for your records.
Document the scene: Take photos or videos of where you fell, including any hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, lack of warning signs, or anything that may have to do with the cause of your fall. This evidence can help prove negligence.
Collect witness information: If anyone saw your fall, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable, unbiased statements if you need to file a claim.
Keep records of your expenses: Save all medical bills, receipts, and any documents showing missed work or other expenses related to the injury.
Speak with a lawyer: Slip-and-fall cases can be complex. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process, handle the legal aspects, and help you seek the compensation you deserve, all while looking out for your best interests.

Support and guidance for slip and fall victims in Maine

Dealing with the aftermath of a slip and fall accident can feel overwhelming and isolating. You’re not just facing physical pain – you’re likely worried about medical bills, lost wages, and the impact on your daily life. But remember, you’re not alone in this. The legal team at Romanow Law Group understands what you’re going through and is here to support you every step of the way.

We work hard and persevere through complicated slip-and-fall cases because that is what our clients deserve. Take control of your recovery and contact us today. We are dedicated to helping slip and fall victims in Maine get through the legal process and secure the compensation they need to move forward. Don’t face this journey alone.