Slip and falls due to buildup of slime and algae formation in and around swimming pools can cause severe injuries to an unsuspecting victim. Algae can also build up in supermarkets and stores, particularly fish markets. You may also find green, slimy growth on sidewalks, in public bathrooms, in school gyms and showers, as well as showers and bathtubs in hotels, Airbnb rentals, full-service truck stops, and many other locations.
If you were injured from slipping on algae, who is liable for the harm you suffered? Can you file a lawsuit against the responsible party for monetary compensation? Our slip and fall lawyers are here to help with these and any other questions you have about your legal rights. If you are eligible for a premises liability claim due to negligence by a property owner, we can help you file the necessary paperwork and negotiate maximum payment to cover your current and future monetary losses.
To schedule a free case review with an algae buildup slip and fall injury lawyer, contact the offices of Normandie Law Firm.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$2.5 Million
$1.1 Million
$1.5 Million
$600,000
$525,000
$734,851
What is Algae and What Does it Look Like?
The term “algae” refers to a wide variety of aquatic organisms, though green algae is the most common variant that people come across. Algae grows in warm and sunny weather (above 75 degrees F), especially in damp, humid areas. Algae can grow on many surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, patios, decks, and stairways. While algae is most commonly found outdoors, it can also grow in humid indoor areas like bathrooms, particularly showers.
As a general rule, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to maintain these areas and prevent the development of algae buildup that people can slip on. If the property is a rental unit, liability may fall on the tenant if they engaged in negligence that caused algae to grow on the premises. Sometimes, it’s a property management firm or contractor that’s responsible for these issues, meaning there may be multiple parties that share liability for algae buildup that leads to an accident
Can I Sue if I Slipped on Algae?
Yes, you can sue for injuries caused by slipping on algae, but only if you can prove that someone else is responsible for the condition that resulted in the accident. Essentially, you will need to show that someone who was responsible for maintaining the property failed in their duty of care. As a result, you had a slip and fall that caused bodily harm, i.e., injuries. Due to your injuries, you incurred monetary losses, which entitles you to economic and non-economic damages, like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Keep in mind that most of these claims are settled by filing an insurance claim with the other party’s insurance company. If you and the owner, management firm, etc. cannot agree on a settlement amount, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and continue to push for a reasonable settlement offer. However, a lawsuit is filed with the idea that you are willing to take your case to trial if need be, so your attorney will be busy with depositions, preparing evidence, talking to experts, and many other tasks. We want to assure you that most cases are settled, as going to trial is something most people want to avoid. But just in case, it’s important to work with a lawyer who can provide you with skilled and aggressive representation right from the start.
Slip and Fall Lawsuit Case Values
On the lower end, the amount of damages for a slip and fall lawsuit may be around $10,000 to $15,000. If you have more serious injuries that require multiple treatments, including surgery and physical therapy, settlement values may be around $75,000 to $300,000. In extreme situations, you may end up with permanent nerve damage, brain injury, or another severe health issue. These cases are likely to end up in settlements or verdicts of $1,500,000 to $5,000,000.
Each case is unique with its own set of factors that play a role in how much compensation can be paid to someone that slipped and fell down from slipping on algae. For a detailed analysis of what you can expect to receive from a slip and fall lawsuit, contact us today.
What is the Estimated Time to Settle a Slip and Fall Case?
Slip and fall injury claims may be settled in just a few months if the injuries you end up with are relatively minor. But we know for a fact that the majority of trip and fall and slip and fall victims end up with serious injuries to the head, back, neck, hip, and other parts of the body. As a result, it can take between 8 and 18 months before both sides come to an agreement. Lawsuits for severe, disabling injuries can take around 2 years from start to finish, though cases that go to trial will take over 3 years. Only around 5% of slip and fall claims get to this point, so overall, we would say that claims for slipping on slime and other buildup from algae take between 6 and 24 months to resolve.
Statute of Limitations to Sue for a Slip and Fall
A compensation claim for a slip and fall incident must be filed by 2 years, starting from when the accident occurred. That means you have a limited amount of time to gather evidence, assemble a strong legal case, and submit a claim for monetary damages.
Keep in mind that the 2-year deadline does not apply to lawsuits against the government. If, for example, you fell on a city-owned sidewalk that was covered in algae or you slipped and fell in a government building, you must file a claim within 6 months. The 6-month deadline cannot be waived, so it’s extremely important that you obtain the correct paperwork, itemize your damages and draft an argument for why the city is liable. This is just an overview of what is involved when you are suing a government entity, so it’s best to seek help from a personal injury law firm as soon as possible.
Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Help from a seasoned fall accident injury lawyer is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week here at Normandie Law Firm. We know the devastation these accidents can have on your life, but rest assured that we are here to fight for you and the compensation you deserve.
We have a Zero Fee Guarantee policy at our law firm, where victims are charged $0. Along with the demand for your settlement, we will also ask for the other party to cover the cost of legal representation. That way, it’s the at-fault party that pays us to represent you, and only if we secure a settlement or positive verdict on your behalf.
You have nothing to lose by taking a chance on us, so please take this opportunity to schedule a free consultation if you fell down and hurt yourself from slipping on algae.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Parking Lot Slip And Fall Lawyer
Plant Store Slip And Fall Lawyer
Barbershop Slip And Fall Attorney