Leaking Pipe Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

We’ve all dealt with a leaking pipe in some form or another, and know the extensive property damage that can result from one of these plumbing situations. But leaking pipes may also cause someone to slip and fall, which can result in serious harm and suffering. There are many statistics that indicate the dangers of a slip and fall accident, including:

• Over 8 million visit the ER on an annual basis due to a fall-related accident.
• Slip and falls are the leading cause of workplace injuries, as well as the primary cause of missed time from work.
• Fall-related accidents is the second leading cause of accidental deaths around the world.
• In the U.S., slip and falls account for more serious injuries than motor vehicle accidents.

That’s why it’s essential for property owners to maintain their premises and fix or remove hazards like leaking pipes. A defective pipe in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, or the outside of a building is a slip and fall waiting to happen, and it’s an owner’s duty to prevent such accidents. If you slipped and fell due to water or moisture from a leaking pipe, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. To explore your rights and legal options, please speak with an experienced slip and fall attorney at our office.

Common Locations for a Leaking Pipe Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents caused by a leaking pipe can happen in many locations that you come across throughout your day. Here are some of the most common places where you can slip and fall due to a pipe that leaks water:

• In apartment buildings
• Common areas, like hallways, waiting rooms, laundry facilities, etc.
• On the street
• In shopping centers and malls
• Restaurants
• In an office building
• Schools
• Workplaces

While most of these accidents are due to water leaks, pipes can also release steam, like ones that are connected to a boiler system. Steam that’s released from a leaking pipe often causes burn injuries that can lead to infection, scarring, and permanent skin damage. The condensation from the leaking steam also ends up on the ground or floor, which means a victim can be burned, and sustain injuries from a slip and fall at the same time.

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Slip and Fall Injuries

When a pipe wears out or is improperly installed, it can leak water on the floor or ground, which can easily result in a fall-related accident. Common slip and fall injuries from a leaking pipe accident include:

• Concussion
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Hip fracture
• Hand and wrist injuries (sprains, fractures, etc.)
• Damage to your muscles, ligaments, and tendons
• Deep cuts that lead to infections and/or scarring
• Dental damage
• Broken facial bones
• Damage to your eyes
• Spinal cord damage
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Ruptured or punctured organs
• Torn ACL / MCL
• Shattered or dislocated kneecap
• Nerve damage
• Chronic pain (on-going pain after your injury has healed)
• Paralysis

We know that it can be embarrassing to fall in public, and your first instinct may be to go home and try to forget about the whole incident. While this is certainly understandable, please don’t delay in seeking medical treatment. Most injuries from a slip and fall do not get better on their own, meaning you can end up with serious, long-term health complications. Furthermore, you will have trouble succeeding in a claim for damages if you do not establish proof of your injuries right away.

Once you’ve been treated by a doctor, please take a moment to contact our law firm. We can advise you of your rights and take immediate action to seek compensation for your injuries.

Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Yes, you can sue for a slip and fall if your accident was caused by the owner’s failure to keep their property safe. How can you prove this in a legal sense? As a general rule, you must show proof that a hazardous condition exists on their premises, such as a defective pipe that’s leaking water on the floor. Due to the potential for people to slip on the water, the owner should have fixed or repaired the leak as soon as possible.

But what if they are unable to repair the pipe right away? In that case, they must put up signs to warn people about the hazard. Failure to put up signs, poor placed signs, and unclear / confusing signs also constitute negligence on the part of a property owner or business.

Another question you have to consider is whether the property owner should have known about the leaking pipe. With some injury cases, the owner, building management, employees, etc., knew about the plumbing issues, but refused to do anything about it. However, most forms of negligence are not so obvious. You may need to prove that reasonable measures, like routine cleaning and inspections, were not performed, which would have alerted the owner to the dangerous condition. This can be challenging to prove, but our attorneys have methods to uncover the truth in your accident and obtain the funds you are entitled to.

Restitution from a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

If you have grounds to pursue an injury claim against the property owner, here are the damages you may be eligible to receive:

• Cost of medical treatment and rehabilitative services
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages / lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Cost of legal representation
• Punitive damages

It’s essential to sit down with a lawyer and go over the unique circumstances of your accident. This will help you maximize the value for each of these damages and ensure that you are adequately compensated by the responsible party.

Average Case Value for a Slip and Fall Injury Settlement

Based on the injuries we covered in a prior section, you probably have a sense that slip and fall accidents are high value cases. This is true depending on the severity of your injuries and the treatments / services needed for your recovery. Future costs, like lifetime medical expenses and future lost wages, can also add to the amount you can demand in a lawsuit.

Here at Normandie, the settlements we’ve recovered on behalf of slip and fall accident victims are often in the range of $250,000 to $800,000. Some of our clients received one to several million dollars due to the lifelong impact of their injuries in many areas of their life. Keep in mind, however, that your own case value may not reflect the amounts we’ve shown here. An experienced slip and fall lawyer is the best source of information on this topic, so contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation.

How long do these Cases take to Settle?

Our first and foremost priority is to settle your case in a timely manner and get you the payment you deserve for your harm and suffering. In many cases, we are able to calculate your damages, send the demand package, and negotiate a settlement within 6 to 8 months. However, not all cases go smoothly, and there are many complications that can add extra time to the settlement process. Even if the other side is actively working with us to negotiate a fair amount of damages, 12 to 18 months may be needed to recover a settlement, especially for claims with severe or long-term injuries. For the most complex injury cases, like those requiring mediation or a trial to resolve, the settlement process can take two or more years.

Free Second Opinions

Many injury victims get frustrated with their attorneys, and some of these clashes are due to personal issues that can be overlooked. But others, like lack of communication or action on your case, are serious problems that must be resolved right away. Perhaps changing your lawyer is the answer, but how do you know for sure?

If you find yourself in this situation, please consider a second opinion with one of our attorneys. This is a free consultation where you can receive an objective case review based on our many years of experience in personal injury law. We will let you know if the actions being taken on your case are reasonable, or if there are red flags that can compromise the outcome of your lawsuit. Once you have the facts, you can make an informed choice to switch your lawyer or stay with your current law firm. Our advice is free no matter what you decide, so don’t hesitate to call and ask for a second opinion from the lawyers of Normandie.

Statute of Limitations for a Leaking Pipe Accident Lawsuit

Statute of limitations refers to the amount of time you have to take legal action against another individual or entity. For slip and fall accidents, the SOL is two years from the date of injury, or two years from the date that you discover the injury. Once you are past the statutory deadline, it’s generally impossible to file a lawsuit for your slip and fall accident. The courts may grant an extension in rare cases, for example, if you were physically and/or mentally incapacitated to the point where you were unable to take legal action. As most claimants do not meet such extreme circumstances, it’s in your best interest to start an injury claim as soon as possible.

Contact Normandie Law Firm

The personal injury lawyers of Normandie are ready to assist you in a slip and fall case due to a leaking pipe. With our many years of experience in fall accident lawsuits, we are ready for the challenge of fighting for your rights. We know that retaining an attorney is a huge commitment, which is why we would like to offer you a free consultation, where we can address your questions and concerns, and advise you on our strategies for obtaining your damages.

If you choose to work with us, we offer free legal services throughout your entire case. Our fees are paid at the end of your case when you receive your settlement. If we don’t win your lawsuit, our Zero fee guarantee ensures that you won’t be responsible for any of our expenses. To take action on a leaking pipe slip and fall injury case, contact our office and schedule a free consultation.

Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Leaking or Broken Sink Slip and Fall Lawyer
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