Have you experienced a slip-and-fall accident due to another party’s negligence? These unexpected accidents can result in severe injuries that disrupt your life and create financial strain. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A., our experienced Wilmington slip and fall attorneys are committed to helping injured victims recover the compensation they need to move forward.
With our unique team that includes both skilled trial lawyers and a chiropractic physician, we offer comprehensive representation focused on your physical recovery and financial well-being. Contact our team today for a free consultation with one of our slip and fall injury lawyers in Wilmington, NC, to discuss your options.
Understanding Slip and Fall Injuries in Wilmington, NC
Slip-and-fall accidents occur frequently throughout Wilmington and can happen almost anywhere—from the wet floors of local restaurants to poorly maintained sidewalks along Front Street. These accidents often result from property owners failing to maintain safe premises or neglecting to warn visitors about potential dangers.
Wilmington’s coastal climate presents unique hazards that can contribute to slip-and-fall incidents. Heavy summer rainstorms can create slippery surfaces, while hurricane season brings additional risks from storm damage and debris. Even the charm of our historic downtown, with its cobblestone streets and older buildings, can sometimes present unexpected pedestrian hazards.
Common slip and fall scenarios in Wilmington include:
- Wet or slippery floors in restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels
- Uneven walking surfaces on public sidewalks or private properties
- Poor lighting in parking lots or stairwells
- Damaged flooring, loose carpeting, or unmarked steps
- Seasonal hazards like rain-slick surfaces or storm debris
Why Hire a Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer in Wilmington, NC?
After a slip-and-fall accident, you may face resistance from property owners and insurance companies who want to minimize their liability. Many victims find themselves overwhelmed by medical bills while simultaneously battling complex legal issues during their recovery. Our Wilmington slip and fall attorneys provide crucial support during this challenging time.
When you work with Ted A. Greve & Associates, you benefit from:
- Local knowledge: We understand Wilmington’s unique environment, from its historic district to its beach communities, and how local ordinances affect your case.
- Medical knowledge: Our team includes a chiropractic physician who provides valuable insights into your injuries and treatment needs.
- Thorough investigation: We know how to collect and preserve essential evidence, including surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements.
- Skilled negotiation: We will handle all communications with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys to prevent them from taking advantage of you.
- Trial readiness: While most cases settle, our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial, thereby strengthening your position during negotiations.
Proving Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
Establishing liability in a slip-and-fall case requires demonstrating that a property owner or manager failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions. This involves proving several key elements:
- You were on the property legally
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The owner knew or should have known about this hazard
- They failed to remedy the situation or provide adequate warning
- This negligence directly caused your injuries and resulting damages
Trespassers are generally not eligible for compensation unless the property owner demonstrates willful or wanton misconduct. The same principle applies to accidents that occur on land used freely for recreational or educational purposes.
North Carolina follows the contributory negligence rule, which presents a significant challenge in slip and fall cases. Under this strict standard, you could be barred from receiving any compensation if you’re found to be even one percent responsible for the accident. This makes skilled legal representation essential, as insurance companies will often try to shift blame to the injured person.
Our attorneys can counter these tactics by:
- Documenting hazardous conditions through photographs and expert testimony
- Establishing how long the dangerous condition existed
- Identifying any previous similar incidents at the same location
- Demonstrating that you exercised reasonable care while on the premises
- Building a compelling narrative showing the property owner’s negligence
Compensation and Damages in Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical care and time away from work. We pursue compensation for all damages related to your accident, including:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, ongoing physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Lost income, including wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Diminished quality of life
Our attorneys may work with medical experts and economic specialists to calculate the full extent of your current and future damages.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Incident
If you’ve experienced a fall in Wilmington, take these steps to protect yourself and your claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Visit New Hanover Regional Medical Center or an urgent care facility, even if your injuries seem minor, as some conditions develop symptoms days later.
- Report the incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor about your fall and ensure they create a written report.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the hazardous condition and surrounding area before it can be corrected or altered.
- Collect witness information: Gather names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident or the dangerous condition.
- Preserve evidence: Keep the shoes and clothing you wore during the fall without cleaning them.
- Avoid discussing fault: Don’t make statements about responsibility, especially on social media, and decline to give recorded statements to insurance companies.
- Contact a slip-and-fall attorney: Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates before signing any documents or accepting settlement offers.
North Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims gives you three years to file a lawsuit, but evidence can disappear quickly. Contacting an attorney promptly helps preserve crucial proof and protect your legal rights.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we recognize how challenging every aspect of your life can become after suffering injuries in a slip-and-fall accident. Our team serves clients throughout Wilmington and surrounding areas, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Leland. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your slip and fall case.
