Portland, Maine Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Slipping and falling may not always seem like a big deal, but in reality, falls can be extremely dangerous, especially for vulnerable people including children and the elderly. Many falls can result in life-changing injuries that come with significant costs and that affect your ability to work and earn a living.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a slip-and-fall on someone else’s property, you may not have to bear the burden of financial losses as well as the physical damage you endured. In many situations, the property owner can be held legally liable for the harm you suffered.

A Portland, Maine personal injury attorney from Monge & Associates can help you to determine if you can pursue a slip and fall accident claim. Our team will fight from day one to identify defendants who could be liable for losses, to prove your claim and to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our Portland slip and fall accident lawyers today to learn more. 

Why Turn to Monge & Associates if You Were Hurt in a Slip-and-Fall

Slip and fall claims require you to prove your case under premises liability laws. You must establish the duty the property owner owed to you, and prove that they breached that obligation. Usually, this means showing they knew, or should have known, about a hazard that caused your fall and they failed to correct it or warn you about the issue.

Monge & Associates understands Portland premises liability laws that apply to these claims, and we know how to build strong cases demonstrating that the defendant should be held responsible. You can trust our legal team with your case because:

• We have over 30 years of experience. We have been fighting for injured fall victims since 1993. 
• We are committed to supportive advocacy focused on your rights. We have received many favorable client reviews because we demonstrate that we care about you throughout your claim, while we fight aggressively against insurers and property owners who want to pay less than you deserve. 
• We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation. We build strong cases and it pays off for our clients, who have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation through verdicts and settlements. 
• We have negotiation and litigation skills. If your case is resolved through an out-of-court settlement, you can often collect compensation faster and with less stress. Our solid negotiating skills and our reputation as tough advocates can maximize your chances of settling your claim, while we are also skilled litigators ready to go to court when necessary to advocate for you. 

These are just some of the many different ways our firm can help protect your rights and give you a strong chance of getting the compensation you deserve. 

Common Causes of Fall Injuries in Portland, ME

Fall injuries are very common, and many occur as a result of the negligence or carelessness of property owners. Common fall injury causes include:

• Inclement weather that results in water being tracked into buildings
• Parking lot issues, including potholes
• Broken sidewalks or tile
• Unmarked elevation changes
• Torn or loose carpeting
• Indoor spills
• Wet or slippery floors with no warning signs
• Debris in aisles or walkways
• Poor lighting 
• Damaged or broken stair treads or stair railings

These are just some of the many potential hazards that could cause you to suffer a fall injury and that the property owner or occupier could potentially be responsible for. 

Who Is Responsible for a Portland Slip and Fall?

Responsibility for a slip and fall depends on the specific circumstances. In most cases, a property owner may be held liable, but sometimes the responsible party is the occupier or renter of the property if they are responsible for maintaining the space.

In order to hold an owner or occupier legally responsible for covering your damages, you must demonstrate:

• They had a duty or an obligation to you. The specific obligation that they have depends on many factors, including why you were visiting the property and whether they knew, or should have been aware of, the hazard that caused your fall. 
• They failed to fulfill their obligation. The owner or occupier may have had a duty to either correct the hazard that caused your fall or to warn you about it. If they failed to take appropriate steps to keep visitors safe, they can often be held accountable for this lapse.
• You suffered harm due to their failure. You must show that your fall happened because the property owner or occupier did something wrong or their actions fell below the accepted standard of care. 
• You were damaged in a way you can be compensated for. You can collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. You must prove your losses, though, including providing medical records, expert testimony, a pain diary, and other evidence of harm. 

Monge & Associates can help you to build the strongest claim possible from day one so you can maximize your recovery. 

Types of Injuries Caused by a Slip and Fall

There may be many different kinds of injuries resulting from a slip and fall. Some of the most common include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injury
• Cuts and bruises
• Sprains and strains
• Soft tissue injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Facial injuries 
• Nerve damage

The more serious your injuries, the greater your losses and the more compensation you can potentially collect if you can prove your claim.

Contact a Portland Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today

When you have been hurt by a fall, you have rights. However, you need to be able to effectively navigate the legal system to maximize your chances of getting the money you deserve. Monge & Associates can help.

Our firm will build evidence and negotiate on your behalf with the property owner, liability insurer, or homeowners or renters insurer. And we won’t charge legal fees unless we win. To find out more about how a Portland slip and fall lawyer can help you, give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.