Slip & Fall Accidents Attorney Serving Minnesota

Slip and fall injuries happen without warning, and their consequences can upend your life for months or even years. However, no one should have to shoulder the physical, emotional, and financial burden of a slip and fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

Victims of slip and fall accidents often wonder whether they need to hire a lawyer. Unfortunately, property owners and their insurance companies are out to protect their own interests, not yours. Dealing with this on your own can be tough.  

That’s where Gardner Law Office, LLC steps in. Our experienced attorney is ready to help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. We serve clients throughout Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington, Fridley, and Grand Rapids. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.

What Qualifies as a Slip & Fall Accident? 

Slip and fall accidents can happen in several ways. It might be slipping on an unmarked wet floor in a retail store, tripping over uneven pavement in a parking lot, or falling down poorly lit stairs in an apartment complex. These accidents occur when property owners or managers fail to maintain safe conditions on their premises.  Some common causes of slip and fall incidents include: 

• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs  

• Icy or unshoveled walkways  

• Cluttered hallways or aisles  

• Uneven sidewalks or cracked pavement  

• Poor lighting, leading to limited visibility  

• Loose or worn-out rugs and carpets  

Regardless of the specific hazard, Minnesota law requires property owners to fix known hazards and maintain safety for residents and guests on their premises. When property owners fail to do so, accidents can occur. In these cases, victims have a legal right to hold the negligent parties accountable.  

Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents  

Slip and fall accidents might sound minor, but they frequently lead to serious injuries that can potentially require long-term care and affect a person’s ability to work or enjoy life. These injuries often include: 

• Fractures or broken bones (particularly wrists, hips, or ankles)  

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from hitting the head  

• Sprains and strains  

• Spinal cord or back injuries  

• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations  

• Neck injuries or whiplash  

If you have experienced any of these injuries, or even discomfort after a fall, it's important to seek medical attention right away. A medical evaluation can help safeguard your health and create medical records that can play a key role in supporting your claim.

Minnesota Laws Regarding Slip & Fall Injuries

Minnesota premises liability laws govern slip and fall cases. Under these laws, property owners and occupiers have a reasonable duty of care to maintain their premises and address hazards in a timely manner. Failing to do so can make them liable for injuries that occur as a result. However, to prove negligence, you must establish a few key factors: 

1. Duty of care: The property owner owed you a reasonable duty of care while you were on their property.  

2. Unsafe conditions: A dangerous or hazardous condition on the property contributed to your injury.  

3. Owner's knowledge: The owner or manager should reasonably have been aware of the hazard and failed to rectify it or warn visitors.  

4. Taking reasonable actions: Minnesota’s comparative fault law means your actions also come into play. If you’re partially at fault for the accident, any compensation you receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault.  

5. Proving causation: You must show that the specific dangerous condition directly caused your injuries. This often involves providing evidence such as photos, witness statements, or expert testimony to support your claim. 

6. Timely notification: There are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing a slip and fall lawsuit. In Minnesota, you generally have up to six years from the date of the accident to file your claim. Not filing within this timeframe can bar you from seeking compensation. 

7. Invitee vs. licensee vs. trespasser: Minnesota law distinguishes between different types of visitors on a property. The property owner's duty of care may vary depending on whether you are considered an invitee (such as a customer), a licensee (someone visiting for social reasons), or a trespasser. This classification can impact your case and the level of responsibility assigned to the property owner. 

How We Help You After a Slip and Fall  

When you partner with Gardner Law Office, LLC, you get an advocate who handles the details while you focus on your recovery. Our experienced personal injury attorney aims to take on the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Some of the ways we can help include:

• Thorough investigation: We gather evidence, review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and consult experts to strengthen your claim.  

• Documenting damages: We work with your medical team to document your injuries and calculate the financial and emotional toll of the accident. This could include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.  

• Negotiating with insurance companies: We advocate for fair compensation on your behalf, so that the insurance companies don’t undervalue your injuries.  

• Pursuing legal action if necessary: While many slip and fall claims settle outside of court, we’re fully prepared to take your case to litigation if necessary.