Trip & Fall Attorney Serving Boise and Meridian, Idaho

Trip and fall accidents commonly occur when an individual trips and sustains an injury due to hazardous conditions. These incidents often result from negligence, such as uneven surfaces or poor lighting, and addressing these accidents often requires holding the responsible parties accountable and obtaining rightful compensation.  

When it comes to advocating for your rights following a trip and fall incident, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is of the utmost importance. At Shep Law Group, we understand the impact a trip and fall accident can have on your life. Our attorney offers personalized assistance to protect your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.  

Located in Meridian, Idaho, we serve clients in Boise, Ada County, Canyon County, and throughout the state. Reach out today for professional legal support. 

What Is a Trip & Fall? 

Trip and fall accidents occur when an individual slips, trips, or falls over an object or uneven surface, leading to potentially significant injuries. These accidents can happen in a variety of environments, including public spaces, workplaces, private properties, and retail establishments.  

Some common scenarios that result in trip and fall incidents include: 

• Poorly maintained sidewalks 

• Cluttered walkways 

• Loose carpeting 

• Inadequate lighting 

• Improper signposting 

Trip and fall accidents are often related to negligence on the part of property owners or managers. For instance, failing to repair a damaged staircase, neglecting to clean up spills, or not providing adequate signage for obstacles can all contribute to these hazards. Weather-related issues, such as ice or snow accumulation, can also play a significant role in creating dangerous conditions. 

Types of Injuries Sustained in a Trip & Fall 

Injuries from trip and fall accidents can range from minor bruises to severe, life-altering harm. Common injuries include:  

• Sprains and dislocations, often affecting the wrists, hands, or limbs 

• Fractures and broken bones 

• Head trauma, including concussions 

• Spinal cord damage, which can impact mobility 

Understanding the various factors that contribute to trip and fall accidents is crucial for pursuing compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine your options for pursuing compensation and your ability to file a claim against those responsible.  

Should You File a Trip & Fall Claim? 

If you've been injured in a trip and fall accident, you might be wondering if it's worth pursuing a claim. Determining whether to file a trip and fall claim is often challenging, but it can provide relief and peace of mind if your claim is successful.

Before filing a trip and fall claim, you should consider the following: 

• The severity of your injuries: Consider the extent of your injuries. If the trip and fall accident led to significant injury that impacted your financial standing or well-being, it's important to hold the responsible party accountable. 

• Medical costs: Consider the associated medical expenses of your injuries. Filing a claim can help recover costs related to your medical treatment, including hospital stays, medications, treatments, and rehabilitation. 

• Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, filing a claim can help you recover lost income or lost potential income if you cannot return to work. 

• Ongoing pain and suffering: Beyond the immediate physical impact, a trip and fall can result in long-term pain and suffering. Filing a claim can help address these non-economic damages. 

Apart from the physical and financial impacts of a trip and fall accident, you will also need to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the accident itself. If the incident was a result of negligence by a property owner or manager or if hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting contributed to your accident, you might have a strong case for compensation.  

Understanding Negligence 

Negligence refers to the failure of a property owner, manager, or any responsible party to maintain safe conditions on their premises, leading to harm or injury. To establish negligence, you must demonstrate that the responsible party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused injuries as a direct result of that breach.  

• Duty of care: Property owners and managers have a responsibility to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. This includes regular inspections to identify and promptly address potential hazards to prevent accidents. 

• Breach of duty: A breach occurs when the responsible party fails to uphold their duty of care, such as ignoring maintenance issues or neglecting to clean up spills. 

• Causation: You must show that your injuries were directly caused by the breach of duty. For instance, if you trip over an uneven surface that the property owner failed to repair, this causation must be established. 

• Damages: You need to demonstrate that you suffered actual damages due to the injury. These can include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other tangible or intangible impacts the accident has had on your life. 

By demonstrating these elements of negligence with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, you can make a compelling case for pursuing compensation for your damages. 

Steps for Filing a Trip & Fall Claim in Idaho 

If you've decided to pursue a trip and fall claim, there are several steps you will need to take to make sure the process goes smoothly. These steps include: 

1. Seek medical attention: Receive appropriate medical care for your injuries right away. This not only prioritizes your health but also generates medical records that document the extent of your injuries, which you will need to prove negligence and damages. 

2. Report the accident: Notify the property owner or manager about the incident as soon as possible. Obtain a written report if available, and keep a copy for your records. 

3. Gather evidence: Collect evidence from the scene, including photographs of the hazardous condition, witness statements, and any other relevant information that can support your claim. 

4. Consult with a premises liability attorney: Schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable premises liability attorney who can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. 

5. File a claim: Your attorney will help you file the necessary paperwork to initiate your trip and fall claim, making sure it meets the necessary deadlines and requirements. 

Idaho Laws Regarding Trip & Fall Accidents 

In Idaho, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including trip and fall accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury (Idaho Code § 5-219.4 [2023]). This means you must file your lawsuit within this period, or you could lose your right to pursue compensation. Exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors or absent defendants. 

Additionally, Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Idaho Code § 6-801 [2023]). This means that you can recover damages so long as you are not 50% or more at fault for the accident, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. 

Why Choose Shep Law Group? 

Located in Meridian, Idaho, we serve clients in Boise, Ada County, Canyon County, and throughout the state. Our team at Shep Law Group is dedicated to providing personalized and effective legal representation.  

We have extensive experience handling trip and fall claims and are committed to advocating for your rights. We prioritize your needs and will work tirelessly to help you gather evidence and negotiate with insurance companies to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.