|
|
Last Modified on Nov 13, 2026
Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries at home and at work in the US each year. While a “slip-and-fall” might sound like a minor incident, the reality is that these accidents can easily cause life-changing injuries. Slip-and-fall accidents in NC can potentially lead to complex premises liability cases, and it will be crucial for you to hire a dedicated slip-and-fall lawyer if you believe you have grounds to file this type of case.
Legal Options for Slip and Fall Accidents In NC
If you recently sustained injuries in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be eligible to file a premises liability claim against the owner of the property where your accident happened. In North Carolina, all property owners have a duty of care to address foreseeable safety hazards on their properties immediately. Failure to do so could result in liability for any damages that a lawful visitor suffers in a slip-and-fall accident.
The National Safety Council reported that in 2023, there were more than 8.8 million people across the US treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. Falls are a leading cause of accidental injuries and one of the most common causes of fatal injuries throughout the US, and almost all of these accidents are preventable.
In North Carolina, a premises liability claim is a personal injury claim filed against a property owner in response to negligence that resulted in injuries to a lawful guest or visitor. “Lawful” is a crucial distinction in these cases; property owners owe a duty of care to invitees, who have permission to enter a property for business reasons, and licensees, who have permission to enter a property for personal reasons. Property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers.
If you intend to file a NC slip-and-fall claim, you will need to prove that you were lawfully present on the property in question when your accident happened. This means proving that you had the property owner’s express or implied permission to enter their property. Slip-and-fall accidents may occur because of damaged flooring, broken stairs, unmarked wet floors, and various other hazards. It’s the property owner’s job to prevent them from causing injuries.
Building an NC Slip-and-Fall Claim
You should hire a slip-and-fall lawyer if you believe that a property owner’s negligence caused your recent accident. You will need evidence that proves their negligence directly caused your injuries, and you must also be ready to address any allegations that you contributed to causing your slip-and-fall. North Carolina upholds a strict contributory negligence law, so any fault assigned to a plaintiff in a personal injury case bars them from claiming any compensation which is why an experienced Gastonia personal injury lawyer should be involved early.
Success with your case requires proof that the property owner knew about the hazard that caused your slip-and-fall or should have known about it with reasonable diligence. Once you have established that the property owner is liable for your accident, your attorney can help you claim compensation for the economic and non-economic losses you suffered.
Ultimately, any personal injury case in North Carolina can present various challenges that the injured victim will need an attorney’s help to overcome. The team at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. has more than 40 combined years of experience ready to be applied to your NC slip-and-fall claim, so reach out to our firm at your first opportunity to learn how an experienced slip-and-fall attorney can assist with your recovery.
FAQs
Can I Sue for a Slip-and-Fall Claim at Work in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you may have grounds to sue for a slip-and-fall claim at work, but filing a workers’ compensation claim is typically your primary recovery option after any work-related injury. State law requires almost every private employer to have workers’ compensation insurance, and this insurance can apply to any work-related injury or illness. However, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against a third party responsible for your accident.
What Is a Slip-and-Fall Claim Worth in North Carolina?
The value of a slip-and-fall claim in North Carolina largely depends on the scope and severity of the damages the victim suffered. If you can prove that a property owner is responsible for your accident, your attorney can help you claim compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and lost earning capacity if your injuries caused any permanent disabilities. A personal injury plaintiff can also claim compensation for their pain and suffering.
What Does Contributory Negligence Mean in an NC Slip-and-Fall Claim?
In an NC slip-and-fall claim, contributory negligence means that the plaintiff is barred from claiming any compensation for their damages due to their own negligence. North Carolina enforces a strict contributory negligence rule, so any amount of fault assigned to the plaintiff will completely bar them from claiming any compensation from any other liable party.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve an NC Slip-and-Fall Claim?
The time required to resolve an NC slip-and-fall claim depends on several factors. Many of the personal injury cases filed throughout North Carolina each year are resolved privately through settlement negotiations, as reflected in our verdicts and settlements. However, this is not always a viable solution. If litigation is necessary, this will take much longer than settlement. Your attorney can explain what to expect with your case’s most likely timetable.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer?
You need to hire a slip-and-fall lawyer because holding a negligent property owner in North Carolina accountable for your damages is likely to be far more difficult than you expect. You need an experienced attorney on your side to help you prove liability, address allegations of contributory negligence, accurately calculate your total damages, and ultimately guide you to a favorable conclusion to your case.
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in life-changing injuries and expensive damages, and it is important to know where you can turn for legal representation if you believe a negligent property owner is responsible for your injury. Roberts Law Firm, P.A. can help you build your case, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced North Carolina slip-and-fall attorney.
Related Resources
