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Des Moines Slip-and-Fall Lawyer

A slip-and-fall can strike in a heartbeat, but the pain may be long-lasting. At The Advocates, we know that all too well, which is why we help injury victims get maximum compensation after a fall accident.

Meet room discussion between two attorneys

A Slip-and-Fall Attorney Can Help Your Case

It happens before your brain can process it. You are walking down a wet floor in a grocery store, you lose your footing, and in an instant come crashing to the ground. Younger people will probably walk away with some bruises, but adults over 65 may have broken bones or other serious injuries.

Dangerous conditions like icy walkways and loose and detached carpets will never disappear. Even with proper preparation, you may still slip.

A good fall attorney does not take these kinds of accidents lightly. Slip-and-fall cases deserve fair compensation, just like any other personal injury claim. The Iowa Advocates recognize this and provide injury victims with the legal counsel necessary to recoup lost income and pay medical bills.

We are here for people suffering from post-fall injuries. While we cannot eliminate the risk of slipping and falling, we can help people deal with the legal issues that come with these injuries. 

Contact The Advocates personal injury law firm today for your free consultation. It is the first step towards fair compensation for your fall injury.

The Next Steps In Your Des Moines Slip-and-Fall Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, assess your injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Medical Records

Keep track of any and all treatment you receive during recovery

Completed Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.

For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.

Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For more than 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.

We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Access medical care and other treatment such as physical therapy
  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters

We only get paid if we win your case!

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Talk to a professional

Slip-and-Fall Information

Man trespasses onto property with 'no trespassing sign'

Premises liability

Premises liability law deals with the responsibility of property owners to ensure individuals are safe on their premises. If you are injured on someone else’s property, the duty owed by the property owner depends on your legal status.

There are three classifications of visitors:

  • Invitee: You enter the property for public use or business purposes, such as a customer entering a store. Property owners have the highest duty of care to invitees. They must regularly take reasonable steps to address any slip-and-fall dangers.
  • Licensee: You enter someone’s property for your own purposes with the owner’s consent, such as being a social guest at someone’s house. Owners must warn licensees of known dangers that are not readily apparent.
  • Trespasser: You enter the property without permission. Owners owe no duty except to refrain from willfully causing harm.

Your legal status in a slip-and-fall claim will affect the outcome of your case. Personal injury attorneys know this, and determining your visitor classification at the location of your fall will be one of the first legal issues you and your attorney work through.

You must also show that the property owner breached their duty to keep their premises safe by not fixing or marking potential tripping hazards. 

Causation is another critical element to prove. There must be demonstrable evidence that the unsafe conditions of the property caused your injuries. This connection is crucial when determining liability. 

Then, the damages from the accident must be compensated, including medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral expenses if a loved one passes away from a slip-and-fall.

There are a lot of factors in a slip-and-fall case. It is often a challenging path from filing your claim to getting maximum compensation. The Advocates have years of experience in this field of law and are ready to take on that challenge with you. 

Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents

  • Slippery or wet surfaces
  • Poor lighting
  • Damaged or uneven surfaces
  • Obstacles in your way
  • Lack of handrails
  • Weather conditions
  • Improper placement of mats or rugs
  • Inadequate warning signs
  • Negligent maintenance
  • Stairs and steps
Wet floor caution sign.
old man falling down, senior accident

Common slip-and-fall injuries

A fall can lead to mild bruising or more catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries fall victims experience are:

  • Bruising and soft tissue injuries
  • Sprains and strains, particularly in the wrists, hands, or ankles
  • Broken bones, especially hips
  • Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Are slips and falls covered by insurance?

Where your accident occurs will determine what insurance covers your damage. Most businesses have general liability insurance covering damages from a slip-and-fall accident. 

If you are at somebody’s house, their homeowner’s insurance should cover damages.

Before filing a personal injury claim, you must prove the property owner was somehow negligent.

homeowners insurance policy with glasses and pen.
Business people discussion advisor concept

What is the statute of limitations for slip-and-fall accidents in Iowa?

Iowa’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which includes slip-and-fall accidents, is typically two years. As the injured party, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you do not file within the time frame, 

If you do not file a claim before the deadline, the property owner can ask for your lawsuit to be dismissed. As with any aspect of law, there are exceptions. It is always advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer to get advice tailored to your unique situation.  

Why slip-and-fall accidents are worse for senior citizens

People over 65 face danger from slip-and-fall accidents that younger folks do not. There are many reasons why, such as:

  • Decreased bone density: Bone density declines with age, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis also contributes to weakened bones in older adults.
  • Reduced Muscle Strength: The younger you are, the faster your reflexes are. With age comes less muscle strength, which reduces your ability to catch yourself during a fall.
  • Balance and coordination problems: Your two feet just do not cut it anymore, and you might need a cane or a walker to get around. Your balance and coordination worsen as you age, leading to higher chances of falls, especially in adverse environments like icy walkways.
  • Longer recovery time: Every injury takes longer to heal past a certain age. Hip fractures, a common injury for senior citizens, could take months to get anywhere near normal, while also leading to other complications like infections and blood clots.

There is no denying it: Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries for senior citizens. The consequences are usually exacerbated pain and suffering, more medical bills, and a longer recovery time. 

If you are over 65 and suffer a slip-and-fall accident, you should not pay a single cent for your recovery. A reputable slip-and-fall attorney knows that and will give you the legal representation necessary to get you maximum compensation.

A snowy, slushy walkway presents a risk for slip and fall injuries

What to Do After an Iowa Slip-and-Fall Accident

Female physiotherapist or a chiropractor examining patients back.

Seek medical attention

Your health comes before any talk of lawsuits. Get medical help as soon as possible, even if the injuries are minor.

Report the incident

You or a loved one must immediately inform the property owner or manager of the accident. Ensure you get a written report and keep a record of it.

man talking on phone at work.
Mobile phone snapping a picture isolated on white background

Document the scene

Take pictures of everything related to the accident. If your injuries demand immediate attention, have someone else take photos—document where you fell, the conditions that led you to fall, and your injuries.

Gather witness information

Obtain the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed your accident. Their statements may be helpful in your case.

father and daughter have conversation on city street
person signs contract

Be cautious with what you say 

Do not get into detailed discussions about the accident with the insurance company, insurance adjusters, or anyone who could lose something from your claim. Any statements you make could be used against you.

Consult an attorney

Bring your case to an experienced fall lawyer. Give them all the details of your accident. You are more likely to win your case through an attorney-client relationship than attempting to go through the process alone.

Attorney shows paper work to client.

When Should I Hire a Des Moines Slip-and-Fall Attorney?

You should hire a personal injury attorney as soon as you are ready, keeping in mind the statute of limitations for slip-and-fall claims. Insurance companies do not want you to seek legal representation because then you are less likely to be taken advantage of. They aim to give you as little compensation as possible for your accident.

The Advocates want the exact opposite. You deserve fair compensation for your slip-and-fall claim. Our team is ready to make that happen. We will answer your questions, fight for your rights in court, and guide you down the road to recovery. 

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our fees are a certain percentage of your final settlement. 

We are based in Des Moines but are here to serve everyone in Iowa. Contact us today. With our help, you can come back from your slip-and-fall accident standing tall with dignity. You deserve it. You deserve an Advocate.   

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