Hilo Slip & Fall Accident Attorney

Injured from a Slip & Fall Accident Caused by Negligence?

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere and often lead to severe injuries that result in long-term pain and costly medical treatments. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Hilo, HI, Davis Levin Livingston is here to help. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of Hawaii's premises liability laws and can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Contact our Hilo slip-and-fall accident lawyer today at (808) 740-0633 for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents occur when a person loses their footing due to hazardous conditions on another person’s property. Common causes include:

• Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills, rainwater, or recently mopped floors can create dangerous walking conditions.
• Uneven Surfaces: Cracked pavement, uneven sidewalks, or poorly maintained walkways often cause individuals to trip.
• Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting in stairwells, parking lots, and hallways can make it difficult for visitors to see hazards.
• Cluttered Walkways: Loose cords, debris, or objects left in high-traffic areas can easily lead to a fall.
• Defective Stairs or Handrails: Missing, loose, or broken handrails or uneven stair heights pose a significant danger to visitors.

Where Do Slips and Falls Occur?

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen in various locations, including:

• Retail Stores and Shopping Centers: Busy establishments often fail to promptly clean up spills or address tripping hazards.
• Hotels and Resorts: Poorly maintained pools, wet walkways, and inadequate safety measures may lead to slip-and-fall accidents.
• Restaurants and Cafes: Spilled food or beverages, combined with high foot traffic, creates a risk of slipping.
• Public Sidewalks and Parking Lots: Poorly maintained public areas, cracked concrete, and uneven pavement frequently cause accidents.
• Private Residences: Homeowners may be held liable if they fail to warn guests of potential hazards on their property.

Regardless of where the accident occurs, property owners have a duty to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for visitors.

Proving Liability in a Slip-and-Fall Accident

To successfully pursue a slip-and-fall claim in Hawaii, you must prove that the property owner or manager was negligent. Proving liability involves establishing the following elements:

1. Duty of Care: Property owners owe a duty of care to individuals lawfully present on their property. They are responsible for maintaining the premises and addressing hazards that could cause harm.
2. Breach of Duty: A breach occurs when the property owner fails to take reasonable steps to prevent or fix hazardous conditions. This includes neglecting to clean spills, repair uneven surfaces, or provide adequate warnings.
3. Causation: It must be shown that the property owner’s negligence directly caused the slip-and-fall accident. Demonstrating a link between the hazard and the injury is crucial.
4. Damages: The victim must prove that they suffered damages as a result of the accident. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

FAQs About Slip & Fall Claims in Hawaii

What should I do immediately after a slip-and-fall accident?

After a slip-and-fall accident, prioritize your safety and health. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the accident to the property owner or manager and document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness contact information.

How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall claim in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including slip-and-fall accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, Hawaii follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows victims to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

What types of compensation can I recover?

Victims of slip-and-fall accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and future income
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

Do I need a lawyer for a slip-and-fall claim?

While it is possible to pursue a claim on your own, having an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer increases your chances of securing fair compensation. An attorney can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Why Choose Davis Levin Livingston?

At Davis Levin Livingston, we have a proven track record of representing injured clients throughout Hilo and across Hawaii. Our firm is committed to providing personalized legal representation and holding negligent property owners accountable for their actions. When you choose us, you can expect:

• Experienced Attorneys: Our team has extensive experience handling slip-and-fall cases in Hawaii.
• Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize our clients' needs and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
• No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Call (808) 740-0633 or contact us online today to let our firm get started on your case.