Slip and Fall Injury Attorneys Serving Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
Advocating for Victims of Premises Liability Accidents
At Oliver-Zhang Law, PLLC, we understand that slip and fall accidents can lead to severe injuries, impacting your health, livelihood, and overall quality of life. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of premises liability claims and secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries can have long-term consequences, often leading to chronic pain and conditions that may not be immediately apparent. Victims may experience bone fractures, sprains, torn ligaments, joint dislocations, concussions, meniscus tears & cartilage damage, nerve damage, and spinal cord injuries that leading to loss of range of motion, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), frozen shoulder, post-traumatic arthritis, post-concussive syndrome, or other persistent complications. These injuries can be difficult to diagnose and may require extensive medical evaluation and treatment. Our firm collaborates with trusted medical experts to ensure our clients receive comprehensive assessments, helping to establish the full extent of their injuries and securing the compensation they deserve.
Slip and fall incidents occur when property owners or occupiers fail to maintain their premises in a safe condition, leading to hazardous situations such as:
Slip and fall incidents occur when property owners or occupiers fail to maintain their premises in a safe condition, leading to hazardous situations such as:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven or damaged walkways
- Poor lighting
- Debris or obstacles in walkways
These accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures, head injuries, or spinal cord damage.
The Importance of Notice in Premises Liability Cases
In slip and fall cases, establishing that the property owner had notice of the hazardous condition is crucial. Notice can be:
- Actual Notice: The property owner or occupier was directly aware of the dangerous condition. For example, the owner mopped the floor but did not dry it or warn of wet floor with proper signage. Or, the owner was notified that there was a piece of lettuce on the floor but did nothing to clean up the debris that later caused a slip and fall.
- Constructive Notice: The hazardous condition existed for such a duration that the property owner or occupier should have been aware of it through reasonable diligence.
For instance, if evidence shows that a spill in a supermarket aisle remains unaddressed for an extended period, it may be inferred that the store should have known about the hazard and taken corrective action.
Jurisdictional Nuances in the DMV Area
The District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia each have specific laws governing premises liability:
- Washington, D.C.: Like Maryland and Virginia, Washington, D.C. follows the strict contributory negligence rule, which means that if a plaintiff is even 1% at fault, they may be completely barred from recovery. Plaintiffs must also demonstrate that the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition.
- Maryland: Maryland requires proof of actual or constructive notice. Additionally, Maryland follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, meaning if the injured party is found even slightly at fault, they may be barred from recovery.
- Virginia: Virginia also mandates that plaintiffs prove the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition. The state adheres to strict contributory negligence rules, which can complicate recovery efforts.
Common Defenses in Slip and Fall Cases
Property owners may employ several defenses to counter slip and fall claims:
- Contributory Negligence: Arguing that the injured party’s negligence contributed to the accident.
- Assumption of Risk: Claiming the injured party was aware of the hazard and chose to proceed regardless.
- Open and Obvious Doctrine: Asserting that the hazardous condition was so apparent that the injured party should have recognized and avoided it.
Understanding these defenses is vital in building a robust case.
Client Testimonials
⭐ “To say that I’m thankful and grateful for Julie Oliver-Zhang’s services would be an understatement. After speaking to two other attorneys who weren’t willing to take on my ‘slip and fall’ claim, Julie didn’t hesitate to represent me. The case took two years to get through and she never once wavered in her attention to detail, professionalism, or compassion for what I was going through. Julie is a tireless advocate for her clients, always putting their interests first, which made it so easy to trust her. With her guidance, persistence, and expertise she was able to win my case. If you’re looking for a full-service attorney, Julie Oliver-Zhang and her team are second to none.”
— M.A. from Virginia, February 2020
Why Choose Oliver-Zhang Law?
- Experienced Legal Team: Our attorneys are experienced in premises liability cases, ensuring knowledgeable and skilled advocacy.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your well-being, offering personalized attention and tailored legal strategies to meet your unique needs.
- Proven Track Record: With a history of successful, high value recovery, we have the experience to effectively pursue your claim.
Take Action Today – Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s essential to act promptly due to the statutes of limitations in your jurisdiction. Contact Oliver-Zhang Law, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation. Our team is ready to assist you in understanding your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us now: (202) 643-1110
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit us: www.oliverzhanglaw.com
Justice Starts Here. Let’s Take Action.
At Oliver-Zhang Law, PLLC, we fight for accident victims and their families across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Don’t wait—secure your rights today.