A slip and fall injury can leave you dealing with pain, medical bills, and a lot of unanswered questions. One of the most common concerns we hear from Norman residents is: “What actually happens if I pursue a slip and fall claim?”
Understanding the process can reduce stress and help you feel confident about your next steps.
After a Slip and Fall in Norman, What Comes First?
The process often begins long before a lawsuit is filed. After a fall at a grocery store, apartment complex, medical facility, or public property in Norman, the first priority is your health. Seeking medical care right away creates a record of your injuries and helps protect your claim.
Once you contact a lawyer, the focus shifts to preserving evidence and understanding what caused the fall.
Step One: Investigation and Evidence Gathering
A successful slip and fall case depends on evidence. Our team works quickly to investigate the scene and gather proof before it disappears. This may include:
- Incident reports filed with the property owner
- Photos or videos of the hazardous condition
- Surveillance footage from nearby cameras
- Maintenance and cleaning logs
- Witness statements
In Norman, this evidence is critical because property owners and insurers often argue the hazard was temporary or unavoidable.
Step Two: Determining Liability
Not every fall automatically leads to a valid claim. To move forward, we must show that the property owner knew — or should have known — about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it or warn visitors.
This is where premises liability law comes into play. Slip and fall claims often involve issues like:
- Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
- Uneven sidewalks or broken pavement
- Poor lighting in parking lots or stairwells
- Spills left unattended for too long
Step Three: Insurance Claims and Negotiations
Most slip and fall cases start as insurance claims. The property owner’s insurance company will investigate — often with the goal of minimizing or denying your claim.
Insurance adjusters may argue that:
- The hazard was obvious
- You weren’t paying attention
- Your injuries aren’t serious
- The fall wasn’t caused by their negligence
Our job is to push back with facts, documentation, and a clear explanation of how the injury has affected your life.
Step Four: Filing a Lawsuit If Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, the next step may be filing a slip and fall lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit does not mean your case will automatically go to trial.
In many cases, litigation leads to more productive negotiations once the insurer sees you are serious about holding them accountable.
Step Five: Discovery and Case Development
During the lawsuit process, both sides exchange information. This phase, called discovery, may involve:
- Written questions and document requests
- Depositions of witnesses and property owners
- Expert opinions regarding safety standards
This stage helps clarify the strengths of the case and often leads to resolution before trial.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most slip and fall cases in Norman resolve through settlement rather than trial. However, we prepare every case as if it may go before a jury. That preparation gives you leverage and shows the insurance company you are not willing to accept a low offer.
What Compensation Can a Slip and Fall Lawsuit Provide?
A successful slip and fall case may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket costs related to your injury
No Win, No Fee
Pursuing a slip and fall claim should not add financial pressure. Aldridge Teasdale works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Talk to a Norman Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a slip and fall in Norman, understanding the process is the first step toward regaining control. Our attorneys are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through every stage of the case.
Request a Free Case Review or call (405) 447-HURT today.
Also see:
Norman Slip and Fall Lawyer |
Norman Car Wreck Lawyer
