Frequently Asked Questions
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If I file a lawsuit against a landowner in response to a slip and fall accident, what are some of the things the landowner might argue against my claim?

The most common argument espoused by property owners in a slip and fall case is that even though you were injured on their property, they should not be held responsible. If the hazardous condition was temporary such as an accumulation of water after an ice storm, owners will probably argue that the conditions occurred so soon before the slip and fall incident that they could not have prevented it. They can also argue that a dangerous condition was so open and obvious that you should have seen it and, therefore, are at fault for your own injury. You should also expect the land owner, or the owner’s attorney, to argue that you fell because of carelessness, inattentiveness, or even being intoxicated at the time of the injury. These arguments are why you need an experienced injury lawyer who can represent you and challenge any erroneous accusations made by the land owner or their attorney.
About the editors: The motto at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp& Duffan law firm is simple -“All we do is injury law.” We hope you were able to find the answer to your injury query. If not, please review our Virginia Accident Lawyer FAQ Library for additional information. If you’d like to speak to an actual attorney about your potential injury claim for free, please contact our office at (833) 997-1774.
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If I am attacked and bitten by a dog, do I have the right to seek compensation for my injuries?

It depends on the circumstances. Virginia, along with 19 other states, adheres to the “one bite rule,” which generally prevents civil claims for monetary damages from being successful against an animal owner the first time one of their animals bites another person if the attack was unintentional. However, the dog owner may be held liable if a personal injury lawyer can prove the dog has a history of attacking and biting people or that the owner violated a local or state ordinance such a leash law and that failure to comply with rules and regulations regarding pet ownership led to the attack.

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