A slip-and-fall accident is not as minor as it may sound. In
fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says
that falls are a leading cause of serious injury in the United
States. Slip and falls can cause tremendous setbacks with regard
to your physical and emotional well-being. They can impact your
ability to work and get around. They can diminish your quality
of life in a very big way.
If you are suffering because of a slip-and-fall accident on
someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for
your injuries medical bills, lost income as well as pain and
suffering and diminished quality of life.
Get Proven Help With Your Case
After a slip-and-fall accident, it is in your best interest to
seek trusted legal help sooner rather than later. It is
imperative that you file your personal injury claim before the
deadline (statute of limitations) expires. The sooner you get a
lawyer involved, the better your chances of obtaining a solid
financial recovery.
At Charles Injury Law in Plantation, Florida, attorney Steve
Charles is experienced, aggressive and prepared to fight for the
maximum compensation available for your injuries. His numerous
five-star reviews are evidence of the dedication he brings to
every case. He is committed to pursuing the results you deserve.
Call
(954) 390-2228
for your no-hassle, free consultation today.
Causes Of Slip-And-Fall Injuries
If you have ever slipped and fallen, you understand that it is
not that difficult to do. This is truer when the walking area is
littered with hazards. In our humid Florida climate, moisture
and wet weather can be an added danger, creating slippery
surfaces. People who are already in a vulnerable physical state
– such as seniors and those with preexisting injuries or
disabilities – are more prone to falls. They also tend to suffer
more serious injuries as a result of such falls.
Learn more about the various causes of slip-and-fall accidents
below:
Trash or otherwise misplaced debris on the floor
Unnaturally bright light on a floor that causes a slip and
fall
Poor lighting that negatively affects your ability to see
Electrical cords or wiring
Uneven floors without clearly visible warning signs
Moped or waxed floors without safety signs
Potholes in the parking area
Uncleaned liquid spills
Unsalted ice
Lack of handrail on stairs
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Read on for answers to common questions about these accidents.
If you would like guidance onyour specific case, please contact
attorney Steve Charles for a free consultation at
(954) 390-2228. He can
answer your questions and provide guidance about your
unique situation.
A premises liability claim is a type of personal injury
case that
holds property
owners responsible
for injuries and/or damages caused on their property due
to negligent actions that cause or allow unsafe and
hazardous conditions. A successful premises liability
claim that involves a slip-and-fall accident will require
you to prove that the property owner was negligent by not
adequately addressing known hazards and/or failing to
maintain their property in a manner that leads to a
relatively safe environment for visitors and/or customers.
In many cases, it takes an experienced attorney to prove
the merits of your case to the insurance company or court
(if necessary). Though your injuries may be apparent and
their effects severe, you will still need to effectively
prove that the accident was the fault of the property
owner and not due to your own mistakes that could have
been avoided. Steve can help you build a strong case to
help maximize your compensation.
Not always. In some cases, slip-and-fall accidents are due
to a person not paying attention to where they are
stepping or general clumsiness. In other instances, an
accident may be caused by a property owner that has acted
negligently by not adequately addressing dangerous and
hazardous conditions on their property. For example:
If the property owner
was not aware
of a dangerous condition that led to the slip-and-fall,
and shouldn’t reasonably have been expected to be aware
of it, they may not be liable. Likewise, if they took
reasonable steps to prevent slip and falls – such as
putting up wet-floor signs or marking hazards with
warning tape – they might not be liable.
If the property owner
was aware
(or should have been aware) of an identifiably hazardous
condition and neglected to take reasonable action to
address the issue and prevent accidents, they may be
held liable for the injuries that you have sustained as
well as the subsequent damages that you suffer.
Every case is different. As with other aspects of
slip-and-fall cases, it’s wise to talk to an attorney
about the specifics of your case.
Though perhaps not as dangerous as a head-on collision,
slip-and-fall accidents can still cause serious damage to
victims that result in emergency room visits, expensive
medical bills, a lengthy rehabilitation process and other
major impacts on victims’ lives. Injuries sustained can
lead to lost income, decreased quality of life and
permanent disability. Listed below are common injuries
attributed to slip-and-fall cases:
Broken bones and fractures
Sprained muscles (ankles, wrist, etc.)
Leg and/or knee damage
Shoulder dislocations
Spinal cord injuries and nerve damage
Head and brain injuries including traumatic brain
injuries (TBI)
Lacerations, bruises and burns (depending on the surface
landed on)
If you have recently been injured as a result of a
property owner’s negligence, consult with an attorney to
discuss your legal options.
Your first step should be seeking medical attention for
any immediate injuries, including calling for help if
necessary. If you are able, report the injury to the
property owner right after it happens. If you got hurt in
a store or other commercial property, talk to a manager
about filing an incident report. This documentation can
play a pivotal role later in supporting your case.
As soon as you can, talk to an attorney about your legal
options. They can advise you on the next steps and let you
know whether you have a premises liability claim. You
should also follow through on all medical treatment
recommendations and keep detailed records regarding the
financial toll of your injuries.
Dealing with an injury can be difficult enough. Doing so
while navigating the legal aftermath and attempting to
file a personal
injury claim
on your own can make your recovery process even more
challenging. The injuries resulting in your slip-and-fall
accident may be obvious. However, it is not always an easy
feat to prove that property owners should be held liable.
An attorney who is experienced with slip-and-fall cases
will understand what evidence is needed, how to
investigate your claim and when to play hardball with the
insurance company during the negotiation process.
If you have suffered a slip-and-fall injury while on
someone else’s property, you do not have to fight the
high-powered attorneys of the insurance company alone.
Give Charles Injury Law a call at
(954) 390-2228
to schedule your free initial consultation today. You can
also
contact Steve
through the website. He represents injury victims
statewide.