One of the most common types of premises liability cases are so-called “slip-and-fall” cases. That phrase tends to understate the severity of the injuries such accidents can cause, as well as the frequency with which they occur. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in a slip-and-fall accident, you owe it to yourself to speak with a reputable injury attorney at Largey Law and determine your legal options. For instance, a Mount Dora slip and fall lawyer could collect evidence about the accident, help you prove negligence, and resolve any complications that arise during your case process.
What Is a Slip and Fall?
A slip-and-fall accident occurs when a person encounters a hidden hazard, such as a spill on a floor, and the sudden loss of traction causes a fall. A slip can cause injury, such as muscle strain, even when a fall does not occur. Falls can involve severe injury and even death. Lawyers also use the term “trip and fall” for incidents where an uneven surface or debris cause the victim to take a fall.
Common Injuries in Tripping Accident Cases
A slip and fall can cause severe trauma leading to chronic pain, permanent disability or worse. According to the National Safety Council, 34,673 people died in falls at home or at work in 2016. Common injuries seen when people trip or slip include but are not limited to:
Falls from one floor level to another, including stairway falls, are the most likely to cause serious injury. But significant harm can result even from a short fall onto a hard surface, especially if the victim is elderly. Our attorneys in Mount Dora have experience managing a wide range of serious slip and fall cases involving head and brain injuries, soft tissue damage, and spinal wounds.
What Does a Slip and Fall Claimant Need to Prove?
Slip-and-fall cases fall under the umbrella of premises liability law. These are the key elements:
- You must prove the owner or one of his or her representatives (for example, an employee) caused the condition that led to the fall, failed to resolve it, or, with the exercise of reasonable care, was aware or should have been aware of the condition.
- Your own carelessness may have contributed to your injury. Under the rules of comparative negligence, your own conduct can cause a judge or an insurance adjuster to weigh the evidence in your case differently.
- If your injury occurred in a private residence, you must determine who is legally responsible for maintaining the property in question. It could be an owner or a tenant, based on specific wording in various contracts.
Remember, time may not be on your side. Florida allows victims four years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability claim.
If your injury occurred on public or government property, you may have even less time. Governments usually require private citizens to file a notice of claim advising of the important facts before being able to file suit. Additionally, the amount of compensation available is limited in most circumstances. The government claim process includes its own set of guidelines and deadlines and if they are not followed precisely, a valid case may be avoided by the responsible agency despite clear liability. Respecting this statute of limitations might be difficult for someone recovering from serious injuries, so they should take their claim to a hardworking slip and fall lawyer in Mount Dora.
Monetary Damages Awarded in Slip and Fall Claims
Victims of slip-and-fall accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, costs of personal services and physical pain and mental suffering. In cases of permanent injuries, damages for loss of enjoyment of life or quality of life are also available. A Mount Dora lawyer knows how to pursue these repayments and could fight for the best possible settlement for a slip and fall plaintiff.
Protect your Right to Compensation by Working with a Slip and Fall Attorney in Mount Dora
Premises liability and slip-and-fall cases require experienced legal guidance. When you are injured, you should not have to deal with establishing liability or filing a claim for compensation on your own. Instead, reach out to a Mount Dora slip and fall lawyer who could advise you, submit paperwork, or answer any questions you have. Call today to schedule your free consultation. Se habla Español.
