Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Florida
As their name implies, a slip-and-fall accident occurs when someone slips, trips, or falls and suffers an injury. These accidents are sometimes treated dismissively, as if they are not capable of causing serious injuries, but falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the U.S., and when they result from negligence, a slip and fall accident lawyer Florida clients recommend at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., work aggressively to hold those negligent parties accountable.
Who is responsible when someone falls at a business?
When you are injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, a property owner is only responsible under Florida law if the injured party can prove that the property owner was negligent. Generally, the injured party must prove that there was a dangerous condition that caused the fall and that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition prior to the fall.
What are the common causes of slip and fall and trip and fall accidents?
Slip and fall accidents are often caused by liquid on the floor of a business. It can be very difficult for a customer to detect the presence of a clear liquid on the floor of a store. Trip and fall accidents are often caused by uneven or poorly maintained walkways. After these incidents occur, business owners often try to blame the injured party.
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall or trip and fall accident?
You should take photos of the dangerous condition that caused you to fall. Once a spill is cleaned, defendants will often try to deny that a dangerous condition ever existed. Also, it is important to get the names of witnesses. Many clients tell us that other customers came to their aid after a fall and that the other customers commented about the dangerous condition. Do not count on the store to get the names of these witnesses.
How long do I have to pursue a slip and fall claim?
Generally, the statute of limitation in Florida for a slip and fall case is four years. That means that a lawsuit must be filed within four years of the date of the accident or you will lose the right to seek compensation. If the defendant is a government entity, there is an additional requirement that the injured party put the government entity on notice of the claim within three years.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
A Florida slip and fall accident lawyer knows that there are many incidents that can result in a slip and fall accident where the victim ends up injured. While some fall injuries are relatively minor and only need a short recovery time, there are many victims who suffer serious injuries requiring surgeries, hospitalizations, and long-term rehabilitation. These situations can leave the victim unable to work or even enjoy day-to-day life because of the pain and suffering they are dealing with. If the fall was caused by another party’s negligence, then a slip and fall lawyer Florida clients trust can help the victim pursue damages in a premises liability claim. Victims of slip and fall accidents should do the following:
Seek Out Medical Attention Right Away
Whether it is at the emergency room or an appointment with your primary doctor, it is important to get medically evaluated immediately following the fall in order to evaluate any injuries you may have sustained and begin treatment. Even the healthiest of victims can sustain serious injuries in a fall that can end up causing long-term damage. Some of these injuries do not always present symptoms right away, but failure to diagnose right away can be dangerous for the victim. Injuries to the brain, spine, or internal organs can be fatal or leave the victim with permanent damage if left untreated.
It is also important to have your injuries medically documented in order to prove that you did suffer injuries in the fall if you decide to pursue a premises liability lawsuit in the future.
Report the Fall to the Owner or Manager of the Property
Florida law requires property owners to keep their properties free of any unreasonable hazards. While an owner cannot prevent every injury, they do have a legal duty to prevent accidents that are completely avoidable. If you are injured in a fall, make sure you let the owner of the property know. If the property is a business and you aren’t sure who the owner is, report the accident to whoever the manager or the person in charge is.
Document All Evidence
Your Florida slip and fall accident lawyer will use all available evidence to help prove that your fall and subsequent injuries were a result of negligence of the property owner. If you are able, take photos of the hazardous condition that caused you to slip and fall. If there were any witnesses to the accident, make sure to take down their names and contact information. It is also a good idea to write down the sequences of events as soon as possible while the event is still fresh in your memory.
Contact Us Today If You Have Injuries
If you were injured in a store, restaurant, or another business, our lawyers can help. Call Tuttle Larsen, P.A. to make an appointment with a Florida slip and fall lawyer accident and find out how we can help.