 | |
Slip and fall accidents can occur in many different ways and at many different
locations. No matter how or where the accident occurs, one thing remains the same:
they can result in serious and permanent injuries that can have devastating long
lasting effects. If you, or someone you care about, has been injured in a slip
and fall accident, contact our law firm
for an "instant" FREE and CONFIDENTIAL evaluation of your
slip and fall injury by completing our online
consultation form or contact us to discuss any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Slip and Fall Cases
What is a "slip
& fall" accident?
To be very precise a "slip & fall" accident occurs
when a person falls due to a slipperiness of the surface of the
floor. The phrase has sometimes been used more generically, however,
to include just about any fall that occurs on someone else's premises.
In a broader context, it would include a "trip & fall"
or a misstep and fall caused by a change in surface elevation. A
more accurate term to describe all of the accidents that result
from falls on premises would probably be "fall down" accidents.
As a broad general rule, the owner of a house, a building, a parking
lot, or other premises is responsible for injuries resulting from
an unreasonably dangerous condition which causes a slip and fall
on the premises. An occupier of the premises, such as a tenant in
an apartment building or a storeowner who leases a store, may also
be liable for injuries if the occupier has control over the premises
in which the injury occurred.
A "slip and fall" accident may be caused by:
- an uneven floor
- an unseen danger such as a hole covered up by
a rug
- poor lighting
- a slippery floor surface
Is
the owner of the business or other premises legally responsible for injuries sustained
in "slip & fall" or "fall down" accidents?
In Florida, the obligation or duty of the landowner to the injured
person changes to some degree depending upon the particular status
of that person at the time of the fall. Generally, the duty of a
property owner is to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe
condition and to warn a visitor of any dangerous conditions that
are known, or should be known to him.
What are the defenses that I can expect will be raised against
me in my claim based upon a fall on someone else's premises?
One of the most common defenses is to deny the existence of
any dangerous condition on the premises or to deny having timely
knowledge of its existence. Another common defense is to argue that
you were careless or negligent in failing to observe the dangerous
condition (the spill, the hole, the uneven surface, etc.) and, as
a result, should either have all compensation denied or reduced
according to your own percentage of comparative fault.
How is my lawyer paid? What if I can't afford
a lawyer?
Hancock & Hancock, P.A. handles all cases on what is called
a "contingency fee" basis. This means that no fees or
costs are charged unless we collect money damages for you. All of
the consultations with our office are absolutely free. When you
receive compensation, meaning we have successfully concluded your
case, either by settlement or litigation, our fees are a percentage
of the gross settlement. This percentage is agreed upon before we
begin work, is in writing signed by you and the attorneys and is
33 1/3% prior to filing suit and 40% after the lawsuit is filed,
up through trial.
The attorney's fee is separate from
the "costs" that the firm advances on behalf of the client. "Costs"
include expenses for obtaining copies of medical records from hospital and doctors,
investigations fees, expert witness fees, accident reconstructionists, filing
fees at the courthouse, costs of taking depositions, etc. We advance all costs
related to your case. Only upon obtaining a recovery for a client are we are reimbursed
the costs advanced by us.
FREE CONSULTATION If you,
or someone you care about, has suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident,
contact our law firm for an "instant" FREE and CONFIDENTIAL evaluation
of your slip and fall injury by completing our online
consultation form or contact us to discuss
any questions you may have. Attorneys Michael Hancock or Claire Hancock will personally
provide detailed and comprehensive answers to your important questions by reviewing
your completed questionnaire, evaluating your claim and responding to you, either
by e-mail or telephone, within 24 hours. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. We will answer your questions, without charge, and there is no
obligation to use our services. In addition to slip and fall injury
cases, Hancock & Hancock handles the following types of cases in Florida:
|
