Everyone has experienced a fall at least a few times in their life. Maybe your shoelaces came undone, or perhaps you tripped over a tree root. These types of accidents are typically minor. However, an unexpected slip and fall can result in severe injuries depending on the circumstances, and if you fall and are injured because of the negligence of another you deserve to be compensated for that injury
If you were on another person’s property at the time of the incident, you should seek legal help from a Wesley slip and fall lawyer. Unfortunately, these types of accidents often leave victims in pain, facing rising expenses due to their injuries, and under the overwhelming stress of not knowing what to do next. Property owners have certain responsibilities regarding the safety of their guests. A compassionate injury attorney could help you understand your rights and navigate the legal system.
Common Slipping and Tripping Hazards
There are many reasons why someone might slip and hurt themselves. However, some of the cases our lawyers handle most often involve:
- Wet floors
- Poorly lit areas
- Malfunctioning elevators and escalators
- Loose carpets or wires
- Uneven or cracked flooring
- Raised or broken sidewalks
Regardless of the type of hazard that caused your fall, you could benefit from talking to a local attorney about your potential case.
What Are Common Places Slip And Fall Accidents Can Occur?
Over his 30 + year career, Attorney Mike Hancock has challenged property owners of all types in slip and fall accidents and has successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients so they can move on with their lives. Some of these places include:
- Grocery Stores such as Publix and Winn- Dixie
- Retail stores like Wal-Mart and Target
- Apartment buildings
- Hospitals
- Workplaces
- Hotels
- Restaurants and bars
- Private residences
- Amusement parks
Injuries Associated with Slip and Fall Accidents
It is not uncommon to stumble and twist your ankle or skin your knee. However, serious falls can also lead to catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Deep lacerations
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Neck and spinal damage
- Internal bleeding
These types of injuries can completely alter your life. In the most severe cases, they could even result in death.
The adverse effects of a fall affect not only the injured person but their family as well. By retaining a lawyer skilled at handling slip and fall cases, you and your loved ones could successfully pursue financial recovery.
How Do You Prove the Negligence of a Property Owner in Wesley Chapel?
Property owners and occupants must keep their premises safe. This involves repairing known hazards promptly or warning visitors about them. Business owners must regularly inspect their premises to identify potential or hidden dangers and address those as well.
The person or entity in control of the property is typically liable for any accident that occurs on their premises. However, Florida Statutes Annotated § 768.0755 states that owners are only responsible for falls caused by temporary substances spilled on floors if they had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. An experienced attorney could help you understand and interpret laws such as these to help you succeed in your slipping accident claim.
Seeking Damages After a Tripping Incident
With the help of a lawyer, slip and fall claimants may recoup for economic and non-economic harm. Monetary damages include measurable expenses and losses, such as:
- Medical and therapy bills
- Lost income
- Other out of pocket charges
Non-economic damages are subjective losses with no exact dollar amount. Examples include:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
There are some situations where you may not be able to recover compensation for the full value of your damages. If you are deemed partially responsible for your injuries, the court may reduce your available compensation. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 768.81 states that the court will award your damages based on your percentage of fault.
For example, suppose you were texting when you slipped on a loose brick in a walkway. The property owner’s insurance company might argue that you are 30 percent responsible for your injuries. If they successfully prove partial fault, you would only receive 70 percent of the damages award.
Can You Raise a Legal Claim After Falling on Government Property?
If a government entity failed to maintain its premises, causing you to slip and fall, a diligent attorney could help you file a claim against that state, county, or municipal body. It is best to seek legal counsel because lawyers are aware of the specific laws that govern these types of cases. As outlined in Fla. Stat. Ann. § 768.28, there is a unique claims process for cases involving government entities, and the damages available to you may be limited.
How Can Our Slip and Fall Attorneys Make A Difference For Your Case?
We hear often that after a slip and fall, managers come over and say something along the lines of “I am so sorry, we should have cleaned that up.” A statement that indicates negligence. However, just because a statement like this may be said at the scene, you cannot assume the negligent party will assume responsibility, or that their insurance company will. The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, a slip and fall attorney works for you. At Hancock Injury Attorneys we can:
- Help determine and document exactly how the accident occurred
- Gather video and photo evidence and witness statements
- Establish liability and fins all possible sources of compensation
- Help find you the medical care you need
- Negotiate with the negligent party and/or insurance companies for maximum compensation
- File suit and take your case to trial if necessary
Fighting for Compensation with a Wesley Chapel Slip and Fall Attorney
In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, you will have to face many challenges. The opposing party will likely do everything they can to prove you do not deserve compensation for your injuries and damages. However, you should not take them at their word. Our Wesley Chapel slip and fall lawyers can help you stand up for your rights in settlement negotiations or a trial. We can give you the support you need to move forward. Call our office today to speak to an attorney or click the button below for a free consultation so that you can focus on getting better while we take care of everything else.
