Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone for many different reasons. People often think that injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents are simple and not that serious. Yet in most cases, they can be, and they usually lead to costly medical expenses and missed work.
Sometimes, even a minor sprain or bump in the head can result in losing your job, reduced quality of life, and extensive rehabilitation.
Slips and falls become more common with age, and the resulting injuries tend to be more serious and life-threatening. When you get injured in a slip and fall accident because a person or entity neglected to properly maintain their property or at least warn you about a potential hazard, you have all the right to seek compensation for your damages.
Property owners have a legal duty of care to take reasonably quick action to fix hazards, defects, or post warnings about the existence of a defect or hazard. Failing to do so is considered negligence.
The Wesley Chapel slip and fall attorneys of Hancock Injury Attorneys will be here to listen to your story and help you understand the legal options and rights as an injured victim.
With over 30 years of experience and millions of dollars recovered for our injured clients, our attorneys have dedicated their lives to making sure that they secure the best possible results for claims involving someone else’s wrongful conduct.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Wesley Chapel
Seeking medical treatment right away is the most crucial thing that you should focus on after getting injured in a slip and fall accident.
While waiting for the police or help to arrive and before leaving, if possible, here are some steps you should take to safeguard your rights and help ensure that you secure fair compensation from the at-fault party:
Inform the Authorities
Inform the right authorities, whether the owners, police, or a shop manager, about the accident. If needed, fill out a report and make sure to request a copy.
Gather Evidence
Take pictures and videos of the accident site, including the cause of the slip and fall and the condition of the property, if relevant. Document the general location and check if there are any surveillance cameras around that may have captured the accident.
Also, see if anyone witnessed the accident and ask if you can get their statements and contact details.
Once you get home, keep all the information you gathered about the accident, including your medical records, prescriptions, the accident report, witness details, and notes about your injuries and the recovery process.
Talk to an Attorney First
Most importantly, avoid discussing the slip and fall accident with the at-fault party’s insurance provider or attorney before you’ve discussed your case with a Wesley Chapel slip and fall attorney.
At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we offer a free case consultation where you can learn about your rights and options after an accident and how you can deal with insurance companies.
Common Places Where Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
Broadly speaking, some places have an increased risk of slips and falls. These locations typically include the following:
- Amusement parks
- Apartment complexes
- Bars, cafes, nightclubs, and restaurants
- Decks and staircases
- Escalators and elevators
- Grocery stores
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Movie theaters
- Nursing homes
- Parking lots
- Private homes
- Retail stores
- Sidewalks
In more than 30 years of handling personal injury cases, the most common causes of slip and falls that our Wesley Chapel slip and fall attorneys come across are:
- Slick, slippery, and wet surfaces, such as those due to spilled fluids, ice, or others
- Improperly maintained ground conditions, including potholes or uneven surfaces on sidewalks, pavement, or parking lots, worn carpets, mats, or flooring, boxes or fallen objects on the ground, and unmarked obstacles or hazards
- Insufficiently maintained stairways that might have uneven, crumbling, or broken steps or railing
- Poor or inadequate lighting that makes it hard to avoid hazards and obstacles
- Negligent security that increases the risk of assault and other criminal acts
- Dog attacks and bites
Keep in mind that when you visit a place, whether a place of business, someone’s home or even a sidewalk, you won’t have any control over the condition of the place. Thus, property owners, managers, or their employees and contractors can be held liable if you get hurt in a slip and fall accident due to a hazardous condition on the property.
Proving Fault and Liability After a Slip and Fall Accident in FL
At Hancock Injury Attorneys, our seasoned Wesley Chapel slip and fall attorneys fully understand the legal process and what needs to be done to ensure that you receive the most favorable results for your case. We will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to determine how exactly it happened and who you can hold liable for your damages.
We will also collect evidence that will strengthen your claim, which can include witness testimony, a reconstruction of the accident, and video surveillance, among many others. To hold the negligent party liable for your injuries and accident-related losses, we must prove that
- There was a dangerous condition that existed on the property where you were injured
- The owner should have reasonably known or knew about the dangerous condition
- The owner did not provide sufficient and clear warnings about the dangerous condition or fix it
- You got injured and suffered damages due to the dangerous condition
Find Out What Our Skilled Wesley Chapel Slip and Fall Attorneys Now
Slip and fall accidents can result in life-changing traumatic injuries. Negotiating with aggressive claims adjusters and defense attorneys is the last thing you need when you’re recovering from serious injuries.
The Wesley Chapel slip and fall attorneys of Hancock Injury Attorneys will handle your claim from start to finish until we secure maximum compensation for your damages, whether in a settlement or in court.
To set up a free case evaluation with our attorneys, please fill out our online form. Or call our office at 813-915-1110.