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 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 35 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 other substances
- 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 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 Wesley Chapel
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 known about the dangerous condition
- The owner did not provide sufficient and clear warnings about the dangerous condition, nor did they fix it
- You got injured and suffered damage due to the dangerous condition
Find A Skilled Wesley Chapel Slip And Fall Lawyer Today
Slip and fall accidents can cause severe, life-changing injuries, especially when they occur on dangerous property in Wesley Chapel or the surrounding Tampa Bay area. When you’re dealing with painful recovery, the last thing you should have to worry about is fighting with aggressive insurance adjusters or defense attorneys.
At Hancock Injury Attorneys, our Wesley Chapel slip and fall lawyers handle every aspect of your claim from start to finish. We investigate what happened, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Wesley Chapel, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact the Wesley Chapel slip and fall lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys for a free case evaluation. Call 813-915-1110 anytime. Our team answers calls and chats 24/7 to help you.
FAQ: Wesley Chapel Slip and Fall Lawyer
What Money Am I Entitled To Recover in My Slip and Fall Premises Liability Case?
If the negligent acts of another caused you to be injured, you have the right to recover the following damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability or physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life
A slip and fall accident lawyer like Mike Hancock can make sure you do actually recover what you are entitled to.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident in Wesley Chapel?
After a slip and fall accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal claim. You should seek medical attention right away, report the incident to the property owner or manager, and document the scene with photos or videos. Gathering witness information and writing down what happened as soon as possible can also strengthen your case.
What Is Considered a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone is injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, such as a wet floor, uneven surface, or poor lighting. The term may also include trip and fall accidents or other hazards that cause a person to lose their footing.
Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida?
Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. If they knew—or should have known—about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
What Do I Have To Prove in a Slip and Fall Case?
To win a slip and fall claim, you typically must show that:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The property owner knew or should have known about it
- They failed to fix or warn about the hazard
- That failure caused your injuries
What Is a “Transitory Foreign Substance” in Florida Slip and Fall Cases?
A transitory foreign substance refers to temporary hazards like spilled liquids, food, or debris. In Florida, you must prove the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard and failed to address it in a reasonable amount of time.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Florida follows a comparative fault system, meaning your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Occur?
Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, including:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants and bars
- Apartment complexes
- Parking lots and sidewalks
- Offices and workplaces
- Hotels and amusement parks
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Slip and Fall Accidents?
These accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe, including:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Head injuries or concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts, bruises, or even paralysis
How Can a Tampa Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Me?
An experienced slip and fall attorney can investigate your accident, gather evidence, handle insurance companies, and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve. They can also help prove liability and navigate Florida’s complex premises liability laws.
How Long Do I Have To File a Slip and Fall Claim in Florida?
You have two years to file a slip and fall claim in Florida.
Why Should I Contact Hancock Injury Attorneys After a Slip and Fall Accident?
Hancock Injury Attorneys has decades of experience handling slip and fall and premises liability cases. Their team works to hold negligent property owners accountable and has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients.