When you slip and fall at a store, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical assistance and report the incident to the store manager or business owner. Document the accident scene, gather witness information, and take photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall. Contact a slip and fall lawyer to help you file a premises liability claim.
At The Law Place, our personal injury lawyers have taken on many slip and fall cases just like yours and have been successful in receiving compensation for our satisfied clients. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your claim with a free consultation at a time that suits your schedule best.
Contact us for free now at (941) 444-4444. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What to Do in a Slip and Fall Accident
- Take Photographs – It is vital to your case that you take clear photographs of the incident scene, including the slippery surface on which you fell. It is also important to take photographs of your injuries as they can later be used as evidence for your claim.
- Gather Store Contact Information – This includes the name, address, and contact details of the store in which you fell, including the store managers, contact details.
- Seek Medical Care – It is important to seek care immediately after a slip and fall so that your injuries can be recorded by a medical professional.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney – The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer, the sooner our team can get to work on building up a solid claim for your case. Please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team today.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in a Store?
There are many reasons why somebody may slip and fall in a store. However, some of the causes for a slip and fall incident commonly seen by our accident attorneys are:
- Water – This includes any type of liquid such as water or oil which has spilled onto a surface. If a spillage occurs within a store from either a customer or colleague, the spillage must be cleaned up immediately, and wet floor signs must be put down by a colleague or store manager to prevent anybody from slipping over.
- Inadequate Lighting- Poor lighting or badly lit walkways can make it difficult to see obstacles blocking walkways or stairs.
- Store Items – Stock from the store might have been poorly put away by an employee or store manager and have become loose and fallen down.
- Walkway Obstacles – For instance, loose wires or obstacles obstructing walkways which should be properly put away by shop employees or the store owner.
- Unmarked Hazards – Steep stairs or trip hazards should be marked clearly with a warning sign.
- Weather Conditions – Rainwater can be tracked in and out of the store. It is the store owner’s duty of care to ensure that there is a wet floor sign present within the store on rainy, wet, or snowy days.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. Common Slip and Fall Injuries in Florida
The usual types of injuries that our accident attorneys commonly see attained by slip and fall victims are:
- Back, Neck, and Spinal Cord Injuries – One of the most common injuries residents of Florida are known to receive. This can include a slipped disk, a broken vertebra, or even back injuries leading to paralysis. Back injuries have the potential to result in long-lasting damage and permanent pain for a slip and fall victim.
- Head, Skull, and Brain Injuries – Anyone can hit their head when they fall, which can cause a skull fracture or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Suffering a brain injury can result in a victim suffering from affected speech, memory loss, behavioral issues such as affected emotional state, effective cognitive ability. After suffering a head injury, a victim might require therapy or assistance from a health care professional.
- Broken Bones and Fractures – When suffering a fall, it might be your instinct to try and save yourself from hitting the floor, which can lead to a broken wrist, shoulder, arms, or knees from the impact.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Torn ligaments, stretched tendons, sprains, and strains are all types of soft tissue injuries that are commonly suffered by slip and fall victims. Some soft tissue injuries that are left untreated can lead to further complications and have the potential to cause long-lasting problems further down the line for a fall victim.
- Bruising – Although bruising is a common injury, it is still recommended that you have your injuries checked over by a medical professional, as in some cases, bruising can be an indicator of internal bleeding or damage to organs.
- Cuts and Scrapes – Depending on the severity of the cut or laceration, untreated wounds can lead to further complications such as infection or severe scarring if left untreated.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience Negligence in a Slip and Fall Claim in Florida
When proving negligence for a slip and fall incident, you must be able to prove:
- Property owner liability and breach of duty- Every property owner has a duty of care in the State of Florida. Therefore it is a property owner’s responsibility to ensure that the premises is a safe environment for the public and ensure that there is no risk of someone slipping/falling. If they do not do this, they have breached this duty.
- Causation and damages – You must be able to prove that the slip and fall you experienced and the damages you sustained, as a result, were caused through the neglect of care from the property owner.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations in the State of Florida
In each state in the U.S., there is a statute of limitations set in place, which means that there is a limited amount of time that an accident victim has to be able to file a claim before it is waived completely.
In the State of Florida, the statute of limitations set in place clearly states that an accident victim has up to two years from the time of the accident to file a personal injury claim if they stand any chance of receiving any type of compensation.
Fall Accidents FAQ
What Happens When You Slip and Fall at a Store?
When you slip and fall at a store, seek immediate medical help and report the incident to the store manager or business owner. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness information. Consult a slip and fall lawyer to file a premises liability claim.
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident at a store?
Seek emergency medical assistance immediately to address any injuries. Report the incident to the store manager or business owner, and make sure they document the accident. Collect contact information from any witnesses and take photos of the dangerous condition that caused your fall, if possible.
What are the common causes of slip and fall accidents in stores?
Common causes include wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, cluttered aisles, and damaged flooring. These conditions can create hazardous environments that lead to fall accidents.
Who is legally liable for my injuries in a slip and fall case?
Property owners and business owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for customers. If they fail to address dangerous conditions, they can be held legally liable for any injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident.
What kind of medical expenses can I seek compensation for?
You can seek compensation for all related medical expenses, including emergency medical assistance, hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care needed due to the slip and fall accident.
Can I claim lost income if I’m unable to work after a slip and fall accident?
Yes, you can seek compensation for lost income if your injuries prevent you from working. This includes wages lost during your recovery and potential future earnings if you are unable to return to work.
How do I file a premises liability claim?
To file a premises liability claim, contact one of our premises liability lawyers at The Law Place. They will help you gather evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
What should I expect from the insurance company after filing a claim?
The insurance company will investigate your claim, often sending an insurance adjuster to assess the situation. They will review your medical records, the accident report, and other evidence to determine liability and compensation.
How can a slip and fall lawyer help me get fair compensation?
A slip and fall lawyer will advocate for your rights, handle negotiations with the insurance company, and ensure all evidence is properly presented. They aim to secure fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What happens if the insurance company denies my claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an insufficient settlement, your lawyer can help you pursue legal action. This may involve filing a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.
Can I afford to hire a premises liability lawyer?
Most premises liability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This allows you to seek legal representation without upfront costs.
What is the role of an insurance adjuster in a slip and fall case?
An insurance adjuster evaluates the claim, investigates the accident, and determines the amount of compensation the insurance company will offer. They work for the insurance company, not for you, so having a lawyer on your side is crucial.
What kind of evidence is important in a slip and fall case?
Important evidence includes medical records, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, incident reports, and any communication with the business owner or insurance company.
How do I prove the business owner’s negligence in a slip and fall case?
You must show that the business owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. Evidence like maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness testimony can support your claim.
What should I do if I’m contacted by the insurance company after my accident?
Be cautious when speaking with the insurance company. Provide only necessary information and avoid making statements that could be used against you. It’s best to have a slip and fall lawyer handle all communication.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, you can still file an insurance claim even if you were partially at fault. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if my slip and fall accident happened outside the store?
If your accident occurred outside the store but on the store’s property, such as in a parking lot, the property owner may still be liable. The same premises liability principles apply.
Contact The Law Place Today!
If you or a loved one has been unfortunate enough to have suffered a fall resulting in injury or damages, you may be feeling as though you have been served a huge injustice and deserve financial compensation. Even if you believe your accident to be minor, let our law team help you to establish whether we think you qualify for receiving potentially life-changing amounts of compensation.
With a free call, we can schedule you in a free consultation with one of our helpful injury lawyers, which will give you the chance to explain to us the case at hand in a little more detail. With over seventy-five years worth of experience in personal injury cases, including slip and falls claims, our knowledgable legal team here at The Law Place assures you that your claim will stand the best chance possible with our guidance and support.
The sooner you take the first steps in contacting us, the sooner our team can get to work on building up your claim, so why wait! Contact us now at (941) 444-4444. We look forward to hearing from you!
