Slip and Fall

 

Hiring a personal injury attorney is crucial if you are injured in a slip and fall accident. Many accident victims represent themselves and don't receive the adequate compensation they need and deserve. Studies show that hiring the right attorney to handle a slip and fall case results in significantly higher compensation than an accident victim handling the case themselves. A significant amount of compensation is left on the table because accident victims don't know all the legalities and processes needed to maximize their compensation.

Insurance companies often offer injured parties minimal compensation because they know that accident victims don't understand all the steps necessary to get full compensation for their injuries. Frequently, insurance companies offer minimal amounts of compensation immediately after the accident to take advantage of the injured party. Until a proper diagnosis is assessed, future injuries or medical treatment are unknown. Therefore, it is imperative to see a doctor to properly assess your injuries immediately after the accident. We can help guide victims through the whole process. At Rodriguez & Williamson, PLLC, we will fight on your behalf, ensuring that you get the compensation for medical, repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries in Florida

Injuries sustained from slip and fall accidents can range from minor to severe. The types of immediate bodily injuries that are often involved in personal injury claims include:

  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Nerve damage
  • Sprains and strains
  • Spinal injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Chronic pain

All of these injuries can be serious and life-threatening. Regardless of the severity, all bodily injuries are compensable if you are the accident victim. In many cases, psychological, mental, and emotional injuries can be compensable too.

Common Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida

The type of injuries you sustain often results from the location of the slip and fall accident. The most common locations include:

  • Retail Stores: Wet floors, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can lead to accidents.
  • Restaurants: Spills and slippery floors are common causes of falls.
  • Workplaces: Unsafe work environments, especially in construction or manufacturing.
  • Public Spaces: Poorly maintained sidewalks, parks, and other public areas.
  • Private Residences: Unsafe conditions in homes, such as broken stairs or loose rugs.

Liability for injuries can often be determined by the location of the accident. However, accidents can be complex events, and a thorough investigation is necessary to understand where liability falls.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida

Slip and fall accidents happen due to many reasons, typically grouped into three categories: property conditions, environmental factors, and personal factors.

Property Conditions

  • Wet or slippery floors
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Poor lighting
  • Cluttered walkways
  • Broken stairs or handrails

Environmental Factors

  • Weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, ice)
  • Spilled liquids or food
  • Loose rugs or mats

Personal Factors

  • Inattentiveness
  • Improper footwear
  • Physical impairments

Most slip and fall accidents result from hazardous property conditions. When the cause of a slip and fall accident is clear, liability will also tend to be easily identifiable. However, more complex cases require the insight of an experienced slip and fall attorney and the knowledge and expertise of expert witnesses.

Benefits of Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Florida

After a slip and fall accident, insurance companies will investigate the cause of the incident to determine fault. They will then offer to cover the victim's expenses. However, insurance companies are for-profit entities, aiming to minimize the amount they pay in settlements.

When an insurance company offers a settlement, that offer may not represent the correct amount of compensation a victim deserves. Victims deserve to be compensated for their:

  • Medical bills, past, and future
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages, past, and future
  • Reduced earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • And more

Frequently, insurance settlement offers only cover medical bills and lost wages incurred so far. By hiring a lawyer and pursuing these other forms of compensation, accident victims can fight for what they deserve.

Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Florida Today

Slip and fall accidents can be straightforward or complex. Regardless, speaking to a slip and fall attorney is in your best interests. At Rodriguez and Williamson, PLLC, we work hard for our clients to obtain fair and just compensation. Contact us using our online form or call us directly at 813-320-7500 to schedule a free consultation today.