Slip and fall accidents can happen quickly, in everyday situations, but the consequences for victims can be long-lasting.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a fall, you are facing a long road to recovery, medical bills, and just being overwhelmed with starting the legal process or road to compensation. This is where a slip and fall accident lawyer in Plantation can come in and help.
The team Viles & Beckman has recovered over $118 million for our clients. With every case we see, no matter how small, we ensure to treat every case with the utmost care. To get started with us after your slip and fall, reach out to our firm to speak with a Plantation personal injury lawyer today. We offer free consultations.
What Is Considered a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone is injured after falling because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property.
Slip and fall cases are under Florida premises liability law, which holds property owners and other parties, like property managers, responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions. Slip and fall accidents can happen on private property, public property, or commercial premises such as stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, and hotels.
To recover compensation, an injured person generally must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it or provide adequate warning.
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What Compensation Can You Recover?
If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for both financial and personal losses. Potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment costs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
The value of a slip and fall claim depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries, the available evidence, liability issues, and insurance coverage. A lawyer can help understand the full scope of compensation that may be available for your case.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Plantation
The steps you take after an accident can significantly affect your ability to pursue compensation. Here are the recommended steps to take right after a slip and fall accident:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Prompt medical care protects your health and creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
Report What Happened
It’s extremely important to let the right person know about the fall as soon as you possibly can and request some kind of documentation or incident report, stating exactly what happened and how it happened. This person is the one in charge or owner, for example, with a grocery store that can be the store manager, or at someone’s home, it’s the homeowner.
Document the Scene
If possible, it’s important to document the scene, which means taking photos or videos of what may have caused the accident, like spills or items, the area around it, and any visible injuries. Doing this right away can mean preserving critical evidence before it is cleaned up or repaired.
Gather Witness Information
If anyone saw the accident occur, obtain their contact information, such as their name and phone number, for future reference.
Avoid Recorded Statements
Insurance companies may attempt to obtain statements that can be used against you. Consider speaking with an attorney before discussing the claim.
Contact a Plantation Slip and Fall Lawyer
A slip and fall accident attorney in Plantation can help preserve evidence, investigate the accident, and protect your rights from the beginning of the claims process.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Plantation
Many slip and fall accidents are preventable and occur because property owners fail to correct known hazards.
Wet or Slippery Floors
Spilled liquids, recently mopped floors, leaking refrigeration units, and tracked-in rainwater frequently cause slip and fall accidents. These hazards are common in grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, and retail establishments.
Uneven Walking Surfaces
Cracked sidewalks, steps, loose tiles, and uneven flooring can create serious tripping hazards and lead to serious injuries. Businesses and similar entities need to ensure these are safe as well.
Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see spills, clutter, or any other hazards that could have been avoided if there were enough light to see things clearly. Entrances, stairways, and other traveled routes need to be equipped with lightning that is considered reasonable.
Missing or Broken Handrails
Staircases should have secure handrails that provide support and stability. Missing, loose, or broken handrails can contribute to serious falls, especially with older people and children.
Clutter
Boxes, merchandise displays, electrical cords, and debris are pretty common in places like grocery stores. While these are a part of the job, if they are left in walking paths, they can create dangerous obstacles.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can mean major injuries, especially if you have existing conditions or are older. Here are some of the common types of injuries that happen in these cases:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concousins
- Broken legs, arms, hips, and other bones.
- Serious back and spinal cord injuries.
- Long-term strains
- Cuts and bruising
Even a fall that initially seems minor can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or long-term medical complications. That’s why it’s extremely important to seek medical help right away.
Why You Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Plantation
There are a few factors that make slip and fall cases more difficult than they appear, and you may face lots of pushback from owners and insurance along the way.
Without legal representation, it can be challenging to gather or even know what evidence you will need to collect. A lawyer can help you collect evidence like surveillance footage, witnesses’ statements, and more.
An experienced slip and fall lawyer in Plantation can investigate the slip and fall thoroughly, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and help you build a claim. Local legal experience can also be valuable when dealing with local courts and insurance carriers.
Contact a Plantation Slip and Fall Accident Law Firm Today
Time is critical after a slip and fall accident. Evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and important legal deadlines may apply.
If you were injured because of unsafe property conditions, contact Viles & Beckman today. Our firm has over 40 years of experience. Reach out to our firm for a free consultation with a slip and fall accident lawyer in Plantation.
We can review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Additionally, you’ll pay nothing unless we win.
(239) 334-3933
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