Dog Bite Injury Attorney
in St. Pete & Pinellas Park, FL
Slip and fall accidents are very common and they can cause a large amount of pain and suffering. Property owners are required to keep their premises in good repair. If you injure yourself on someone else’s property, they may responsible for providing you compensation for your pain and suffering. Slip and fall accidents can be complicated, it is important to know the facts so that you can prepare yourself for any eventuality.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident is when an individual falls and injures themselves. Slip and fall law comes under the personal injury law umbrella. It governs situations in which the fall was caused by negligence of safety regulations.
In this terminology the word “slip” encompasses any accident that was caused by an unsafe environment and caused an injury. This can include trips, stumbles, twists, or any other movement that causes an injury.
Slip and fall accidents can be caused by;
- Spilled liquids
- Ice and snow
- Improper lighting
- Cracked ground (sidewalk, driveway)
- Uneven or broken steps
What You Should do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall accident can cause a great deal of physical and emotional pain. It can be difficult to know what to do, in order to mitigate that pain in both the immediate and distant future. There are a few actions that you should take directly after a slip and fall accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention immediately after a slip and fall accident accomplishes two goals.
- The doctor will evaluate the extent of your injuries. He will give you a treatment plan designed to eliminate your pain as soon as possible and help you to get back to normal.
- A doctor’s visit documents your injuries. This is essential if you are to take legal action after your slip and fall. Without this professional documentation you may find it very difficult to receive compensation for your injuries.
Evaluate the Events That Caused the Accident
It is important to collect your thoughts as soon as possible. You should inspect the scene to discover/confirm if a broken sidewalk, out of place display, or other unsafe condition caused your fall. Take pictures of the scene so that you have visual documentation of the scene. Discover if there is any video footage (surveillance cameras, cell phone videos). Also, identify and interview prospective witnesses. Corroboration from another party can help you to confirm or disprove your theory on what caused the slip or fall.
You should also write down your version of how the accident occurred. Be as specific as possible in order to give a detailed and informative account of what happened. Some details may disappear from your mind as time goes on, if you write it down when it is fresh, you will be less likely to leave details out.
File a Report
Some establishments may want you to file an official report soon after the accident. If you don’t fill out this report it may be said that your injuries weren’t serious enough for you to file a report. It is a good idea to fill out the report honestly and include all of the vital information that you have.
Consult Legal Counsel
Your slip and fall accident may cause a large amount of pain and stress in your life. If someone’s negligence caused this, then you deserve compensation so that you can get your life back to normal, if possible. The other party will probably employ a team of lawyers in order to avoid paying you, or to pay you as little as possible. That is why you need to find a legal representative to advocate for your needs.
Slip and Fall in Florida
An attorney also knows the particulars of law, and what the rules are in their home state(s). There are two laws in Florida that may have an effect on your case and the compensation that you are awarded.
Statute of Limitations
In Florida the victim of a slip and fall accident has 4 years to file their suit in civil court. Legal counsel will make sure that you meet all the requirements for your case.
Pure Comparative Negligence
The state of Florida evaluates slip and fall cases in regards to comparative negligence. In layman’s terms, they will determine how much fault the victim has in the accident. If they were in a restricted area, behaving in an unsafe manner, etc. If the court determines that the victim bears fault, the reward can be decreased.
Don’t Face it Alone
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Florida, you need professionals to advocate for your needs. Contact us to discover how we can help you to get through the difficult time after an accident. Oldham and Delcamp trial attorneys have the experience and expertise to fight for your needs and help you to reclaim your life after a slip and fall accident. We can help as your slip and fall lawyer, DUI law and auto accident attorney as well as rear-end accidents attorney, trucking accidents attorney and premises liability lawyer.