4 Reasons Why You Need a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Property owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for visitors. When they fail to do so and someone is hurt, they may be legally responsible. However, proving fault and recovering damages in a slip and fall case is often challenging. 

Working with a Florida slip and fall accident lawyer could make a big difference in your case. It may make it easier for you to heal from your injuries and give you peace of mind about the process. Here are four reasons why you should consider working with an attorney to manage your claim:

1. Proving Liability in a Slip and Fall Claim Is Often Difficult

Slip and fall injury claims are based on premises liability laws. Under these laws, it is not enough to present evidence showing you fell on a property and suffered injuries. Instead, you must show that the property owner or occupier was negligent. This means you must have evidence that they knew about or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it. 

Your Florida premises liability lawyer will know the types of evidence that are often necessary to show negligence in these cases, such as:

• Surveillance footage 
• Incident reports
• Employee statements
• Eyewitness interviews
• Maintenance records
• Expert opinions about property safety standards

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere. They are common in grocery stores, shopping malls, parking lots, apartment complexes, hospitals, restaurants, and office buildings. Some dangerous conditions that can cause slips and falls include: 

• Wet or slippery floors
• Broken or uneven surfaces
• Loose rugs or carpets
• Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
• Items in walkways
• Broken handrails or steps

Property owners and lessees have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe to protect customers and other guests. When they fail in that duty, the victim may be able to hold them accountable and seek financial compensation for their accident-related costs and losses.

2. Falls Can Cause Serious, Long-Term Injuries

Many people think of falls as embarrassing situations that leave you with bruises and scrapes. However, many victims suffer much more serious injuries. These injuries could require surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. Some people endure life-altering injuries that leave them with disabilities or chronic pain. 

Some types of possible fall injuries include: 

• Broken hips, wrists, or ankles
• Other bone fractures
• Back or neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or other head injuries

Fall injuries can take you out of work for an extended time and bring extensive medical bills. When you work with a Florida personal injury lawyer, they will pursue fair compensation for your full range of damages, including: 

• Past and future medical bills 
• Lost income while you miss work
• Reduced earning ability if you cannot return to your previous job
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Disability or permanent impairment

Insurance adjusters may try to downplay the significance of your fall injuries. Your slip and fall lawyer will present compelling evidence and fight for the maximum payout.

3. Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side

Many people expect the insurance carrier representing the liable party to play fair and give them the money they deserve without a fight. This is rarely how it works. Instead, the insurance adjuster will likely look for ways to reduce the money you get or deny your insurance claim entirely. They may make a lowball offer before you understand your damages, review your full medical history to look for pre-existing injuries, or demand that you give a recorded statement.

Your slip and fall injury lawyer will be familiar with all these ploys. They will take over communications with the adjuster and ensure you get a fair chance to recover the money you deserve. They will prepare and file your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement. 

If negotiations fail, your personal injury attorney will file a lawsuit and prepare to take the case to trial. Going to court is rarely necessary, but the option is available if a fair settlement is not possible.

4. You Face Strict Legal Deadlines for Filing a Slip and Fall Injury Claim

Each state sets a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is essentially a deadline for submitting the complaint to the correct court. 

In Florida, Florida Statutes § 95.11 provides up to two years to sue a negligent property owner in civil court. Under some circumstances, such as if your fall occurred on government property, you may have significantly less time. If you miss the deadline, you could lose the right to take legal action. Your attorney will file your paperwork correctly and on time. This is just one way they will protect your rights during this process.

With a potentially short deadline, you should contact a personal injury law firm as soon as possible after your fall. Prompt legal representation also means more evidence to support your claim. Your lawyer will obtain witness statements before they forget what they saw and seek video of the fall before the business deletes it. 

Talk to Our Florida Slip and Fall Accident Team About Your Options

If you were hurt on someone else’s property, you may have a viable personal injury claim. A Florida slip and fall attorney from our firm can help you throughout the legal process.

At GED Lawyers, we provide free consultations for victims and their families after a slip and fall incident. As you can see from our case results, we fight for maximum compensation for our clients, and we can help you, too. Act quickly to ensure you have the strongest case possible. Contact us today to get started.