Understanding the Causes and Effects of Slip and Falls
We have all slipped and fallen a few times in our lives. After all, a range of circumstances can fall under the term “slip and fall”. A slip and fall can encompass many different causes of injuries a person may suffer when someone slips, trips or falls when coming into contact with an unreasonably dangerous or hazardous condition on someone else’s property. Unfortunately, these kinds of accidents can happen. But if and when you experience one, you will likely have a better outcome if you understand in advance the causes and effects of slip and falls.
What is the Law in Florida?
Every slip and fall does not warrant the same kind of compensation. If you fall in a business, you should understand that there are certain stipulations that you have to meet in order to recover under the commercial slip and fall law here in Florida. For example, you can demonstrate that the business establishment had actual knowledge of the dangerous condition and should have taken action to remedy it. This typically difficult to demonstrate.
It is often a bit easier to show that a business had constructive knowledge which may be proven by circumstantial evidence. This is proven by showing that either:
- The condition was foreseeable because it occurred regularly
- The dangerous condition existed for so long that the establishment should have known about the condition as it monitored the premises
What Are Common Causes of Slip and Falls?
- Foreign substances on the floor
- Abrupt changes in flooring
- Poor or misplaced lighting
- Missing handrails on stairways
- Furniture or displays that block walkways
- Electrical and/or phone cords in high traffic areas
How Serious Can the Consequences of Slip and Falls Be?
Unfortunately, statistics suggest that slip and fall accidents have the potential to be very dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in this country is falls. In fact, just in 2016, well over 9 million people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries.
What Compensation is the Victim of a Slip And Fall Accident Entitled to?
As tragic as the results of your slip and fall accident may be, the good news is that you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, you may be able to recover:
- Medical fees
- Current and future lost wages
- Permanent disabilities
- Other costs related to the slip and fall
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured Due to a Slip And Fall Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may have a premises liability claim. For example, a slip and fall claim can be filed against the property owner if the owner had a duty to remedy the unsafe condition. However, Florida slip and fall laws can be complex and difficult to navigate. Therefore, if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you should obtain the help of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. As the Boca Raton slip and fall attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez, we can analyze the facts of your case and advise you of the best route to ensure that you don’t slip in your pursuit of the benefits that you deserve. Contact us today to begin with a free, no-risk consultation.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.0755.html
https://www.leiferlaw.com/important-considerations-for-proving-a-slip-and-fall-case/
