Slips and falls can cause devastating injuries, from broken bones and lacerations to brain injuries. In some cases, these incidents are fatal.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may feel helpless and overwhelmed by physical and emotional pain, expensive healthcare bills, and concerns about lost wages. If your family member died as a result of their injuries, you might also have to shoulder the burden of funeral and burial expenses while grieving their loss.
While nothing can undo your suffering, a St. Petersburg slip and fall injury lawyer may be able to help you by holding the negligent party responsible for their negligence and pursuing financial compensation on your behalf.
Once you have received medical attention for your injuries, consider contacting Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Our team can talk to you about your situation to see if you have the legal grounds for a personal injury case. Call at (800) 647-3113 to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Types of Slip & Fall Accidents
Slips and falls can happen anywhere at any time of year. However, some places and circumstances are more likely to cause accidents than others. Some of the most common incidents include:
- Elevator and escalator trips and falls
- Equipment malfunctions
- Inadequate lighting
- Loose floor mats or rugs
- Wet or slippery floors, parking lots, or pool decks
Property owners and managers can prevent accidents from happening by promptly cleaning up spills and slippery pavement, ensuring equipment is operating safely, dim areas are lit, and utilizing non-slip materials for floor mats and rugs. They should also use warning signs to caution visitors about potential hazards, such as wet floors, malfunctioning escalators, or icy walkways.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall injury lawyer serving St.Petersburg, call (800) 647-3113
Legal Options for Slip & Fall Victims
Faced with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and stress, it’s understandable you may want to pursue financial awards for your injuries.
It involves an intricate legal procedure requiring specific skills and knowledge. The good news is you don’t have to navigate the complex process alone. A lawyer can help. Consider getting in touch with a personal injury lawyer to determine if you have the legal ground to pursue a slip and fall lawsuit. If your attorney decides you have a case, they will take the following steps to support you.
Proving Liability
A fundamental step in any personal injury suit is proving liability. In most cases, the property owner or manager has some degree of liability in slip and fall incidents. However, the defendant may claim you are partly responsible as well.
To a degree, this may be true. Individuals are responsible for exercising reasonable levels of caution, including doing their best to avoid danger. For example, if you ran across an icy parking lot, a court may not find in your favor. However, property owners and managers are always responsible for doing their part to maintain safety and protect visitors as well.
In many personal injury cases, each party holds a percentage of the blame. The lower your percentage of fault, the more financial compensation you might be eligible to receive.
Generally, in premises liability claims, the at-fault party had to know, or reasonably should have known, the danger existed, and they failed to do something about it. A lawyer can prove constructive knowledge by gathering evidence to show:
- The danger existed for such a length of time that the property owner or business establishment should have known about it.
- The condition occurred regularly, and the property owner or manager could have foreseen it.
Once your attorney has identified the responsible party, they will gather evidence, including surveillance video, photographs, and witness testimony, medical records, and reports from law enforcement or first responders. In addition to proving the defendant was liable for your injuries, they will prove the extent of your injuries and identify the damages you may be eligible to receive.
Pursuing Damages
If you suffered injuries after slipping and falling on someone’s property in St. Petersburg, a lawyer might be able to help you pursue financial awards for your losses. Damages commonly associated with personal injury lawsuits include:
- Current and reasonably anticipated future medical bills
- Cost of rehabilitation and long-term care
- Lost wages for hours you missed due to incapacitation or medical appointments
- Lost earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous position as a result of your injuries
- Permanent disfigurement
- Emotional pain and anguish
- Loss of consortium if you cannot provide your partner with the same intimacy and support due to your injuries
This list is not comprehensive. Your St. Petersburg slip and fall injury lawyer can help you determine what damages to seek based on the details of your case.
Statute of Limitations
You have limited time to file a personal injury suit; you must abide by the statute of limitations. Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, plaintiffs have four years from the date of an incident to file a claim.
There are some exceptions to the statute. For example, if you did not discover your injuries until several months after the accident, a judge may extend your filing window.
Filing a claim against the local or state government involves a different legal process, and the statute of limitations is shorter. A personal injury lawyer can help you ensure you follow all applicable rules and regulations, including filing within the time limit.
St.Petersburg Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer Near Me (800) 647-3113
See How a St. Petersburg Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help You
From the financial strain of mounting medical bills and missed work to physical and emotional pain, coping with a serious injury can be overwhelmingly challenging. While no amount of money can take away your suffering, financial awards may be able to help you heal and get back on your feet after an accident.
Connect with a staff member at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, to discuss your situation. Call (800) 647-3113 to talk with a staff member to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
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