Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common yet serious types of personal injury accidents, especially for seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, slip and fall are the leading cause of fatal injuries among people 65 years or older.
At Schrier Law Group, we help victims learn more about their rights when it comes to slip and fall accidents, what damages they can seek, and how our experienced attorney can help with your case.
Most Common Slip and Fall Accidents
Every year, thousands of people are injured in slip-and-fall accidents caused by the negligence of another person. Although a slip and fall accident can happen in a variety of ways, some appear to be the most common cause of injury. They are as follows:
- Floors that have been freshly mopped or waxed
- Spills
- Inconsistent flooring or stairs
- Inadequate lighting
- Gravel and other waste
- Handrails that are broken, loose, or missing
- Ice, Snow, or Rain
If any of the above-mentioned causes of slips and falls can be attributed to the property owner’s or manager’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim. To schedule a free consultation, please contact our law firm-Schrier Law Group, as we have experienced attorneys ready to fight for your case.
How To Handle Them
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury claims. While they can happen anywhere, they are most common in public places like grocery stores, shopping centers, and parking lots. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, there are a few things you should do to ensure that you are protected.
Keep Calm and Look for Injuries:
You may feel disoriented and confused right after the accident, especially if you hit your head. One of the most important things to do is to avoid getting hurt. Examine yourself to see if you are bleeding or in pain. Some injuries are difficult to detect right away, but the majority of serious injuries should be detectable right away.
Seek Medical Attention:
If you are unable to stand or feel dizzy, request that someone else call an ambulance for you. The paramedics will know what to do in this situation. Even if you don’t need immediate medical attention, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will check for both external and internal injuries, and professionally ensure that you are not injured. Medical reports and tests can also be used as evidence.
Determine What Caused The Accident:
It’s critical to figure out what caused your accident. You may have slipped on ice or a puddle of water, or you may have fallen because the handrails were shaky. You most likely tripped over something because the hallway was poorly lit. If you were injured as a result of the property owner’s negligence, you may be able to sue them.
Notify Any Person in Building Authority:
The property owners, property managers, or whoever is in charge of the building should be notified as soon as possible of the accident. You can report the accident in person, but sending them an email, text message, or letter is preferable. It is always preferable to have things written down. You will have proof that you reported the incident this way.
File an Incident Report:
It is very common to forget some details of the incident a few days after the accident. To avoid this, create an incident report with as much detail as possible as soon as possible. Include the time of everything, such as when you fell, when the ambulance arrived, when you arrived at the emergency room, and so on.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Slip and Fall Accident?
There are many different types of damages that you can recover in a slip and fall accident. Some of the most common damages include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover all of your medical expenses related to your accident, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and any other treatment.
- Lost wages: If you miss time from work because of your injuries, you can recover your lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: This is a type of non-economic damage that compensates you for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your accident.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter future similar conduct.
When is the best time to file for a slip and fall claim?
Injury victims in Florida have up to four years from the date of the accident to file a claim under the Florida statute of limitations. Even if four years appears to be enough time to file a claim for injuries, do not hesitate to begin the legal process right away. Time can fly by, and if you file after the four-year period has passed, the court will not hear your case.
Free Consultation Offer With Schrier Law Group Attorneys
It is difficult to build a strong case to seek compensation for your injuries after a slip and fall accident. Dealing with your injuries and the associated costs can be extremely stressful. You are not, however, alone. Schrier Law Group is a law firm in Florida that can assist you. Schrier has very capable attorneys who are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can assist you in evaluating your case, obtaining the necessary evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and acting on your behalf while you recover from your injuries. Schedule a free consultation with us today to review your case.
