Help for Preventable Accidents: Slips & Falls
Slip and fall accidents are personal injury cases under the umbrella of premises liability claims. When a slip and fall is due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A broken handrail or a spill on the floor can lead to a dangerous fall. Situations like these are preventable, and our law firm works to hold property owners and managers responsible for their actions.
Whatever the cause of your slip and fall accident, you are within your rights to seek counsel and take legal action. At The Davies Law Firm, LLC, we can help determine if you have a potential claim. Our legal team holds negligent parties responsible by fighting for compensation for medical bills and other damages. Attorney Kathleen Davies brings years of negotiation and civil litigation experience to your slip and fall case, with a track record of countless successful results on behalf of victims.
Conditions that Contribute to Slip and Fall Cases:
- Poor lighting
- Uneven surfaces
- Broken handrails or staircases
- Ripped carpet
- Lack of signage
- Cluttered walkways
- Spills or wet floors
- Construction debris
- Cracks in sidewalks and potholes
- Electrical cords
A range of injuries can occur in a slip and fall accident, causing temporary or permanently disabling injuries. In severe cases, the outcome can be fatal. Some common injuries are fractures, traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal cord injuries, paralysis, lacerations, sprains, strains, and contusions. Any of these injuries can cause chronic pain with debilitating consequences.
Primary factors in determining the valuation of an accident are the nature and extent of the injury and the plaintiff’s ability to earn a living. Other determinants are pre-existing medical conditions and culpability on the victim’s part. Under the comparative negligence rule in Florida, a plaintiff is not barred from compensation if they are partially at fault for the injury. However, a settlement or award may be reduced to reflect their role in the injury.
At The Davies Law Firm, LLC, We Get Results
Established businesses generally carry adequate insurance coverage to pay for damages incurred. While most slip and fall cases settle out of court, The Davies Law Firm, LLC, is always prepared to present a compelling case in the courtroom when a fair settlement is not reached. Attorney Kathleen Davies is a former prosecutor. She has tried cases on both sides of the courtroom and has excellent insight into the courtroom process. She readily identifies weaknesses in a defendant’s argument to strengthen a plaintiff’s case.
Places Where Slip and Fall Accidents Frequently Occur:
- Apartment complexes
- Retail stores
- Schools & churches
- Theme and amusement parks
- Workplaces
- Construction sites
- Public venues and parks
- Shopping malls
- Parking lots
- Residential homes
- Restaurants and bars
- Swimming pools
- Escalators and elevators
Proving Negligence
To succeed in a slip and fall case, the burden of proof rests with the plaintiff. At The Davies Law Firm, LLC, we collaborate with our clients to establish the defendant’s negligence in causing or contributing to a fall. We must prove that the premises are owned or legally operated by the defendant, the defendant knew or was reasonably aware of the hazard, they failed to remedy or warn the plaintiff about the dangerous condition, and it resulted in the plaintiff’s injuries and compensable losses.
How to Proceed After a Slip and Fall
If you are the victim of a slip and fall, you must report it at the location of the incident. Seek medical help immediately, as serious injuries, such as head trauma and internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Refusing a medical assessment puts your life and your lawsuit at risk. Gather witness information, if possible, and photograph the scene before the evidence is removed. Record the details of the incident while it is fresh in your mind and save any clothes or shoes you were wearing. Keep a journal of how you are feeling during your recovery and what activities of daily living are affected. All of this information will help to build a solid case.
Contact a Caring Personal Injury Attorney
At The Davies Law Firm, LLC, we understand your challenges after a slip and fall accident. As you recover, you are under the strain of financial and emotional hardships such as medical bills, loss of wages, possibly being unable to earn a future living, and pain and suffering. Contact The Davies Law Firm, LLC, to schedule a Free Consultation at 855-688–4713. We are available to speak with you during and after business hours whenever you need us most. Our office is located in Cocoa, Florida, and we represent clients in Brevard, Osceola, Seminole, and Orange Counties.