St Petersburg Slip And Fall Lawyer
Slip-and-fall accidents are common. Reports show that over 2,000 Americans visit the hospital daily due to slip-and-fall accidents. Over 8,000,000 hospital emergency room visits are slip-and-fall accident-related, which is an alarming number.
If you sustain an injury in a slip-and-fall accident because of a negligent act, you may be eligible for compensation. Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, represents victims injured while on another’s property.
Our personal injury lawyers who handle slip-and-fall accidents in St. Petersburg will carefully review your case and gather the needed evidence to build a strong case, helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to understand your options.
Common Causes of Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Different hazards on a property can lead to a slip-and-fall accident. Common ones include:
Wet or Slippery Floors
A wet or slippery surface reduces friction between one’s feet and the floor. You are more likely to lose footing and fall on such a surface. For example, you may slide on a spill in a grocery store. Other elements that result in a wet or slippery floor include rain, snow, recently mopped or waxed floors, leaking pipes, and leaks from faulty appliances.
Missing Handrails
Handrails on a staircase are vital, as they offer balance and support. Someone with mobility issues or carrying items needs to use handrails to avoid an accident.
Uneven or Poorly Maintained Sidewalks
When walking on an uneven sidewalk, perhaps due to poor installation, tree roots, soil erosion, or weather-related factors, one may lose their balance and fall. Poorly maintained sidewalks with tripping hazards, such as cracks, fallen branches, or overgrown vegetation, are also dangerous.
Loose Floorboards
Floorboards can loosen over time because of changes in moisture and temperature. If you step on a loose floorboard, it can shift or rise unexpectedly, causing you to fall.
Loose or Bulging Carpeting
A loose or bulging carpet is caused by improper installation, moisture, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, inadequate maintenance, and heavy furniture. It’s easier to lose footing when you walk on a loose or bulging carpet because the surface is uneven.
Inadequate Lighting
Walking in a poorly lit area makes it difficult for someone to see potential tripping hazards, increasing the risk of falling. Inadequate lighting on a staircase can also result in someone misjudging the depth or width of steps.
Obstacles or Debris in Walkways
Clutter in walkways creates tripping hazards. Boxes, merchandise, supplies, cables, and dropped items left in walkways are dangerous.
Lack of Warning Signs
A property should alert individuals of potential hazards. If you are in a grocery store that has recently been mopped, there should be a wet floor sign. You should also be warned of uneven floors, spills, and ongoing maintenance.
Common Injuries From Slip-And-Fall Accidents
A slip-and-fall accident can result in different injuries, such as:
Deep Cuts and Bruising
The force of impact on the body when you fall can cause small blood vessels under the skin to rupture (bruising). Rough surfaces or sharp edges on an object can cut the skin.
Fractured Hips and Other Bones
If you land on the side when you fall, the force of impact may fracture your hip. You may also break other bones. For example, you may fracture your arm(s) if you try to catch yourself with outstretched arms.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
If you hit your head upon falling, or the force of impact of a fall causes your head to move violently, you may suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Spinal Cord Injuries
When the force of impact is directed at the spine, it can result in fractures, dislocations, or compression of the vertebra that surrounds the spinal cord.
Soft Tissue Injuries
A slip-and-fall accident can impact the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions.
Besides the above-discussed injuries, you may also suffer mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues can result in long-term effects, such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoiding elements that led to the fall, reduced quality of life, and loss of interest in activities.
Industries Our Slip-And-Fall Services Cover
Our slip-and-fall lawyers handle cases from different industries. These include:
Retail Establishments
Many slip-and-fall cases in retail stores stem from wet or slippery floors, uneven floors, clutter in walkways, and poor lighting. If you are injured in such a circumstance, we will gather adequate evidence to prove the establishment was negligent.
Residential Properties
Slip-and-fall accidents in residential properties mostly occur because of slippery surfaces caused by weather conditions, loose or bulging carpeting, poor lighting, obstacles in walkways, and missing handrails. Our slip-and-fall accident attorneys will learn more about your case, including the reason for being on the property, to determine the best way forward.
Nursing Homes
Residents and visitors in nursing homes are at high risk of falling when hazardous conditions are present, such as wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, lack of or inadequate handrails, defective wheelchairs, clutter, incorrect bed height, and insufficient staff to provide supervision. We will investigate the case to determine the responsible parties.
Hotels and Restaurants
Hotels and restaurants can face a slip-and-fall lawsuit if they fail to eliminate hazardous conditions, like wet or slippery surfaces, uneven floors, inadequate lighting, food and drink spills, and clutter in walkways. Our lawyers will evaluate your case, gather evidence, determine liability, and negotiate a fair settlement.
Why Choose Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys?
If you are involved in a slip-and-fall accident, Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, will represent your interests. We are an experienced law firm with a track record in slip-and-fall cases. Our best slip-and-fall attorneys have helped clients recover hundreds of thousands of dollars for the damages they incurred.
When you work with us, we will give you personalized attention. Our team will communicate effectively with you to keep you informed about the case. Additionally, our resources and investigative capabilities make our St. Petersburg slip-and-fall law firm stand out. We will investigate your case in-depth to obtain adequate information and evidence.
Who Is Liable in a Slip-And-Fall Case?
Slip-and-fall cases are closely linked to premise liability cases because they both involve a dangerous condition on a property, but they are approached differently. One of the ways they differ is how liability is determined. In a slip-and-fall case, any party who fails to maintain a safe environment can be held liable, including:
Property Owners (Residential or Commercial)
If a residential or commercial property owner fails to remove a hazardous condition on their property, and someone slips and falls as a result, they may have to compensate the injured victim.
Property Management Companies
Property management companies owe a duty of care to tenants and visitors. If a company fails to repair staircases, replace loose railings, or warn of dangers, it can be responsible for an accident that occurs.
Business Owners
If you slip and fall in an office building due to a spill or wet floors that you were not warned about, the business owner may need to compensate you.
Government Entities
A government entity that acts negligently can be responsible for a slip-and-fall accident that happens because of such negligence. For example, when a respective government entity fails to address an icy sidewalk.
Maintenance Companies
If a maintenance company hired to mop or wax floors on a property fails to adequately warn visitors, it can be held liable if a slip-and-fall accident occurs.
In some cases, multiple parties can be held liable. For instance, when a property management company acts negligently, the property owner may also be held liable. A store owner and maintenance company may also both be answerable when a hazardous condition endangers a visitor.
What To Do After a Slip-And-Fall Accident in St. Petersburg
What you do after being involved in a slip-and-fall accident is crucial. Here is what to do:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- If medical attention can be delayed, document the scene before anything changes. Take photos and videos and collect witness information. If your injuries are severe, ask someone to help you document the scene, so you can get medical help. Don’t forget to get their contact details.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager to establish a record.
- Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel. They may use your statements against you.
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a slip-and-fall accident claim. Thus, it’s crucial to have the right team to help you with the process and paperwork. Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now to protect your rights.
What Damages Can St. Petersburg Slip-And-Fall Victims Recover?
The amount of damages to recover in a slip-and-fall accident is determined by considering economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are actual financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages, whereas non-economic damages are non-monetary losses, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
FAQs
What if the Property Owner Claims You Were Partially at Fault?
The property owner needs to prove you were partially at fault. Even if they do, you can still be compensated, but the amount you recover might be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Thus, being partially at fault doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be compensated.
How Much Are Most Slip-And-Fall Settlements?
The settlement you receive in a slip-and-fall claim depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, financial losses, level of non-monetary losses, percentage of fault, and the specific circumstances of the accident.
Are Slip-And-Fall Cases Hard To Win?
Slip-and-fall cases can be challenging to win, as you need to prove the defendant created the hazardous condition, and knew or should have known about it. Nonetheless, obtaining adequate information and gathering solid evidence can make your work more manageable.
Can You Still File a Slip-And-Fall Injury Claim if Warning Signs Were Present?
Yes. While a warning sign can be a defense for the defendant, you can question their effectiveness, or prove the property owner failed to address the hazardous condition on time.
Contact Our Experienced St. Petersburg Slip-And-Fall Lawyers Today
Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, is committed to fighting for injured slip-and-fall victims. Our team gives cases the utmost attention to provide the best legal representation. We help clients receive just slip-and-fall settlements. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your case.
Contact us today to get started.
Sources:
FLA. STAT. § 95.11. (2018).
Slip & Fall Quick Facts. (n.d.).Traumatic Brain Injury. (2021).
About Jack G. Bernstein Esq.
Personal Injury Lawyer
For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein has protected the rights of individuals who have been injured in a variety of circumstances. Throughout his career, Bernstein has been a strategist thoroughly dedicated to the idea of protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Bernstein is a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association and the Clearwater Bar Association.
Mr. Bernstein has the experience and expertise to handle a wide range of injury cases. Among the types of plaintiffs Mr. Bernstein represents are individuals involved in car accidents caused by drunk drivers or other exhibiting negligence, medical complications resulting from carelessness caused by a physician or a medical facility, including brain injury, bicycle, motorcycle, moped and truck accidents, admiralty law and cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, all types of wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury, catastrophic occurrences and legal malpractice issues.
Our firm handles every type of personal injury and accident case, using negotiation and litigation tactics effectively. We handle cases throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, we have the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.
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