High Springs Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
People fall and suffer injuries every day in High Springs, Florida. Slip and fall accidents often happen because business owners and property owners ignore safety codes, standards, guidelines. When this occurs, accident victims may have a claim for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The High Springs slip and fall accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A. have more than 70 years of combined experience handling premises liability claims. We handle personal injury claims throughout north central Florida, including Alachua County and Marion County.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact us immediately to discuss your legal rights and options.
How Will a Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Me After an Accident in High Springs?
A slip and fall accident ordinarily occurs in a public establishment, such as a grocery store, retail store, or an airport. Under Florida law, owners of such premises have a duty to keep their areas reasonably safe. The High Springs personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A. understand the unique elements of Florida slip and fall accident claims.
When you hire our law firm for your premises liability case, you can expect our team to:
- Listen closely to your experience so we understand how your injuries have affected you
- Thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident, consulting with independent investigators and professionals when necessary
- Preserve all evidence, including law enforcement reports, scene photographs, surveillance videos and witness statements
- Negotiate with the property owner, insurance companies, and opposing legal counsels
- Work with experts to calculate damages
Our High Springs personal injury lawyers are aggressive advocates, with a long history of successful case results. Insurance companies know we have the skills and resources to take cases to trial. We prepare to take every case before a judge, which often helps us secure a maximum settlement outside of court.
It is important that you speak to a Florida slip and fall accident attorney after an accident in High Springs. Contact us to discuss your case before you accept any compensation from the premises owner or their insurance company for your injuries.
How Common Are Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
Slip and fall accidents occur every day in Florida. Indeed, falls account for one-third of non-fatal injuries across the country. For individuals ages 65 and older, falls are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injury in Florida. In fact, falls accounted for 62 percent of traumatic brain injury deaths and 84 percent of traumatic brain injury hospitalizations among this demographic.
Overview of Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
Older adults are more likely to break a bone as a result of falling. However, from a legal standpoint, your age or health will never preclude you from pursuing a claim.
Some common slip and fall accident injuries are:
- Head injuries
- Back and spine injuries
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones.
Wrist, ankle, and hip fractures are the most commonly broken bones in slip and fall accidents.. Regardless of what type of injury you suffer, you have the right to seek compensation if you were injured due to the negligence of a property or business owner,
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
Visiting our website and learning more about your legal rights is an important first step in recovering the compensation you’re entitled to.
We recommend taking the following steps following your accident:
- Get medical treatment: Seeing a doctor as quickly as possible following an accident is critical. Even if you feel okay, some injuries like head and brain injuries and whiplash injuries may not be clear. It is also important to have documented medical treatment for your personal injury claim.
- Report your accident: You need to report the accident to the appropriate party. This could be the property owner, property manager, landlord, store manager, supervisor, or security guard. You should submit a report in writing and keep copies of the report.
- Gather evidence: Keep photos from the accident scene, contact information for witnesses, and proof of your doctor visits and expenses.
- Keep an injury and pain injury journal: Note how your injuries have impacted you physically and emotionally. In other words, how have your injuries changed your life? Are you facing complications or problems with recovery?
- Do not speak with the insurance company: Do not give a recorded statement or speculate on fault with the insurance company. Do not sign any release for a settlement offer without having a lawyer review it first.
- Do not post on social media until after your case is settled: Do not comment about your case, injury, or recovery on social media – even if your profile is set to private. Even a group photo of you enjoying an activity with friends could undermine elements of your claim. We recommend staying off social media throughout the duration of your lawsuit.
- Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible: Once you hire a lawyer, they can communicate with the insurance company and the other party’s legal counsel.
The experienced attorneys at Allen Law Firm, P.A. will hit the ground running with your case. We will do everything necessary to protect your legal rights and recover the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Importantly, we do not charge legal fees for our representation unless we recover a settlement or judgment on your behalf.
What Causes Most Slip and Fall Accident Injuries in Florida?
Property owners and businesses must regularly inspect their properties and remove hazards. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.
Some of the dangerous conditions that can lead to slip and fall accident are:
- Wet or oily surfaces
- Spills (wet or dry)
- Poor lighting / failure to replace burned-out light bulbs
- Loose cords or wires
- Debris left in traffic
- Broken or unstable stair handrails
- Improper installation of flooring materials
- Uneven or damaged floor surfaces
- Unanchored rugs or mats.
After a slip and fall accident, a dangerous condition will likely be removed or altered. Evidence can be destroyed in seconds: a loose cord can be put away, a light bulb can be replaced, or an unanchored rug can be removed. Preserving evidence, such as a photo or video of the hazard, is vital to your case.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida?
If you are going to recover compensation after a slip and fall accident, it will be necessary to establish the property owner or business owner was negligent. However, proving that a property or business owner was negligent can be extremely challenging.
To satisfy the elements of a premises liability claim, you must prove:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care
- The property owner breached their duty of care
- The property owner’s breach of duty of care caused your injuries
- You suffered damages (physical injury, emotional suffering, medical bills, etc.)
In Florida, slip and fall accident victims must also prove that the owner had actual or constructive knowledge of a transitory substance if that caused their fall.
Even if you believe the property owner is entirely responsible for your accident, without evidence, it may be impossible. The property owner and their insurance company may try to blame you for your own injuries, such as suggesting you were distracted by your phone and not paying attention.
A skilled and competent Florida personal injury lawyer can help you to prove the elements of your claim, defend you against blame, and determine the amount of compensation that you are entitled to recover.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida?
Florida Statutes section 95.11(3)(a) establishes Florida’s time limits for filing a personal injury claim. Although there are exceptions for injuries involving minors, the law requires most individuals to file a lawsuit within four years of the date of their injury.
Although Florida has a longer window to file a lawsuit than other states, it is always advisable to speak with an injury lawyer as soon as possible. Once the deadline passes, you will lose your right to recover damages.
Get a Free Consultation with a High Springs Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
If you would like to speak with a lawyer about a potential slip and fall case, contact the High Springs personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A. We can review your case to determine if you have a claim for compensation. If we represent you, we will fight to get the money you are owed. Do not wait to speak with an accident attorney. Contact us today to arrange a free phone or video consultation.
