Were you recently injured in a slip and fall accident in Belle Glade, FL? Our experienced Belle Glade slip and fall lawyers at Shiner Law Group are ready to help fight for your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (561) 981-8338 to speak with an attorney for a 100% free consultation.
You may be entitled to seek compensation for medical bills, loss of income, pain, and suffering, and more. Contact our Belle Glade, FL law offices to discuss the legal options that might be available to you following your slip and fall accident. The next steps are very important. Let Shiner Law Group help you with your slip and fall accident case today.
Were You Injured in a Fall Accident in Belle Glade?
Slip and fall accidents may happen any time when least expected. They are often minor incidents, but sometimes they can be severe, resulting in severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and even death. In such a situation, the victims and their families may not know what steps to take to cope with the financial burden of ongoing medical treatments and the pain and suffering. This is when it may help to seek legal representation from an experienced Belle Glade slip and fall lawyer.
At Shiner Law Group, we are strongly committed to helping victims seek justice. Our knowledgeable and seasoned Belle Glade slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your rights under Florida law and pursue your case relentlessly, ensuring that you get fairly compensated.
We have been fighting for slip and fall accident and trip and fall injury victims on the premises of individuals, businesses, and the government for years. We can help you too. Schedule a free and no-obligation consultation with us today.
Belle Glade Slip and Fall Statistics and Facts
Many victims don’t know how common slip and fall accidents are and how costly they can be. Here is a quick overview of some crucial slip and fall statistics and facts to help you understand that you’re not alone; and why filing a claim is essential:
According to the National Floor and Safety Institute (NFSI), over 1 million individuals go to the ER for severe injuries sustained in accidents caused by slip and fall annually. Likewise, CDC reports that, on average, a slip and fall accident may cost the victim approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Also, did you know that:
- There is a 5% chance of breaking a bone in a slip and fall accident, and 20 to 30 percent of incidents may result in severe injuries.
- Unfortunately, 1/3 of the adults aged 65 and above fall annually.
- Falls are responsible for nearly 95 percent of hip fractures.
- A slip and fall accident is likely to result in an average of eleven days of lost workdays.
Contact us today if you’ve sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident in Belle Glade, Florida, due to the property owner’s negligence or carelessness. Our experienced and compassionate Belle Glade slip and fall lawyer will investigate your case in-depth, research the property owner’s history, and collect evidence that proves your claim and get you rightfully compensated. We will go above and beyond to get you justice and maximum compensation to cope with the losses incurred by an at-fault party.
Leading Causes for Belle Glade Slip and Fall Accidents
Accidents involving slip and fall can occur from various circumstances—where many of them may have been preventable had the property owner been responsible and not negligent of their duty of care. Property owners and operators are responsible for maintaining their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail to fulfill their responsibility, they can be held liable. Hence, such accidents are grounds for slip and fall lawsuits.
In Belle Glade, some of the top causes for slip and fall accidents include:
Wet and Slippery Floors
Whether it is a home or office, floors need proper cleaning. When mopped and waxed, floors can get slippery. The property owner’s responsibility is to ensure that the people don’t walk on slippery floors until dry to prevent slips and falls. Failure to do so can make them liable for resulting injuries.
Weather
These conditions can easily be tracked indoors if it is wet outside because of heavy rain or a hail storm. Therefore, a property owner must take extraordinary measures to ensure their floor and entryways remain dry or warn the people on their premises about the wet floor conditions.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can pose a high risk, especially in the dark. People are vulnerable to slip and fall accidents on practically all types of surfaces, especially when they can’t see. So though a surface may not be dangerous in broad daylight, it can nonetheless be perilous at night in poor lighting. This includes areas like poolside, walkways, garages, and stairwells.
Defective Hand Rails
People rely on handrails to climb the stairs in many places like shopping malls, apartment complexes, hotels, and parking garages. Therefore, a defective guardrail can put their safety at risk. As a result, they can lose their balance or grip and fall.
Tripping Hazards
Cracked sidewalks, messy wires and cords in offices, and loose carpets can pose people on the premises risk of tripping hazards. For example, all the devices that make modern businesses run efficiently, like phones, fax machines, and computers, come with a bevy of cable-related tripping hazards if left unorganized. The unruly wires that crawl around the office premises are indeed a tripping accident waiting to happen. In such as situation, business owners can be held responsible because it is their responsibility to provide employees with a safe workplace environment.
Severe Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents in Belle Glade
The extent and type of injuries from slip and fall accidents usually depend on factors like:
- The age of the person who fell
- The type of surface
- The severity of the fall
Nonetheless, the injuries from such accidents can range from minor aches to catastrophic injuries. According to Mayoclinic.org, falls are the top contributors to TBI (traumatic brain injuries). Apart from TBI, other severe injuries from a slip and fall accident include:
- Broken bones
- Hip fractures
- Spinal damage
- Nerve damage
- Cuts and bruises
- Knee damage
- Sprained wrists and ankles
- Shoulder dislocation
- Muscle strains
Severe injuries caused by a slip and fall accident can result in hospitalization and sometimes even require multiple surgeries. This can further result in an ongoing out-of-pocket cost—putting a heavy financial burden on you and your loved ones. Hence, it is advisable to seek legal representation from us.
Our seasoned Belle Glade slip and fall lawyer at Shiner Law Group will handle all aspects of your case while you can focus on your recovery without any stress. We will ensure that you get financially compensated for the losses and injuries sustained. Our goal is to ease you from the financial burden and set you on the road to recovery. And this is precisely why we work on a contingency basis. We don’t charge you a single dime as a legal fee until we get you compensated.
What can you get Compensated for if you File a Slip And Fall Lawsuit?
Although the amount of compensation that you may receive varies depending on the severity of your injuries and case representation, the compensation that you can be awarded include:
- Medical expenses (ambulance, doctor visits, hospital stays, and other related healthcare expenses) Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations
Florida Statutes §95-11(3)(a) requires slip and fall accidents to be filed within four (4) years of the date of the accident. If you fail to file a claim within the stated timeframe, your case may be dismissed and hence, barred from recovering any damages whatsoever.
Florida Statutes Regarding Slip and Fall Accidents in Belle Glade
Numerous statutes relate to slip and fall accidents. Some statutes often cited include:
Florida Statute 768.0425 (1)
It pertains to claiming damages in actions against property owners for sustained injuries due to negligence or wrongdoing.
Florida Statute 768.0755 (1)
It focuses on premises liability for transitory or foreign substances on a commercial property. For example, if an individual slips and falls on a foreign substance in a retail establishment, the victim must prove that the business establishment had constructive or actual knowledge of the dangerous situation.
Florida Statute 768.10
It relates to the pits and holes left open. It is not lawful for residential or commercial property owners to leave open any pit or other hole outside an enclosure greater than 2 feet depth and breadth.
Proving Negligence For a Slip and Fall Accident
Though property owners are obligated by law to keep their premises safe for guests, employees, and customers, the plaintiff must prove the defendant’s negligence to recover compensation for damages.
The necessary elements to prove are:
- The defendant/property owner had a duty of care to provide a safe environment.
- This duty of care was breached (for example, slippery floor or ripped carpeting caused you to slip and fall).
- The injuries were caused due to the property owner’s negligence, as the accident could have been prevented had they fulfilled their duty of care.
- You now have physical, emotional, and financial damages.
This is where legal assistance is crucial. Our slip and fall lawyer in Belle Glade can win you fair compensation by building a compelling case with relevant pieces of evidence that show how your slip and fall accident occurred and how the defendant is liable for the injuries incurred. Give us a chance to assist you.
Belle Glade Slip and Fall Accident FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from slip and fall accident victims and their families to our Belle Glade slip and fall lawyer. Browse through them; you might find your answer here. If you don’t, feel free to contact us. Our lawyer will answer all your questions with complete satisfaction.
What to do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
Seek Medical Assistance Right Away
If you’re severely injured in a slip and fall accident that requires emergency medical attention, call 911. Get the necessary medical treatment right away. Get a proper checkup because injuries like sprains and internal bleeding can take days or weeks to manifest. You may not be compensated for the injuries reported later. The insurance company may argue and defend their stance as the injuries may have been caused by another accident.
Remember that timely diagnosis and medical treatment can save your life and ensure that you get compensated for all injuries sustained.
Report the Accident
Always report the accident to the property owner. Failure to do so can lower your chances of securing compensation. By law, you are obligated to file a basic report stating that you were injured with specific details, including time, date, and location. However, if you are unsure or not medically fit to file a report, contact us. We can handle the process on your behalf.
Hire a Lawyer for Evidence Collection and Case Representation
Make sure to hire an experienced lawyer as soon as you get severely injured. This is crucial for many reasons. Here are some:
- Severe injuries come with a substantial medical expense which can put a big dent in your pocket if you don’t file a claim and get compensated.
- To ensure fair and full compensation, you need the expertise of a professional who can work relentlessly on your case, which you can’t because of your injuries.
- Your lawyer will promptly collect all the necessary evidence from the accident scene to establish a strong liability case, thereby increasing your chances of getting compensated.
Should I Contact The Insurance Company?
It is crucial to understand that insurance companies are focused on limiting their liability. Therefore, whatever you say or statements you make can be manipulated and used against you, further limiting your chances of fair compensation. Hence, let your lawyer interact with the insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement.
What if I Slip and Fall at Work?
A worker’s exclusive remedy for compensation against an employer is the worker’s compensation. However, there can be grounds for 3rd party liability claims against the at-fault party. Your lawyer can help explain your options and suggest the best plan of action for your situation.
Can I Post About My Accident on Social media?
Quick answer, no. You may feel it’s important to let your loved ones on social media know that you’ve survived a horrific accident and share pictures. However, from a legal standpoint, this can reduce your opportunity to get total compensation. This is because the defendant’s lawyer or insurance companies will be monitoring your social media accounts, searching for ways to disprove the legitimacy of your claim and injuries. They may twist the information on your social media account to limit their liability. Hence, it’s best to refrain from all social media activities.
Belle Glade Slip and Fall Lawyer Review
Belle Glade Slip and Fall Accident Law Office
Shiner Law Group
1200 S Main St Suite 102B
Belle Glade, FL 33430
