Slip and Fall Accident Attorney for Fort Lauderdale, FL
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to a painful slip and fall accident that was beyond their control, you deserve to work with a skilled legal team that will help you receive the compensation that you need. At Distefano Law LLC, located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we have a team of legal experts who will fight tirelessly for your case.
We understand that a slip and fall accident, no matter the severity, can limit your ability to work and enjoy your daily life as you heal from the injury. Additionally, the cost of the medical care you may need could put you at a huge disadvantage. Let a skilled slip and fall accident attorney be your helping hand during this time.
Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Anybody who owns property has a legal duty to ensure the safety of everyone on it. For a friendly and empathetic slip-and-fall accident lawyer that you can trust, connect with the team at Distefano LLC today. For more information, give us a call at (954)572-8000.
Premises liability is a particularly challenging branch of injury law, as proving negligence can be trying. The law requires proprietors comply with every public safety regulation, and failure to do so leaves victims with legal recourse to claim damages. However, most proprietors can afford the best legal team to fight claims.
Under the law, property owners must do everything in their power to free their premises of safety hazards. They have a legal obligation to maintain their properties, ensure adequate lighting, fix stairwells, replace torn carpeting, and even install slip-free tiles. If a quick fix is impossible, it has a duty to provide people with sufficient warning of danger, in a highly visible area that nobody will miss.
Legal Protection for Slip and Fall Victims in Florida
Florida protects your right to safety. If injured on someone else’s premises, you may be eligible to claim compensation for any damages it may cause you. According to the National Floor Safety Institute , slips and falls are the leading cause of hospital emergency room visits in the United States, and severe fractures are the most common resulting injuries.
Unfortunately, the elderly are the most vulnerable to slips and falls and the least likely to recover from them. Victims suffer broken hips, ankles, arms, wrists, and even spinal cords in the worst cases. Rehabilitation is often lengthy and expensive, and medical bills can quickly bankrupt entire families. You do not have to pay for this. If found at fault for your fall, the proprietor is legally liable.
Slip and fall injuries range in severity. Some recover quickly, with barely evidence of a scratch. Others are not so lucky. Traumatic brain injuries are common in slip and fall accidents, and permanent disability more widespread than most realize. Sadly, proprietors always blame victims for being unaware of their surroundings and never pay damages without a fight. This is where a lawyer can help.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida
You have the right to use any hotel, holiday rental, casino, or supermarket safely. The same applies to any property in Florida, including parking lots and your neighbor’s home. Owners have a duty to provide this safety, yet they frequently neglect to maintain their premises or warn visitors of potential dangers. Some of the most common slip and fall accidents occur because of the following inexcusable reasons:
Wet Floors
“Slippery when wet” signs exist for a reason. Wet floors are a leading cause of slip and fall accidents, and although proprietors must clean their premises regularly, they should schedule them during quiet times, such as after hours. If that is not possible, they must clearly warn guests of impending danger. If you slip on a wet floor and there was no sign anywhere about, you have legal grounds to sue for damages.
Incorrect Tiling
Not all tiles are suitable for outside installation. In uncovered parking areas, for example, tiles should be ridged, rough, or otherwise slip-free for safety in rainy conditions. The same is true around swimming pools. Owners have a legal obligation to install industry-standard tiling to prevent unforeseen injury in the parking lot or anywhere guests could slip in wet weather, or at the very least, warn of it.
Inadequate Lighting
People cannot see in the dark. If lighting is insufficient, the risk of slipping, tripping, and falling increases significantly. All lights should be fully functional and bright enough to enhance vision instead of hindering it. Badly lit corners and corridors make owners immediately liable for blinding and injuring visitors. Proprietors must fix lights, warn of broken ones, and clear the area of potential trip hazards.
Poor Maintenance
Broken stairwells, missing handrails, cracked or loose tiles, holes in the floor, and other wear and tear to the building requires immediate repair. Unfortunately, many proprietors fail to implement effective maintenance procedures and such problems go either unnoticed or simply neglected. If you slip and fall because of a fixable issue, then the proprietor is responsible for your medical bills and related damages.
Role of a Slip and Fall Attorney in Florida
To prove premises liability, you need evidence of your slip and fall. Photographs of the hazard are helpful, as are witnesses to the incident. Proving your injury the fault of the proprietor’s negligence requires some legal experience. You can fight your claim pro se, or without legal help, but expect the other party to rely on insurance adjusters and practiced lawyers to fight your every word.
Having a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights is not only wise, but also frequently necessary. The liable party will try to dismiss the severity of your injury, blame you for it, coerce you into admitting fault, and use every other legal trick they can find to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. A lawyer can fight these tactics and negotiate a fair settlement.