According to slip and fall accident statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in five falls results in a serious injury, such as a head injury or broken bones. Over 800,000 people are hospitalized for fall-related injuries every year. And for people over 65, falling once doubles your chance of falling again.
Getting hurt in a slip and fall accident can leave victims with devastating injuries. In Florida, monetary compensation may be possible for victims if another party’s negligence contributed to their injuries.
Did you suffer injuries after a fall in Florida? The Tampa slip and fall accident attorneys at Brooks Law Group can investigate your case and demand maximum compensation from the liable party. Our aggressive legal team will pursue the money you deserve while you recover from your injuries. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Tampa
Some slips, trips, and falls are purely accidents. But others happen because someone else neglected to take proper precautions to keep others safe. When a slip and fall happens on someone else’s property, Florida law calls it a premises liability accident.
Some of the most common causes of Tampa slip and fall accidents include:
- Broken steps
- Uneven flooring
- Missing or rough patio stones
- Throw rugs
- Clutter
- Poor lighting
- Spills and puddles
- Cracked and uneven sidewalks
- Unsecured handrails
Property owners and managers are responsible for keeping their premises safe from all foreseeable hazards. When they fail in this responsibility, injured individuals may have grounds to file a slip and fall accident claim against them.
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Slip and Fall Accident Statistics in Tampa
According to data from the Florida Department of Health, falls are the leading cause of death in the state. They are also the top cause of non-fatal injury hospitalizations.
Consider these additional figures for Florida:
- More than 1,800 Hillsborough County residents died from falls in a recent decade. That’s an annual average of about 770 people.
- Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury and death for Florida residents over age 65. More than 3,000 seniors died in slip and fall accidents in a recent year.
- The median hospitalization admission charge for a non-fatal fall injury in Florida was $52,191 in a recent year. The median length of a hospital stay for fall-related injuries was four days.
- Males fell more frequently than females.
Nationwide slip and fall stats also show that:
- A fall is the most common cause of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Every year, 36 million older Americans fall. Three million of these individuals visit the emergency room for fall-related injuries.
- Around 32,000 older Americans die from falls each year.
- Slip and fall accidents specifically account for 1 million hospital visits and 12 percent of all falls annually.
- Slip and falls are the leading cause of days missed from work.
- Over 60 percent of nursing home residents will fall each year.
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
The most important thing to do after a slip-and-fall accident is to get medical treatment. You need to inform the owner or manager of the property of your injury. Doing this in writing will provide you with proof you notified them. Get a copy of a slip and fall incident report if you can.
If possible, you should also take photographs of the conditions that caused your fall and get the names and information of any witnesses.
Keep a record of your injuries and all bills related to the slip and fall accident. A daily diary documenting your pain and limitations as you heal can be valuable evidence in a slip and fall claim.
Finally, contact a Tampa slip and fall accident attorney. Premises liability cases are rarely as straightforward as they seem. A knowledgeable lawyer can review your case and determine whether you have a valid claim against the at-fault property owner.
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Slip and Fall Statistics and Your Legal Rights
Recovering compensation after a slip and fall injury can help account for your medical bills, lost income, decreased earning potential, pain and suffering, and other losses. But first, you have to prove your case.
To win your case, your lawyer will need to prove that someone was negligent and therefore responsible for the conditions that caused your injury, whether it happened at work, on public property, or on private property. All property owners must maintain their property to protect the health and well-being of anyone who legally visits it. Your lawyer can investigate the accident to determine whether you have grounds to file a premises liability claim against the responsible party.
It’s critical to file your slip and fall claim within the statute of limitations set by Florida law. You have four years from the date of the accident to take legal action. Don’t wait until the last minute to contact an attorney. Evidence deteriorates over time, and witness’ memories fade. A slip and fall lawyer can start working on your case right away and build the most persuasive claim possible.
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Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Tampa Today
Brooks Law Group will fight to get the money and justice you deserve if you suffered a slip, trip, or fall injury in the Tampa area. Contact us today to discuss your case and your concerns with an experienced Tampa slip and fall attorney. There’s no fee and no obligation.
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