Anyone who’s been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident knows that they’re no laughing matter. Slip and falls can be extremely painful and potentially deadly, resulting in life-threatening injuries. Even if you feel OK immediately after a slip-and-fall accident, your injuries can worsen and linger for a long time, causing intense pain and serious disabilities.
While some slip and falls are purely accidental, others are caused by the negligence of others.
Since 1992, Brooks Law Group has helped Tampa residents secure compensation after being injured in slip-and-fall accidents through no fault of their own. With our help, our clients have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries.
There’s no better time than now to learn how we can help. Call or fill out the form on our contact page for a free consultation with a proven Tampa slip-and-fall lawyer.
What Is a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
A slip-and-fall accident occurs when someone slips on a surface and falls to the ground. The nature and severity of the slip and fall may vary depending on a number of factors, such as where the accident took place, what kind of surface was involved, and what made the surface slippery. Some individuals might land on their side or fall forward after a slip-and-fall accident. In other cases, slip-and-fall accident victims land hard on their backs and their heads strike the surface.
Slip-and-fall accidents fall under the legal field of premises liability in Tampa, which concerns injuries that happen as a result of negligence by property owners. These kinds of accidents can occur almost anywhere, including at a residence, at a business, while walking down the street, and in public spaces. When property owners or managers are found to have acted negligently and caused a slip-and-fall accident, they can be held liable for those injuries.
Where Do Slip-and-Falls Occur in Tampa?
Because wet or slippery surfaces are the cause of many slip-and-fall accidents, these accidents can occur essentially anywhere. This is especially true in a wet state like Florida. Here are a few common places where slip-and-fall accidents tend to occur in Tampa.
- At home
- At work
- At stores or other businesses, especially larger stores like grocery stores
- Movie theaters
- Restaurants
- Public parks and playgrounds
- Sports stadiums
- Rental properties like apartment complexes, condos, and townhomes
- Amusement parks/theme parks
- Construction sites
- Swimming pools
- Parking lots
- Parking garages
- Assisted living facilities and nursing homes
- Escalators and elevators
Many of these locations are common spots where spilled liquids, the weather, or other factors can cause a surface to become slick. Other factors may include uneven surfaces, broken stairs, mislaid products or tools, or even poor lighting. Be cautious whenever you’re out walking to minimize your chance of slipping and falling.
Common Injuries from Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can cause serious injuries and long-lasting damage. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Bruises
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Loss of mobility
- Nerve damage
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Slip-and-Fall Injury Statistics
Here are a few key statistics to know about slip-and-fall accident injuries:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that there were 39,443 deaths from falls across the country in a single year.
- Other data from the CDC state that there were more than 10.5 million visits to the ER for fall-related injuries nationwide in another year.
- The CDC also reports that fall accidents are particularly common among those over age 65. A little over 25 percent of all Florida adults over age 65 have reported sustaining a fall injury.
Average Settlement Amounts for Slip-and-Fall Injuries
It’s difficult to estimate what the average settlement amount for a slip-and-fall accident will be. That’s because the circumstances for every accident are different.
The extent of the financial losses can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the cost of your medical bills, your lost wages, if your injuries resulted in a long-term disability, and whether you are found to have played a role in the accident.
While it’s hard to say what the average settlement amount for a slip-and-fall accident is, it’s easy to explain the types of losses you could be compensated for. These include:
- Medical bills: This includes the cost of any doctor’s visits, surgeries, prescription medications, lab work, diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays), hospitalization, rehabilitation, and transportation to and from any medical appointments. It also includes the cost of any ongoing care you might need as a result of the accident.
- Lost wages: A slip-and-fall accident could cause you to miss days or weeks of work as you recover from your injuries. These lost wages can add up to a substantial economic loss, which you can recoup through a slip and fall settlement.
- Lost earning capacity: Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may have a long-term disability after a slip-and-fall accident, making it difficult for you to earn a living. You can be compensated for lost future earnings in a successful slip and fall claim.
- Pain and suffering: While your pain from a slip-and-fall accident is more difficult to calculate, it’s still very real. Florida law allows you to seek compensation for your pain and suffering after an accident caused by someone else.
- Mental anguish: A serious slip-and-fall injury could make it difficult for you to enjoy activities you used to, diminishing your quality of life and causing other mental health complications.
Can I Sue for My Slip-and-Fall Injury in Tampa?
Florida law allows slip-and-fall accident victims to file a lawsuit against property owners and managers if they believe their injuries are the result of negligence. To successfully prove your case, you will have to show that the property owner or manager either knew about the hazardous condition that led to your injuries (or should have known about it) and that they failed to take appropriate steps to mitigate that hazard.
In personal injury lawsuits, Florida uses a pure comparative negligence rule to award compensation. This law allows accident victims to recover compensation even if they are found to be partially responsible for the accident that injured them. However, in cases where the fault is shared, the victim’s compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Let’s say that you sue someone for $100,000 after a slip-and-fall accident. You’re found to be 10 percent responsible for the incident. Because of Florida’s comparative negligence rule, your compensation will be reduced by 10 percent, or $10,000, in this example. Your ultimate settlement amount would be $90,000.
When Should I Contact a Tampa Slip-and-Fall Lawyer?
You should call a slip-and-fall lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Property owners may try to dodge liability for an accident by trying to hide or disguise evidence, but an attorney can work to ensure this evidence is preserved to build your case.
A lawyer can also handle all settlement negotiations with the insurance company for you. Once you file a claim, an adjuster will be assigned to investigate your case. It’s important to remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. They’ll be searching for ways to diminish your claim to compensation. A lawyer can protect your rights so that you are compensated fairly.
Watch Justin’s Slip and Fall Testimonial and how he got the care and compensation he deserved.
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