Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, any time. However, this does not shield property owners from liability if an accident happens on their premises. Property owners must remove certain hazards, seal off dangerous areas, or at least put up warning signs.
If you or a loved one suffered harm on another party’s property, whether public or private, you can pursue compensation. With the help of a Sebastian slip and fall accident lawyer, you can secure a settlement or court award for what you need. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine offers free, no-obligation case reviews.
Damages You Can Collect After a Slip and Fall Accident
The damages you or your family member could recover include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages, income, and other employment-related losses
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
- Emotional distress
The court may also award punitive damages. These types of damages are not aimed at compensating the injured party but instead, punishing the at-fault party for its negligence. During your free case evaluation, we can explore whether punitive damages are an option in your case.
You Can Recover These Damages If You Lost a Loved One
A wrongful death attorney can manage your case if you lost a loved one. Compensation can account for your loved one’s end-of-life healthcare costs, such as life support, hospice, and palliative care.
While you spend time with your loved ones, you can trust our team to seek:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of household benefits and parental guidance
- Your loved one’s lost income
- Funeral and burial expenses
The specific damages you can recover depend on your situation. So, you may recover additional losses than those listed here. We will do everything possible to resolve your case through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall accidents lawyer serving Sebastian, 800-747-3733
Florida’s Laws Will Apply to Your Case
Here are some laws that will apply to your slip and fall injury case:
The Burden of Proof Rests on You
Florida Statutes § 768.0755 notes that property owners bear liability for any injuries caused by transitory foreign substances. A transitory foreign substance is any object in a place where it does not belong. It can be a solid, liquid, or another hazard.
To prove that a property owner owes you compensation, you must establish:
- The property owner or manager had knowledge of the transitory foreign substance (or another hazard).
- The property owner or manager failed to address the hazard, either by removing it or putting up warning signs.
- You suffered harm because of a hazard on the property.
- As a result of being hurt, you have various related losses, including medical bills.
You Generally Have Two to Four Years To File Your Lawsuit
How long you have to file your slip and fall injury lawsuit generally rests on two things:
- Whether you personally suffered harm. If you’re the injured claimant, you could have four years to file your injury lawsuit, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a).
- Whether you lost a loved one. If you lost a loved one, you could have two years to file your wrongful death lawsuit, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a).
Some exceptions could alter your filing deadline. For instance, Florida Statutes § 95.051 notes that if you were injured as a minor, you could have additional time to file your lawsuit.
Florida Operates on a Comparative Negligence System
You might have heard that Florida’s a no-fault system – and that’s true. That basically means that you can pursue compensation:
- Regardless of who caused the accident
- Regardless of how much fault you share for the accident
Your role in the accident could diminish how much you can recover. So, for instance, suppose you slipped and fell at a public pool. You were chasing after your young child, and you fell on a crack on the deck.
Here, because you were running, you could share a portion of fault for what happened. However, it was the property owner’s responsibility to ensure a safe area for lawful guests. So, this would not bar you from seeking financial recovery for your losses.
SebastianSlip and Fall Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-747-3733
Steps to Take Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident in Sebastian, FL
Getting medical attention is the first thing you should do after suffering harm in a slip and fall. Receiving treatment makes it easier for doctors to determine the full extent of your injuries.
Some of the injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Bruises and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
In addition to seeking medical care, you should also consider:
Filing an Accident Report
Even if you suffered harm at a neighbor’s house, you should still file an accident report with the authorities. When making this report, you should make sure that its information matches your situation. For instance, make sure the time, date, and location of your fall are accurate.
Letting Your Lawyer Handle All Insurance Negotiations
You might be tempted to negotiate a settlement on your own with the liable insurance company. However, this could work against you. For instance, if you’re not sure what your case is worth, you could settle for less than you’re owed.
Your lawyer will fight for what you need by presenting your case’s evidence, asserting the cost of your damages, and protecting you from unfair negotiation tactics.
We Will Uncover the Cause of Your Slip and Fall Accident in Indian River County
After consulting with field experts, reviewing your case’s evidence, and getting your testimony, we may find that one or more of the following caused your accident:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Broken handrails
- Debris in a walkway
- Poorly-lit areas
- Cracks in tile or rips in carpet
- Exposed wires or cables
- Unanchored flooring
We can use security camera footage, the accident report, and eyewitness testimony to learn more about what caused your accident.
Begin a Free Case Review with our Slip and Fall Team Serving Sebastian
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine offers free case reviews to those interested in exploring their legal options. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a fall, dial 1-800-747-3733 to consult with our team. We’re ready to listen to your story and help you recover compensation.