Slips and falls can happen anywhere, at any time and to anyone. From the mall to your place of work; from young to old, slip and fall accidents are more common and more serious than people think.
According to the World Health Organization, falls rank second as the leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide. The National Floor Safety Institute says over 8 million people visit the emergency room after a fall, representing 21.3% of total visits. Slips and falls, in particular, account for over 1 million visits, or 12% of total falls. Compensation and medical costs resulting from slip and fall accidents are estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually.
If you or a loved one are suffering from injuries from a slip and fall accident, contact a slip and fall lawyer in Fernandina Beach right away. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help. Call for a free consultation today: 1-800-747-3733.
Common Slip and Fall Hazards and Resulting Injuries
When it comes to slip and fall accidents, there is a multitude of potential hazards and causes, which occur in a variety of environments. Some of the more common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet, slippery surfaces, such as a spill, freshly waxed floors or a water leak
- Property not maintained correctly, such as potholes in a parking lot
- Uneven floor or broken sidewalk
- Cluttered work areas
- Extension cords
- Unmarked obstacles, such as a step or curb
- Stairs or steps without handrails
- Poorly lit walkways
- Inadequate or missing signage
- Building and safety code violations
Injuries related to slip and fall accidents can be moderate to severe. They include sprains and strains, dislocated joints, broken bones, head trauma, or neck, back, or spinal cord injury. The injuries do not have to be severe to dramatically affect a victim’s life, however. Even fractures attribute to decreased mobility, problems with balance and loss of muscle strength.
Lost wages, out of pocket expenses, pain and suffering, reduced quality of life are just some of the damages you could pursue after a slip and fall.
If you or a loved one is a victim of a slip and fall accident, contact a slip and fall lawyer in Fernandina Beach as soon as possible. The slip and fall accident lawyers in Fernandina Beach at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help. For a free consultation call us today: 1-800-747-3733.
Establishing Liability
Managing the aftermath of a slip and fall accident can be complex and daunting. While getting the appropriate medical care is a priority for the victim, it is also essential to get professional help navigating the process of determining who is liable for the accident. You do not have to do it alone. Proving liability is a complicated process. Often, victims are unaware of their rights and are unfairly handled by the property owner or manager, as they commonly deny any wrongdoing.
If you or a loved one are suffering from injuries from a slip and fall accident, contact a slip and fall lawyer in Fernandina Beach right away. We can guide you through the process. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a free consultation today: 1-800-747-3733.
Florida premises liability law states that property owners are required to maintain their property properly. This means that it must be reasonably safe and hazard free for those who visit. That said, if the property owner or manager is aware, or should have been aware of a potentially unsafe environment, they must take action to correct it immediately.
Once it is determined that a property owner or manager is liable for damages, the next step is to prove their negligence. Four elements of negligence must be proven in a slip and fall accident suit:
- Duty of care — A property owner had a legal obligation to ensure the premises remain free of dangers or hazards. For example, a property manager should provide a railing for an inclined/declined walkway.
- Breach of duty — A property owner failed to fulfill his duty of care and did not prevent a potentially hazardous condition to exist on the premises. A property owner did not fill a pothole in your parking lot.
- Causation — The hazard was the cause of your slip and fall and, consequently, the cause of your injuries. A supermarket cleaned the floors without identifying the area as wet, causing you to break your ankle.
- Damages — Measurable damages were sustained. Your injury required time off of work, surgery and physical therapy.
If you or a loved one are a victim of a slip and fall accident, contact a slip and fall lawyer in Fernandina Beach right away. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine have experts to guide you through this difficult time. For a free consultation call us today: 1-800-747-3733.
There Is Limited Time To Pursue Damages
If you or a loved one is suffering from a slip and fall injury, it is imperative that you contact a slip and fall lawyer in Fernandina Beach right away. In the state of Florida, victims have only four years from the date of their accident to hold the liable party responsible.
Building a strong case takes time. Witnesses must be interviewed, and evidence must be gathered and analyzed. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, our slip and fall lawyers can guide you through the complexities of the personal injury process. We understand your situation and are ready to help.
Known for our availability and responsiveness, we provide our clients with 24/7 access to our team. For a free consultation and your best chance to recover damages you deserve, call 1-800-747-3733 today.