Compensation for Negligence Claims in Trip, Slip and Fall Cases
A slip and fall is any accident where a person slips, trips, or falls due to a hazardous condition or uneven surface and sustains an injury. These accidents can occur anywhere. A spill on the floor, a crack in a sidewalk, or frayed carpeting can instantly change a victim’s life and family.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one out of five falls causes a serious injury, such as a fractured wrist, arm, ankle, or hip bone. Head trauma can be catastrophic, causing life-long disabilities or, in severe cases, loss of life. Other injuries may include paralysis, spinal cord damage, lacerations, sprains, and contusions. When another person’s negligence contributes to a slip and fall, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses.
The attorneys at Mapp & Parker, P.A. are available to answer any questions you may have regarding filing a claim for a slip and fall accident. Let our legal team skillfully navigate the legal system on your behalf while you dedicate yourself to rehabilitation and recovery from your injuries. If you are a family member that has lost a loved one, our compassionate attorneys can file a wrongful death claim. While a settlement or award can never replace losing a loved one, it can provide the financial security you need during this confusing and difficult time.
Common Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents:
- Workplaces
- Sidewalks
- Staircases
- Retail Stores
- Parking Lots
- Swimming Pool
- Theme Parks
- Shopping Malls
- Private Residences
- Apartment Buildings
- Hotels and Motels
- Entertainment Venues
- Medical Facilities
- Escalators and Elevators
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall
Your actions after a slip and fall can determine the outcome of your claim. To strengthen your case:
- You must report the incident to whoever is in charge of the property to document your fall.
- Take photographs at the accident scene immediately after the fall and before the evidence is gone or the hazardous condition is repaired.
- Do not dispose of the clothing and shoes you wore; document precisely how the slip and fall occurred while the details are fresh in your mind.
- Gather information from witnesses and never apologize or take any responsibility for the fall. It can shift the focus of responsibility onto the victim.
- Always seek a medical assessment as soon as possible, as your medical records are the foundation of your case.
- Finally, never sign anything, give a recorded statement, or discuss the accident with an insurance adjuster before speaking to a personal injury attorney.
Who May Be Named as a Defendant?
To initiate a slip and fall claim, the plaintiff must determine the party or parties responsible for the accident. If a property owner, legal occupier, or manager was negligent in maintaining the property and your accident was foreseeable, they may be liable for your injuries. Other liable parties may be government agencies or equipment manufacturers when a defect contributes to an accident. According to Florida’s premises liability law, property owners and operators must take reasonable care to ensure there are no potentially hazardous conditions. For example, if a grocery store fails to clean up a spill promptly, and you slip and fall, the store may be liable.
Comparative Negligence
Florida law recognizes comparative negligence. You can still recover damages if you have some culpability for your accident. However, your settlement or award is reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if a jury finds that you are 20 percent at fault for your accident, and the total damages awarded are $100,000, you will only recover $80,000.
Let Mapp & Parker, P.A. Accurately Assess Your Damages
Insurance companies often deny or minimize claims for slip and fall accidents. Our experienced legal team has successfully represented premises liability cases in Florida since 1996. You can be confident that our assessment of your damages is accurate and that we have the negotiation skills to get you a favorable settlement. When a claim goes to trial, we present a compelling case in a clear, concise, and convincing manner.
Contact Mapp & Parker, P.A. at 407-894-1285 to schedule a Free Consultation to discuss your legal options. Our law firm is located in Orlando, Florida, and we represent clients throughout Central Florida.
