Any damages resulting from a slip-and-fall accident are not to be taken lightly and could entitle you to compensation. While injuries vary, serious cases can result in nerve damage, head trauma, and broken bones. Not to mention the resulting pain and suffering which is the physical discomfort and emotional distress that may be compensated as a result of an accompanying injury. Severe slip, trip, and fall cases can leave victims with life-altering consequences due to negligence such as permanent brain damage, paralysis, or death. Slip-and-Fall cases are covered under negligence and tort law in the Florida statutes. The concept of tort law means that relief should be provided to an individual when they have suffered consequences as a result of the wrongful acts of others. Specifically, Florida Statute 768.0755 states “If a person slips and falls on a transitory foreign substance in a business establishment, the injured person must prove that the business establishment had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition and should have taken action to remedy it.”
How long do you have to report a slip and fall in Florida?
In Florida, you now have only two years from the date of an accident to report a slip and fall case. While it used to be four years, due to the new House Bill 837 signed on March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations has been cut in half to only two years for general negligence cases. This is the same statute of limitations that applies to all personal injury claims relating to negligence in Florida. While two years may seem like enough time, the sooner you file a slip-and-fall claim, the better it is for your case. Valuable evidence used to prove negligence may be lost each day that you wait to file a claim. It is also highly recommended to seek medical attention within 48 hours, either from a family doctor, walk-in clinic, or emergency room if necessary. Your health and well-being are of the utmost importance falling a slip, trip, or fall but additionally, medical documentation is necessary to help build your case. Any sort of delay in seeking medical care can even be used against you.
Should You File a Slip and Fall Claim?
If you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. The legal reasons for filing a slip and fall claim include holding the responsible party accountable for their negligence, obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, as well as preventing similar accidents from happening in the future.
Additionally, Florida law requires property owners to maintain a safe environment for visitors and guests. Failure to do so may make them liable for any injuries that occur on their property. You should file a Slip and Fall claim to help ensure you can fully recover from your injuries, including medical treatment and any other additional damage.
How Much Does a Slip and Fall Pay?
You may be wondering if it is worth the trouble to hire a Florida Personal Injury Attorney to help fight for your Slip and Fall case. If you have suffered injuries due to negligence, not only should you fight for better conditions but also so you can receive the financial compensation you deserve to fully recover. The average Slip and Fall personal injury case settlement is between $10,000 and $50,000. However, settlement payouts can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Factors that can affect the amount of compensation include the severity of injuries sustained, the extent of damages suffered, as well as the degree of negligence on the part of the property owner themselves. Slip and Fall victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain & suffering, and other accident-related damages.
Ultimately, each case is unique, that’s why you should contact our legal professionals to get a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers at Matthew Konekcy, P.A. can answer your questions and sort out the details of your unique case. Some injuries are greater than others, therefore some compensations are larger than others.
Common Causes of Slip, Trip, or Fall Accidents in Palm Beach Gardens
- Wet or slippery surfaces, such as freshly mopped floors or spilled liquids
- Uneven surfaces, such as cracks in the sidewalk or potholes in parking lots
- Cluttered or obstructed walkways, such as merchandise or equipment left in aisles
- Poor or inadequate lighting which may make it difficult to see potential hazards
- Loose or worn flooring which may create a tripping hazard
- Inadequate or lack of warning signs or barriers to warn and indicate potential hazards
- Defective or malfunctioning elevators or escalators, which may lead to falls or entrapment
These are just a few examples of some of the most common reasons for Slips, Trips, and Fall Accidents in Florida including Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach. It is important to know that there may be other factors involved which may affect how much compensation you may be entitled to due to an accident such as the ones above.
Should you get a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall Claim?
Slip & Fall Attorney in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Slip and fall, or trip and fall, accidents can result in serious injuries and can require the involvement of a Florida slip and fall attorney. Slip and Fall accidents happen every day in Florida all over Palm Beach County from Jupiter, to Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach.
Getting Help After a Slip, Trip, or Fall Accident in Palm Beach Gardens
It is crucial to know how to get help after suffering a slip and fall accident. First, if you have slipped and fallen, you should go seek medical treatment as soon as possible. It is important to ensure you keep all documents regarding medical treatment and/or seeing a doctor. Next, you should report the accident. It is also important to keep records, filing, and/or any other documentation from reporting the accident. These documents are crucial in order to fight your case in court. If anyone asks, you are allowed to decline to give any statements. Similarly, it is important not to post on social media. Insurance companies can and will use anything on your social media against you in your own case. Finally, call an experienced slip and fall attorney in Florida so you know about your rights and ensure your case is handled with care.
A personal injury lawyer’s goal is to get the client all the compensation to which they are entitled. Contact our Palm Beach Gardens office as soon as possible after your accident so we can get started on your claim right away.
