What To Do In a Slip and Fall Accident
Michael Babboni
Law
Slip and fall accidents are quite common in the world of personal injury. Before you fall victim to this type of accident, it is important to learn what a slip and fall is and what to do in the event it happens to you or a loved one.Most Common Slip and Fall Incidents
Many of the more common slip and fall incidents result from elevator or escalator accidents, malfunctioning equipment, poor and improper lighting, loose entryway mats, or wet floors with no wet floor signs.
What To Do
If you slip and fall, it can be embarrassing initially. However, you must take the proper steps following the accident, especially if you are injured.
• Seek prompt medical attention
• Ask for the manager of the location to file an incident report (make sure to obtain a copy)
• Collect the contact information of any witnesses
• Take photos of the scene and the surroundings, including your shoes
Common Slip and Fall Locations
Shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, movie theaters, grocery stores, and office building complexes are some of the more common slip and fall locations. All of these premises have the responsibility to keep the grounds safe. For example, if the floor is wet, a wet floor sign should be placed in the area, and the spill should be cleaned up immediately.
Additionally, pallets, carts, and boxes should never be left in the middle of the aisle where they can be tripped over. This is all the cause of foreseeable harm that can be avoided when proper safety precautions are taken.
Injuries Sustained from Slip and Falls
While many slip and fall injuries are minor, if the fall is severe enough, it can result in broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other significant damages.
If you were injured on someone else's property due to their neglignece, you should reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney to help you fight to recover damages.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations on a slip and fall case in Florida is four years. Florida law states that the victim of a slip and fall accident has up to four years from the date of the accident to file their claim. This law applies to all Florida personal injury claims.
Another important aspect to understand regarding Florida slip and fall cases is comparative negligence. Under comparative negligence, you can actually share fault for a slip and fall accident. Florida law recognizes that sometimes it is not just the property owner's fault. Sometimes the victim is also responsible for a portion of the accident; however, this doesn't mean you can't recover damages.
Filing Your Slip and Fall Claim in Florida
When filing your slip and fall claim in Florida, the first steps are the summons and complaint. You must state the facts of your claim, and these facts must be based on Florida's personal injury negligence laws. You must submit the appropriate documentation and evidence to the court and pay the filing fees involved to file your claim.
If you are unsure of the process and don't know how to proceed, hiring a personal injury attorney is in your best interest. They can help you navigate the process and ensure that all the right documentation and evidence is submitted for your claim.
If you have recently been involved in a slip and fall accident and sustained injuries, don't hesitate to file your claim for compensation today.