Have You Recently Been Involved in a Slip-And-Fall Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Our Fort Lauderdale slip-and-fall attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights. We have a proven track record of success in obtaining compensation for our clients who have suffered fall injuries.
If you are seeking justice and fair compensation for your pain, medical expenses, and lost wages, then Goldberg & Loren has the attorneys you need on your side.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today at (954) 758-4553 for a free consultation to discuss your fall injuries and let us fight for you.
In 2023, Broward County experienced 236 falls, which means 8.4 falls per 100,000 people. [1]
The Duty of Care and Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Lawsuits
Fort Lauderdale property owners have a legal duty of care to ensure the safety of their premises and protect visitors from potential falls. This duty extends to business owners, insurance companies, and individuals who own or manage properties. When property owners fail to prevent falls, they can be held responsible for injuries that occur as a result.
Property owners are responsible for ensuring walkways and floors are free from hazardous substances, such as water, oil, or other slippery substances, that can lead to slip-and-fall accidents. They should also regularly inspect their premises for dangerous conditions, such as uneven surfaces, broken handrails, or other hazards that can lead to accidents.
Property Owner Negligence and Fort Lauderdale Slip & Fall Injury Cases
When it comes to Fort Lauderdale slip and fall accidents, one of the key factors in determining liability is proving that the property owner was negligent. In order to successfully demonstrate negligence, certain elements must be established.
Breach of Duty:
Our slip & fall lawyers must demonstrate that the property owner breached their duty of care. This can be done by showing that the owner was aware of the dangerous condition or should have been aware of it through reasonable inspection or maintenance practices. For example, if a property owner fails to promptly clean up a spill or repair a damaged walkway, they may be considered in breach of their duty.
Causation:
We must show a causal link between the property owner's breach of duty and the slip and fall accident. This means showing that the hazardous condition directly led to the accident. It usually requires gathering evidence such as photographs, witness statements, or surveillance footage to prove this causal connection.
Foreseeability:
Our slip and fall lawyer will demonstrate that the property owner should have reasonably foreseen the fall risk posed by the dangerous condition. This involves proving that the hazard was present for a sufficient period of time, the owner should have known about it and taken appropriate measures to address it.
Damages:
In order to pursue a slip and fall claim, the injured person must have suffered damages. These can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and any other losses directly caused by the accident.
Keep in mind that each slip and fall case is unique, and the process of proving negligence may vary based on specific circumstances. Consult with our legal professionals, who can assess the details of your case and guide you through the legal proceedings to ensure your rights are protected.
Causes of Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Accidents
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Wet or Slippery Surfaces:
One of the most common types of slip and fall accidents is caused by wet or slippery surfaces. This can include spills on supermarket floors, freshly mopped or waxed floors in commercial buildings, or even rain-soaked surfaces in outdoor areas. -
Uneven or Broken Surfaces:
Uneven or broken surfaces can also lead to slip and fall accidents. This can include cracked sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, or uneven flooring in buildings. Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises and ensure that walkways and surfaces are in a safe condition. -
Hazardous Obstructions:
Slip and fall accidents can also be caused by hazardous obstructions, such as loose cables, debris, or unsecured rugs. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises free from potential tripping hazards and to promptly remove any obstructions that can cause accidents. -
Inadequate Lighting:
Poorly lit areas can also contribute to slip and fall accidents. Insufficient lighting can make it difficult for individuals to see potential hazards, such as steps or uneven surfaces. Property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are well-lit, especially in areas that are frequented by visitors. -
Poorly Maintained Stairs and Handrails:
Stairs that are poorly maintained or lack proper handrails can pose a significant risk of slip and fall accidents. Broken or loose handrails, as well as slippery stair surfaces, can cause individuals to lose their balance and fall. Property owners must regularly inspect and maintain stairs and handrails to prevent accidents.
Common Injuries in Fort Lauderdale Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering.
These accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and the injuries sustained can vary depending on the circumstances of the fall. Here are some of the most common injuries that occur in slip-and-fall accidents:
- Broken Bones: One of the most prevalent injuries in slip-and-fall accidents is broken bones. When someone falls, the impact can cause fractures in the arms, legs, wrists, ankles, or hips. These fractures can be extremely painful and often require medical intervention, including surgery and physical therapy, to properly heal.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Falls can also lead to traumatic brain injuries, which are caused by a blow or jolt to the head. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and changes in mood and behavior. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on an individual's cognitive and physical abilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls, especially falls from heights, can result in spinal cord injuries. These injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged, affecting the ability to control movement and sensation. Quadraplegia and paraplegia can result from a spinal cord injury.
- Neck Injuries: Falls can cause significant strain on the neck, leading to injuries such as whiplash or herniated discs. These injuries can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the neck, making it challenging to perform daily activities.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: In addition to fractures and neurological injuries, slip-and-fall accidents can cause various soft tissue injuries. These injuries can include sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and muscle tears. While these injuries may not be as severe as others, they can still cause significant pain and discomfort and require medical treatment.
What Steps to Take Following a Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Accident
1. Seek medical attention:
Seek medical attention. By seeking medical attention, your injuries will be documented, and proper treatment can be provided. This documentation will also be important if you decide to pursue a slip & fall injury claim.
2. Report the accident:
Report the fall to the property owner or manager as soon as possible. Request a copy of the accident report, ensuring it includes the details of your fall, any hazardous conditions present, and any witnesses to the incident. This report acts as an official record of the accident and the dangerous conditions that caused it.
3. Document the scene:
Take pictures or videos of the area where you fell, focusing on the hazardous conditions that caused your fall. This evidence will be valuable to support your personal injury claim. If there were any warning signs or barriers present, document those as well. Collect any information you can, such as witness names and contact information, as they may be needed for your case.
4. Preserve evidence:
Do not alter the scene of where you fell or fix any hazardous conditions. Instead, preserve the evidence as it is. This includes keeping the shoes or clothing you were wearing at the time of the fall, as they may have important physical evidence.
5. Contact a slip and fall attorney:
Consult with Goldberg & Loren and we will evaluate your case and guide you through the process. Slip and fall accidents can be complicated, and having legal representation ensures your rights are protected. We will help gather evidence, assess liability, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
6. Keep track of expenses:
Document all medical bills, expenses related to your fall, and any lost wages due to your fall accident. This information will help determine the compensation you may be entitled to in a personal injury claim.
7. Follow your doctor's instructions:
Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare professionals. Attend follow-up appointments and complete any recommended therapies. Your dedication to recovering from your fall will demonstrate your commitment to your well-being and strengthen your case.
Statute of Limitations on a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida
In Florida, the Statute of Limitations for a slip and fall accident is generally two years. This means that a person who has been injured in a slip and fall accident has up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
There are certain exceptions and variations to the Statute of Limitations depending on the circumstances of the case. These exceptions may include cases involving government-owned property where shorter notice deadlines may apply.
Consult with our Fort Lauderdale injury attorney as soon as possible to determine the specific Statute of Limitations that applies to your case and to ensure that you do not exceed the time limit for filing a lawsuit.
Failing to file within the specified time frame could result in your case being dismissed and the loss of your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Get a Free Consultation From a Fort Lauderdale Slip & Fall Lawyer Today
Goldberg & Loren have the local slip-and-fall attorneys you need on your side. With years of experience and a proven track record of success, we have the knowledge and expertise to fight for your rights and fair compensation.
If you want to hold those responsible for your fall accountable and receive the financial support you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, our Fort Lauderdale slip & fall lawyers will fight tirelessly for you. We are open now 24/7 to answer your questions. Online appointments are available in addition to in-person legal consults..
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards getting the justice and compensation you deserve. Don't wait; your time to act is limited.
Source:
[1] Deaths from unintentional falls. (n.d.). FL Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health. https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsDashboards/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=Death.Dataviewer&cid=0103
