Slip, Trip and Fall Attorneys in Gainesville, Florida
A slip and fall accident occurs as a result of negligence on the part of property owners. Unsafe or dangerous conditions on public or private property can lead to personal injury and could require costly medical care. Even what seems like a simple fall now can lead to lifelong complications further down the road, including the worst-case scenario of wrongful death. The Slip, Trip and Fall Attorneys at The Eberst Law Firm in Gainesville can help you receive the compensation you deserve for the negligence of property owners.
Proving negligence is the most important part of a legal case resulting from a slip and fall accident. You must prove the following three things:
You had the right to be on the property
Public property, such as sidewalks and city parks, is available for all to use and it is easy to prove your right to be on it in court. You are in the right to be on private property, such as retail businesses if you’re being there does not violate a law or ordinance.
The owner was responsible for the unsafe conditions on the property
Some accidents are simply accidents. For example, if you are in a store, and a jar of liquid falls off a shelf and breaks causing you to slip and fall immediately, this is not considered negligence as the employees and owner did not have time to react and address the problem. However, if an employee was aware of the spill and failed to clean it up or provide a warning, the property owner may be liable for your slip and fall.
The owner’s failure to act on the unsafe conditions is what caused your injury
Slips, Trips and Falls can result from a variety of conditions that the property owner is responsible for. These can include:
- Rugs and carpets that are torn or improperly secured
- Floorboards that are loose, broken, or otherwise structurally unsound
- Wet, slick, or oily floors that have no warning signs posted
- Extension cords that are loose or improperly secured
- Uneven or broken sidewalks
- Damaged or broken steps and thresholds
- Other hazardous conditions
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall incidents can lead to all types of serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken and fractured bones, and internal injuries, among many others.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
One of the most common types of injuries that are suffered by those that slip and fall is a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury is when a person suffers damage to their brain due to a powerful force that acts on their head. In the case of slips and falls, this takes the form of a person’s head hitting the ground or another object when they fall.
A traumatic brain injury can often end up being very serious which is not surprising considering how it involves damage to the brain which is one of the body’s most important organs. Damage caused by a traumatic brain injury can be permanent and lead to problems with a person’s personality and cognition. Some of the most common examples of traumatic brain injuries are concussions, brain contusions, and penetrating brain injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
When someone slips and falls, there is a chance that they can land on their back and suffer damage to their spine. The spine itself is integral to the structure of the body but it also houses the spinal cord which is responsible for relaying information to and from the brain. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to issues controlling organs which can take the form of paralysis, incontinence, and loss of sensation/strength of the limbs. The spinal cord is a spongey tubular bundle of nerves encased by the vertebrae that can suffer damage because they are put under pressure because of a slipped or herniated disc, are torn or cut by a fractured/splintered vertebrae, or they suffer direct trauma because of an intense fall impact.
Broken/Fractured Bones
Many broken bones may not appear to be all that severe. Breaking a limb can be inconvenient but healable over several weeks with a cast after being set. In other cases, a broken bone has the potential to be more severe since it can affect the organs of the body. For example, a broken rib can puncture a lung or a fractured pelvis can injure digestive organs that it encircles.
Internal Injuries
Slipping and falling the wrong way can potentially cause internal injuries. Our internal organs are generally protected by several layers of skin flesh and bone but intense trauma in the wrong place can damage them. For example, slipping and falling downstairs could cause someone to bruise their kidney and lead to dangerous internal bleeding.
Damages in a Slip and Fall Accident
In the event of a slip and fall accident, the property owner’s insurance company is the one who will receive your claim. In most cases, their insurance company will attempt to settle for less than what you deserve. It is critical to work with attorneys experienced in slip and fall cases to ensure you receive an appropriate settlement. If a property owner’s negligence results in an injury to yourself or a loved one, you are entitled to restitution for the injury. With the help of our attorneys, you can recover compensation for:
- Any incurred medical expenses resulting from your injuries such as hospital bills and physical therapy.
- Lost wages for any missed workdays due to your injury.
- Pain and suffering as a result of your injury.
Experienced Slip, Trip and Fall Attorneys in Gainesville
You have a right to hold a negligent property owner accountable for your injuries if you or a loved one were injured on their property. Contact the Eberst Law Firm online or call our Gainesville office at 772-225-4900 to discuss your case in a free consultation with one of our experienced Gainesville slip and fall attorneys.
