According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), slip and fall injuries lead to the hospitalization of more than 800,000 people in the United States each year. Property owners, whether they own residential or commercial property, are responsible for making the premises safe for visitors. If an accident occurs on their property, and they knew (or reasonably should have known) about a hazard, then they can be held financially liable.
If you were injured because of a slippery floor, Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the claims and litigation process. A West Palm Beach slippery floors lawyer can undertake your legal burdens as you recover from your injuries.
You could recover the cost of:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience
- Disfigurement
- Disability
To start a free case review, call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (561) 899-5020.
Injuries Sustained From a Slip and Fall Accident
After slipping and falling on a wet floor, you could be looking at a variety of injuries that impact your wellbeing. Right now, you could be so severely injured that you can no longer work or engage in your favorite activities. Your West Palm Beach slippery floors lawyer is here for you. They can review the extent of your injuries and arrive at a monetary figure that reflects the gravity of your situation.
You could be suffering from one or more of the following injuries:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Dislocated joints
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
- Sprains
- Paralysis
Keeping all documents relating to your medical care can help your lawyer accomplish various tasks associated with your claim. For instance, they can use your x-rays to show that you suffered a broken leg and cannot continue working for some time. This information can be used to hold the liable party accountable for their negligence.
Contributors to Your Slippery Floor Accident
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slip and fall accidents account for over 1 million hospital visits each year. A West Palm Beach slippery floors lawyer can conduct an investigation into the details of your case to determine how you were injured and who can be held responsible.
Some of the elements that could have played a role in the floor’s slippery surface could include:
- Lubricants, such as grease and oil
- Water
- Floor wax
- Melted ice or snow
- Transitory foreign substances
As we mentioned before, property owners must undertake various obligations when it comes to promoting the safety of visitors and guests. For example, let’s say that a child spilled their drink in a grocery store. By having employees constantly monitor the premises, they can take measures to prevent an accident from occurring. In this situation, either the property owner or employees would need to either address the spill by cleaning it or posting a wet floor sign to warn people of a potential hazard.
The basis of your claim must be built on the assertion that the property owner knew or reasonably should have known about a hazard yet did not remedy the condition. As a result, you slipped and fell, resulting in your injuries and financial losses.
Determining Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident
Your West Palm Beach slippery floors lawyer will need to use the evidence in your case to determine who can be held accountable for your losses.
Some forms of evidence could include:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, including surveillance footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Statements from the employees of the property, if available
- Your medical records
- Statements from your doctor
Liability for your accident will rest on the details of your case. We mentioned earlier that the property owner of where you fell can be held liable. However, let’s say that you fell while visiting a government building. In this situation, you may be able to hold a government department responsible for your losses. The same would apply if you fell on a slippery sidewalk. You may be able to hold the municipality that oversaw the sidewalk’s upkeep financially liable.
At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we acknowledge that assigning fault and liability can become complicated. We can address all of your questions and concerns as we move forward into the legal process. To speak with a member of our team, call us now at (561) 899-5020.
Florida’s Slip and Fall Laws
According to Florida Statute §768.0755, an injured person must prove that the at-fault party had actual or constructive knowledge that a hazard could cause harm to others.
Constructive knowledge, which can be proven with evidence, can be established by proving:
- The dangerous condition existed for so long that in the course of day-to-day operations, somebody should have known about it.
- The condition happened regularly and was a foreseeable danger.
Under Florida Statute §95.11, you only have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit for damages. This timeline could be extended, based on the details of your situation. However, for the most part, if you do not take action within this period, you will be unable to take your case to court. Your West Palm Beach slippery floors lawyer can explain what legal deadlines apply to your case and what course of action satisfies certain requirements.
Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Today
Your financial stability should not be jeopardized after a slip and fall accident. If your legal team discovers that another party was responsible for your losses, you could be entitled to compensation.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers has a team ready to pursue your case as you focus on recovery. To get started, call us today at (561) 899-5020.
