Slip and fall accidents are the second leading cause of unintentional deaths in the US after vehicle accidents. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you need to read the following commonly asked questions before filing a case in the court.
A slip and fall lawsuit can cause deep financial problems. A property owner or a business manager must ensure that the premises are safe. Injuries due to slip and fall accident can result in a costly lawsuit. To avoid potential slip and fall accidents, you need to take preventive measures. Always place proper signage to warn visitors of slippery surfaces, you need to make sure that the floor surface is kept free of any obstacle that could result in a slip and fall injury. All the wires and cords should be properly fixed on the walls to avoid an injury. Stairs should have railings and well illuminated to avoid an injury.
Most slip and fall accidents occur at business premises. Wet floor and obstacles on the floor are the common reasons for slip and fall injuries. Moreover, a lot of slip and fall accidents occur in nursing homes. Slip and fall accidents also occur at private property mainly at the stairs, walkways, sidewalks, and driveways due to poor illumination.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you need to get an immediate medical checkup. The report of a medical professional will serve as a vital piece of information in case of slip and fall injury lawsuit. You also should take pictures of the place where the slip and fall accident had occurred. Lastly, make sure that you notify the manager or the property owner about the accident.
A slip and fall lawyer will prove as your vital ally in case of a slip and fall accident. The lawyer will advise you when to contact the party liable for the accident to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. The attorney will also help you in meeting court formalities and gathering evidence to prove the guilt of the at-fault party. The services of the legal expert will save time, effort in filing a slip and fall accident case, and also increase the likelihood of a successful court outcome.
Negotiations for a slip and fall accident should not continue indefinitely. Your chances of getting compensation will suffer if you wait too long in filing a slip and fall accident lawsuit. Your lawyer will know when the opposing party is using delaying tactics and move the case to trial. Note that as per Florida law, you have to file a slip and fall accident case within four years of the accident. Filing the case after the due date will prevent you from making a claim against the guilty party.
You must select a licensed and experienced slip and fall attorney. Consider looking at the state bar’s directory to ensure that the attorney is licensed. A licensed attorney will have complete knowledge about the relevant state laws. The help of a professional slip and fall accident attorney will increase the chances of a successful outcome of the case.
