Florida residents might not have to worry about slipping and falling on ice or snow, but conditions like wet weather and crumbling sidewalks can still pose tripping hazards on both public and private property. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall accidents account for more than 1 million visits to the emergency room annually.
Even a seemingly minor fall can cause lasting injuries that affect an individual’s quality of life. Fortunately, most slip and fall accidents are entirely preventable.
Small-business owners, landlords, and homeowners have an obligation to maintain their properties to a safe and reasonable standard for anyone who might visit. If they breach this duty of care and someone slips and falls on the premises as a result, they can be held financially liable for the damages which could be damaging for their business if they don’t have public liability insurance from tradesmansaver.
If you fell on someone else’s property because of a wet floor, broken step, or detached railing and want to determine if you may have grounds for a personal injury claim, contact Probinsky & Cole. We have won several multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we may be able to help you pursue compensation for the damages you incurred. Call 866-805-8947 to schedule a free case evaluation with an injury attorney in Bradenton.
Read on to learn what you should do following a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property:
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Seek Medical Attention
The elderly are especially vulnerable to sustaining life-threatening injuries in fall accidents, but even those who are young and healthy may require emergency medical care following a slip and fall. Your health should be your priority after such an accident.
If you are unable to stand up, for example, do not be too proud to accept help from those who offer it or too stubborn to call an ambulance. If you are able to walk, you should still visit an urgent care center as soon as possible because some kinds of fall injuries can manifest latent symptoms.
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Report the Accident
Unless first responders must rush you to the emergency room, make it a point to notify someone in charge before leaving the premises. Find a supervisor, landlord, or owner, and ask them to provide you with a written report acknowledging the incident. If there were any witnesses, you should ask for their names and contact information, as well.
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Document the Healing Process
Track all costs associated with your recovery, and document any visible injuries as they heal. If you must miss work, take note of how much paid time off (PTO) you use, and track any lost wages once you burn through all of the accrued PTO.
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Call an Injury Attorney
The sooner you call an injury attorney, the sooner you will be able to pursue compensation from the liable party. Calling a lawyer immediately will also ensure you do not make a critical mistake early in the proceedings that might jeopardize your claim down the road.
If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident on public or private property and you’re not sure whom to hold accountable, contact Probinsky & Cole. After evaluating your case, a Bradenton injury lawyer will help you determine the best way to proceed.
Call 866-805-8947 to schedule a free consultation. If you want to learn more about personal injury claims in Florida, visit the USAttorneys website.