Joe Osborne & Greg Francis, Personal Injury Lawyers & Founders of Osborne & Francis

Orlando Slip and Fall Attorneys

Everyone slips and falls at some point in their lives. But as simple and commonplace as these accidents may be, they can have devastating consequences. A simple slip and fall accident can lead to lasting injuries, chronic pain, and sometimes even death. 

While these accidents are sometimes unavoidable, at other times, they are caused by negligence. Property owners are responsible for maintaining an environment in which the risk of slipping and falling is mitigated. Failures to uphold these responsibilities can result in people getting hurt, and these damages can change lives. 

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, there’s no time to waste. We want to help you get any compensation you are owed. Contact Osborne & Francis to schedule a free case evaluation today by calling us at 561-293-2600 or online at our Orlando office.

Video Transcript

So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:

Number One: See a doctor immediately. 

A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.

A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care. 

Number Two: Write everything down.

Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain. 

You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered. 

Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.

Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them. 

So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.

Slip and Fall Accident Statistics

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common accidents in the country and are one of the most common types of workers’ compensation cases. The National Safety Council reported that in 2020, falls accounted for 17% of all workplace deaths, and over 210,000 injuries were reported as a result of falls. However, these accidents don’t only occur in the workplace; the CDC reports that over 800,000 people annually are hospitalized due to falling. 

Some fall accidents are unavoidable, but this is not true for many incidents. A significant percentage of fall accidents rest under the umbrella of premises liability cases.

Where do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?

Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, but there are some locations where these incidents can occur more often:

  • Restaurants, Grocery Stores, and Other Retail Shops. In high-traffic businesses, the possibility of slipping and falling increases. Unmarked wet floors or unsecured equipment could be present, causing an accident.
  • Sidewalks. Poorly-maintained sidewalks with cracks, uneven concrete, or holes can cause accidents.
  • Stairs. Loose, missing, or damaged handrails, poorly-maintained stairs or carpeting, or inadequate lighting can create a more dangerous environment.
  • Parking Lots. Similar to sidewalks, badly-maintained parking lots can cause accidents as well. 
  • Job Sites. Workplaces - primarily industrial or construction environments - can contain numerous possible hazards that someone could slip and fall on. 
  • Elevators and Escalators. As functional machines, elevators and escalators must be inspected and maintained regularly. Failure to do so could result in sudden stops, falls, and even possible loss of limbs or extremities. 

This list is by no means comprehensive. Even if your situation isn’t covered here, you may have a solid slip and fall case.

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Premises Liability in Orlando Slip and Fall Cases

Property owners are required by law to maintain a safe environment for others. These responsibilities are many, but they primarily fall under the practice area of premises liability. These laws ensure that visitors to the property can conclude their business safely and without incident. Most environmental hazards that cause accidents are expected to be rectified by property owners before allowing visitors to the property.

The primary exception to premises liability laws is the “open and obvious” clause. Open and obvious hazards like curbs, large planters, and appropriately-placed ladders are not treated the same as other unresolved environmental hazards that could cause accidents.

Common Hazards that Lead to Slips and Falls

The number of potential hazards that cause people to slip and fall is effectively unlimited, but here are a few of the most common. 

  • Poorly lit walkways
  • Unmarked wet floors
  • Waxy residue
  • Uneven or poorly maintained pavement
  • Loose gravel or dirt
  • Unsecured workplace equipment (ladders, scaffolding, etc.)
  • Spilled substances like food or drink
  • Broken or poorly maintained steps or stairs

What to Do After an Orlando Slip and Fall

In the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident, you should follow a few key steps to secure your case. 

  1. Document Everything. Write down every detail that you can, even those that seem minor. Where you were, time and date, what you were doing directly before the fall – all of this can be valuable information to an attorney in determining the specifics of your case. Take down contact information for witnesses of the accident as well. If you can take pictures of the environment, take as many as possible.
  2. Report The Incident. Notify an employee or manager of a business if you have slipped and fallen. Ask them to file a written report and ensure you get a copy. Above all, do not share any details of the incident on social media.
  3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention. While some injuries, like broken bones, scrapes, or cuts are apparent, others, like internal bleeding, may not be immediately visible. It’s vital to speak to a medical professional immediately to ensure that you are safe and well.
  4. Contact An Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney. A capable lawyer will lend strength to your claim and ensure you are compensated if appropriate. Make sure to contact a lawyer before contacting an insurance company.

You should take these steps in order and as quickly as possible. The more immediate the action, the better your chance at a positive outcome.

Evidence Used in Orlando Slip and Fall Cases

Some key pieces of evidence can lend credibility to your slip and fall claim:

  • Video Footage and Photos. Security camera footage of the incident can provide visual evidence of the incident itself. 
  • Witness Testimony. Accounts of first-hand witnesses can corroborate details shown in video or photo evidence.
  • Maintenance Logs. Checking maintenance logs can show whether a failure to upkeep a location or piece of equipment properly has occurred. 
  • Weather Reports. A weather report can confirm details if a location becomes slick or unsafe due to rain, ice, or snow.
  • Medical Documentation. Medical reports and history that show when you visited a medical professional and their notes on your injuries can corroborate the effects of a fall. In addition, medical bills can show that these injuries cost you a potentially significant amount of money.

Other evidence specific to your case may also be helpful, but those listed here are useful in almost every slip and fall case.

T. Andrews

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“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”

Alfred

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Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.

J. Davis

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“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”

Erica F.

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"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"

C. Smith

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“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”

E. Holland

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Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!

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Damages You May Recover for Your Orlando Slip and Fall Injury

Depending on your injury, you may be entitled to several types of damages. Some of the most common include: 

  • Lost wages if you are unable to work
  • Loss of future income
  • Full reimbursement of medical expenses
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

On rare occasions, punitive damages may be awarded for instances of gross negligence or repeated incidents by the property owner. However, these are relatively uncommon.

Contact Osborne & Francis After Your Accident for a Free Case Evaluation 

If you’ve been injured due to a fall, now is the time to act. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Osborne & Francis online at our Orlando office or call us at 561-293-2600 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions