Boca Raton Slip and Fall Attorneys

Slipping and falling is one of the most common accidents that can occur. But despite the simplicity of these accidents, they can have potentially life-altering consequences. Lasting injuries, loss of ability to work, and even death could occur due to a simple fall. These accidents are sometimes unavoidable, but in many cases, they occur due to negligence.

Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their property is safe for visitors to enter and move throughout. Failure to maintain a safe environment is often the fault of the property owner, and when people are injured, they are owed compensation for this negligence.

If you’ve sustained an injury due to a fall, don’t delay. Osborne, Francis & Pettis want to get you the compensation you deserve. You can schedule a free case evaluation by calling us at 561-293-2600 or contacting our Boca Raton office online.

How Common are Slips and Falls in Boca Raton and Across Florida?

Slip and fall cases are, unfortunately, far too common in Florida. The Florida Department of Health reported that in 2019, unintentional injury was one of the leading causes of death. This risk is particularly deadly for those aged 65 and older, with falls accounting for 67% of unintentional injury deaths. Overall, unintentional injury deaths are almost 9% higher in Florida than the national average. 

Nonfatal fall injuries are also widespread, with over 72,000 hospitalizations resulting from unintentional falls reported in 2020.

Statute of Limitations for Boca Raton, Florida Slip and Fall Claims

Slip and fall claims fall under the broader category of negligence claims in Florida law. Florida law 95.11(3)(6) states that claimants of negligence have four years from the date of the incident to file a claim. Case proceedings may extend beyond this four-year window, but case filing must occur before this window closes.

Premises Liability and How Fault is Determined in Slip and Falls

Most instances of slip and fall accidents fall under the purview of premises liability. Premises liability refers to the duties and responsibilities of a property owner to maintain a safe space for visitors. Many of these duties are relatively straightforward – maintenance of even flooring and carpeting, upkeep and installation of handrails, even and well-maintained stairs, and other fundamental safety concerns. 

Fault is determined based on proving that a property owner failed to uphold their responsibilities in maintaining a safe and secure environment. If a property owner knew or should have known that risks existed and failed to rectify them, fault would fall on them. If a property owner feels that the victim shared responsibility, they must, in turn, prove comparative negligence on the part of the victim. 

Where do Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Occur in Boca Raton?

Slip and fall accidents can occur virtually anywhere, but there are a few more common locations due to the presence of possible hazards:

• Sidewalks. Sidewalks deteriorate over time due to wear and tear. Pavement can crack and break, develop potholes, or shift due to tree roots and other environmental factors, increasing the risk of accidents. 
• Parking Lots. Parking lot falls can occur for many of the same reasons as sidewalks. However, poor lighting and slick surfaces due to oil or water can also cause accidents. 
• Restaurants, Grocery Stores, and Other Retail Shops. Heavily-trafficked public places are rife with possible environmental hazards. Spilled food and drink, damaged flooring, poor signage, and inadequate lighting may create space for accidents. 
• Stairs. Loose or damaged stairs or carpeting, missing, damaged, or loose handrails, and insufficient lighting could make climbing stairs more treacherous than usual.
• Elevators and Escalators. Failure to dutifully maintain and inspect elevators and escalators could cause them to jerk or stop suddenly, increasing the risk of injury. 
• Job Sites. There are many potential causes of job site injuries. Unsecured equipment like ladders and scaffolding, debris on floors and other instances of negligence could lead to severe injuries. 

These are just a few common locations where slip and fall accidents occur. Even if this list doesn’t reflect your accident, it’s best to contact a lawyer. 

Types of Injuries Caused by Slips and Falls

Injuries caused by slip and fall incidents can vary widely based on the specifics of the incident, but some common injuries include:

• Cuts, abrasions, and bruises
• Broken bones and teeth
• Damaged spinal cords
• Blunt head trauma
• Internal bleeding
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

These injuries can range from mild to severe and permanent. Cases where incidents are entirely preventable make these outcomes even more tragic. 

Common Hazards Responsible for Slip and Fall Injuries

Numerous potential environmental hazards could cause someone to slip and fall:

• Unmarked wet floors
• Waxy or slick residue
• Unsecured equipment or debris
• Uneven or damaged flooring
• Bad lighting
• Broken or damaged stairs and handrails
• Faulty elevators, escalators, or conveyor belts
• Spilled food and drink
• Heavily polished marble or granite flooring

This list is by no means comprehensive. Documenting hazards that contribute to a fall with photographs can better illustrate the specifics of your case.

How Much Will My Settlement be for My Slip and Fall Injuries?

There’s no fixed amount for a personal injury settlement. The causes and severity of your injury will dictate your settlement amount. You may be awarded damages that include pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, reimbursement of medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of future income. 

With this wide variety of potential damages, there’s no way to determine a typical settlement amount. To ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation, the best course of action is to retain an experienced attorney immediately following your accident. 

Do I Need to Hire a Boca Raton Slip and Fall Attorney? 

In short: absolutely. In the case of an accident, you should always document everything you can about the incident with written details and photos if possible. If you can get a written report of the accident from the property owner, manager, or one of the employees, be sure to do so. Try to seek medical attention immediately to assess your injuries and ensure your health and safety.

Once these initial steps are taken, contacting an experienced lawyer is imperative. An attorney can utilize the evidence you’ve compiled to determine if your case is sound and assess its severity. With experience and expert knowledge of local laws, your attorney can ensure you are compensated for the full extent of your slip and fall accident’s damages.