The National Safety Council (NSC) reportsĀ that an estimated 8.9 million individuals seek medical treatment in U.S. emergency department due to injuries suffered in fall accidents. Though many people may slip, trip, and fall due to simple loss of balance or clumsiness, many slip and fall accidents occur due to the negligence of a business or property owner. Dangerous conditions and other factors can cause slip and fall accidents almost anywhere, from grocery stores, restaurants, other retail establishments, hotels, apartment complexes, residential properties, and more.
If you have suffered injury in a slip and fall accident, please contact an experienced St. Petersburg Slip & Fall Accident attorney at the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for a free consultation.
Common slip and fall injuries
Slip and fall accidents may not seem that serious to many people, especially if the accident involves a same-level fall. However, many slip and fall victims may suffer surprisingly serious injuries that can be costly and can have a significant effect on their lives. Such injuries may include:
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Deep muscle or bone contusions
Slip and fall accidents are particularly dangerous and costly for older adults, who are also a major risk group. Many older adults may suffer broken hips or other serious injuries that may require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and may prevent them from ever living independently again.
Types of premises liability claims
Every property owner has the legal duty to protect customers and other visitors from injury by keeping the premises in a reasonably safe condition and free from potential hazards. When a property owner fails to do so and you suffer injuries, you can recover by filing a personal injury claim under the legal theory of premises liability. Premises liability concepts allow an injured victim to hold a negligent property owner or tenant responsible for injuries suffered on the premises.
The following are the three main types of negligence that may result in a legal claim against a property owner:
- Inadequate inspection and/or maintenance ā A business or property owner should regularly inspect the premises to make sure no potential hazards exist and is expected to perform proper maintenance on the property to prevent accidents. If a person slips and falls due to a hazardous condition that the owner knew or should have known existed, that person deserves to recover for their losses. Such conditions may include debris in the walkways, unsecured electrical cords, broken stairs or railings, and more.
- Defective construction ā Sometimes, hazards may exist from the start of construction on that area of the property. Improperly or unevenly installed floors or carpets, stairs that are loose or built too steep, inadequate railings, or other shoddy construction may result in premises liability accident case.
- Failure to warn of hazards ā At times, dangerous conditions have to exist on properties, such as when floors are mopped, when repairs are being performed, or when inventory is being restocked. In such situations, a property owner has the duty to properly warn customers and visitors of the dangerous condition with signs or other clear markers. Unfortunately, some owners fail to properly warn visitors and injuries can occur.
All of the above are examples of negligence that can result in a property owner being held liable for all of the injuries you sustained and the losses you incurred as a result of your slip and fall accident.
Contact an experienced St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyer for a free consultation
Every slip and fall case will have its own unique facts and legal issues, and an experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your particular case and advise you on a possible St. Petersburg personal injury claim and how much your case may be worth.
As a slip and fall accident victim, you deserve to recover for your injuries, so please contact the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA at (727) 451-6900 to discuss a possible case today.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA – St Petersburg Office
1663 1st Ave S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
833-552-7274