Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
Three Signs Your Miami Slip and Fall was the Result of Negligence
Slip and fall accidents are consistently among the most common causes of accidental injury in the Miami area. They can occur anywhere, including schools, malls, grocery stores, gas stations, and even on the sidewalk. While many people believe that slips, trips, or falls are usually minor accidents, these accidents can actually cause extremely serious injuries, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries,spinal cord injuries. The National Floor Safety Institute indicates that slip and fall accidents are responsible for more than 1 million emergency department visits each year.
If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident that occurred on someone else’s property, we have some good news: if you can show that your accident was the result of negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses so contacting a Miami slip and fall lawyer is a good idea. Such losses include your medical bills, lost income, loss of quality of life, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
The following are three indicators that your accident was the result of negligence.
The Accident Was Caused by a Hazardous Condition
Under Florida law, property owners, managers and operators who open their doors to the general public have a duty to keep their premises free from any unreasonably dangerous conditions. As a result, if your slip, trip, or fall was caused by a hazardous condition and that the property owner, operator or manager knew or should have known about, personal injury laws may allow you to establish negligence and that you will be able to recover legal compensation. Here are some of the more common hazardous conditions that result in serious slip and fall accidents:
- Slippery surfaces
- Wet floors
- Unsafe floor surfaces and materials for particular use
- Cracked floors, pavement, or damage
- Inadequate lighting
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Debris left in walkways
The Party Responsible for Your Injuries Rushes to Settle Your Case
If the party that caused your accident quickly offers you a settlement in return for you giving up your right to sue, it is a good indicator that you have an actionable case. In many cases, at-fault parties (or their insurance companies) will offer victims what seems like a reasonable sum to settle shortly after an accident, hoping they simply take it and do not speak to a lawyer. It is important to understand that in most cases, these initial offers are unreasonably low and do not adequately compensate victims for their losses.
The Party Responsible for the Management of the Property Retains an Attorney
Finally, if you try and contact the owner of the property on which your accident occurred and are told to direct any communication to his or her attorney, it is a sign that you have a case to pursue – and that you will likely have a fight on your hands when it comes to recovering compensation for your injuries and other losses.
The Bottom Line
Slip and fall cases often entitle victims to significant compensation, but issues with establishing negligence, damages, or comparative fault can be extremely complicated. For this reason, anyone injured in an accident should contact an attorney immediately.
Call Gerson & Schwartz Today to Speak with a Miami Slip and Fall Attorney
At Gerson & Schwartz, our Miami personal injury lawyers are dedicated to representing the rights of people who have been injured by negligent property owners or businesses. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at (877) 475-2905 or contact us online