Slip and fall accidents can happen anytime, causing severe injuries and significant losses. Serious falls could even lead to permanent disabilities or death. When a landowner or property manager fails to keep an area safe for visitors, the court could hold them liable for their actions or careless behavior.

You could pursue a civil claim for damages against the landowner responsible for the injuries you sustained in a fall. Call a seasoned Sarasota slip and fall lawyer today to schedule a consultation. Our compassionate attorneys could review your legal options and determine the best course of action in your case.

Trip, Slip, and Fall Lawsuit Basics

Injuries from slips and falls most often occur in commercial property settings. Too frequently the commercial property owner defendant will attempt to put the blame on the injured person.

Lawsuits for slipping accidents apply to an area of law called premises liability. The statutes provide that property owners, managers, or possessors are legally obligated to perform regular property inspections and fix potential risks that could be hazardous for guests.

Further, landowners must warn guests to avoid the area or risks until they complete repairs. When careless property owners invite visitors onto the premises, and people sustain damages, the statutes allow the injured party to file a suit to recover their monetary damages and losses from the at-fault party. Accidents commonly occur because of problems, including:
  • Frayed or torn carpeting
  • Inadequate lighting in stairwells
  • Cracked or defective walkways and sidewalks
  • Parking lot potholes
  • Wet or icy and slippery walking surfaces
  • Defective stairs or handrails

When an accident leads to life-altering or catastrophic injuries that permanently disrupt someone’s life, civil laws could allow them to collect a significant award for damages.

Common Injuries

Negligent and defective or dangerous property conditions can cause serious injury, leaving victims and their families financially devastated due to mounting medical bills and loss of income. Successful recovery of compensation is vital to your ability to obtain quality medical care and financial security. The rest of your life and the lives of your family may depend on the compensation you receive now. You are entitled to full compensation for not only medical bills and lost wages, but also for your injury, pain and suffering.

The Potential Recoverable Damages

Personal injury statutes provide that the court awards damages in personal injury cases based on the defendant’s actions and the plaintiff’s damages. The court will consider the total cost of medical care or other expenses, as well as how the injuries will impact their life moving forward.

The potential recoverable damages include:

  • Current or ongoing healthcare expenses
  • Medical devices, equipment, or medication
  • Lost pay or earning potential
  • Travel expenses or medical care appointments
  • Emotional anguish or distress
  • Pain and suffering

A Sarasota slip and fall attorney could help navigate the legal process and collect evidence to establish fault and the total damages and losses.

Florida Comparative Fault Statute

Recent changes to Florida’s comparative fault negligence laws make proving the extent of the defendant’s negligence crucial to the case. When the court finds the plaintiff shares fault, they will diminish the plaintiff’s settlement by their portion of liability, provided they do not share more than half of the liability.

According to the Florida Statutes § 768.81 updates, when the plaintiff is over 50 percent at fault for the accident and resulting damages, the court will prevent them from recovering any compensation for the defendant’s portion of responsibility. A knowledgeable slip and fall lawyer in Sarasota has the experience to build a solid claim and collect the maximum compensation available in the case.

Call a Seasoned Slip and Fall Attorney in Sarasota Today

You likely feel angry and confused after falling on another person’s property and sustaining injuries. A compassionate Sarasota slip and fall lawyer understands the stress you are experiencing and could help you fight for a fair settlement from the negligent party.

Our team has represented injured victims of negligence related to slips and falls in Sarasota for over 30 years. We promise to personally handle your case, diligently represent your interests — and only your interests — and give you the highest quality legal representation to secure all the compensation to which you are entitled. We will answer your questions and provide sound legal advice throughout the civil court procedure to help reach a favorable outcome in your case. All injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no lawyer fee for our representation until you receive compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us today to schedule a free, personal consultation.

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