There are over one million slip and fall injuries in the U.S. annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As you can see, slips and falls are a common type of injury. However, not all slip and fall accidents are the result of negligence. A slip and fall accident requires the analysis of an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine if you have a valid claim. Read on to learn if you have a valid slip and fall claim to necessitate a lawsuit.
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Unsafe Conditions
Your slip and fall claim is valid if there was an unsafe condition that caused the accident. You need to prove that a hazardous condition such as a wet floor, uneven tile, potholes, or damaged sidewalks is responsible for your accident.
It is crucial to understand that business owners are not solely responsible for accidents that might occur due to unsafe conditions. If the property owner has made reasonable measures to promote safety, they might not be negligent. As such, it is advisable to work with a personal injury attorney to ensure you get the right compensation for the accident.
Hazard Warning Signs
The CDC also reported that over 17,000 deaths annually occur because of slip and fall accidents. In some instances, the management doesn’t erect adequate warning signs despite having potential hazards. If you slip and fall on a wet floor without a hazard sign, you may have a valid slip and fall claim.
In other cases, the warning sign is available, but the management doesn’t deal with the situation within a reasonable time. Your personal injury lawyer in St. Petersburg can help you sue the company for the slip and fall injury.
Prove That You Didn’t Cause the Accident
The defendant might argue that the plaintiff is totally or partially responsible for the slip and fall accident. Some states have contributory negligence or comparative fault laws that might limit your ability to get compensation. Florida has a pure comparative negligence rule.
If you’re unsure if your PI lawyer is handling your case in the best way, you can get a personal injury second opinion. It is essential to work with a highly experienced lawyer who will prove that you’re not to blame for the accident.
However, slip and fall sufferers need to understand they are responsible for their safety. The value of your personal injury claim may be reduced if you bear any legal liability in the accident.
A Valid Slip and Fall Claim Isn’t Often Easy to Prove
If you’re a victim of a slip and fall accident, you’ll need a slip and fall lawyer to get your rightful compensation. Having a valid slip and fall claim can be complicated, especially if the management had the warning signs in place. An experienced lawyer can determine your claim’s validity and guide you accordingly.
Do you need a personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg? Contact us today for a free case evaluation to determine your claim’s validity.
