Slip & Fall Attorneys in Coral Springs, FL Protect The Rights Of Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident Victims in Broward County and Throughout Florida
While slip and fall accidents may be fairly routine in that they occur quite frequently, this does not minimize the seriousness of these accidents. Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of personal injury claims in the United States and can result in serious injury. Personal injury law protects those who have been harmed in slip and fall accidents that are the result of another person or entity’s negligence. Accident victims may pursue compensation for their injuries and other losses. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our experienced Coral Springs slip and fall accident lawyers have a track record of successfully recovering the maximum compensation for our clients in Coral Springs and throughout South Florida.
Coral Springs Slip and Fall Accident Victims Can Recover Compensation For Their Accident Injuries And Other Losses
Slip and fall accidents often result in injuries that require doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, or rehabilitation. Accident victims may file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for the losses that they sustained in the accident — referred to as “damages”. These damages may include any of the following and more:
- Expenses for medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Surgical costs
- Cost of rehabilitation
- Prescription medication expenses
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Future anticipated medical expenses that stem from the accident
- Loss of income
- Loss of sick time
- Loss of earned vacation time
The purpose of compensatory damages is to restore the injured victim to the condition they were in prior to the accident, not to punish the at-fault party. Sometimes damages have a set monetary value, such as a medical bill. Other losses, such as emotional pain and suffering or the loss of enjoyment in life, are immeasurable. In calculating these losses, the Florida court will consider several factors to estimate the value of those losses.
Negligence Must Be Proven In A Coral Springs Slip And Fall Accident Claim
Negligence is central to all slip and fall accident claims. Another person or entity must have behaved in a negligent or reckless manner which caused your accident in order for you to file a personal injury claim to recover damages for your injuries. Negligence must be proven, and that can be a challenging endeavor. While every slip and fall accident is different, some of the ways another individual may exhibit negligence in these accidents include:
- A failure to maintain the property
- Not alerting others as to hazardous or unsafe conditions on the property
- A failure to cordon off an area that is dangerous
When there has been a slip and fall accident, it is not uncommon for the property owner to argue that the injured person is, in fact, responsible for the accident.
Recovering Damages For a Slip and Fall Accident When The Injured Victim Shares Some Level Of Responsibility
In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, the victim may immediately assume that the property owner is responsible for the accident. After all, it is human nature to look to cast blame in another direction. But sometimes, both the victim and the property owner have some level of responsibility for an accident. In these situations, Florida follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule.
Under “pure comparative negligence” rules, the compensation that the injured victim is entitled to receive will be reduced by an amount that equals their level of fault for the accident. For example, if it is determined that the injured party was 20 percent responsible for their slip and all accident, their compensation will be reduced by 20 percent. In this case, a damage award of $10,000 would then be reduced by $2,000 for a total compensation of $8,000.
Have Questions About Your Slip and Fall Accident Claim? Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Experienced Coral Springs Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
Determining whether you have the basis for a personal injury claim for your slip and fall accident can be difficult. Your case must be evaluated based on the unique circumstances surrounding your accident. Let us help.
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our experienced Coral Springs, FL trip & fall attorneys have been protecting the rights of accident victims across South Florida for more than a decade. Recognized as a premier law firm, Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. delivers personal attention to each case with a dedication to protecting the rights of those who have been harmed. Our personal injury lawyers offer a free case evaluation where a member of our slip & fall attorneys in Coral Springs, FL will meet with you to assess your slip and fall accident claim, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options. Schedule your appointment today.
About Coral Springs, Florida
Coral Springs, Florida is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale in Broward County. Coral Spring’s proximity to Fort Lauderdale and Miami makes for an easy commute, a characteristic that draws many residents to this family-friendly community. Another desirable aspect of Coral Springs is the moderate to warm temperatures of South Florida, which attracts a large number of tourists in both winter and spring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents in Coral Springs, Florida
Every slip and fall accident is different, with varying circumstances and facts surrounding the case. For the most part, a sprained ankle does not rise to the level of a serious personal injury. But a head injury or a broken bone may. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident, it is best to consult with one of our experienced Coral Springs slip and fall accident lawyers who will evaluate the merits of your case and advise you regarding the next best steps.
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims — the legal time limit established to file a civil claim — is four years from the time the slip and fall accident occurred.