Slip and fall accidents are among the most common and unexpected accidents in St. Petersburg, FL. Whether you or a loved one slip and fall in a grocery store, on a sidewalk, or at a friend’s house in St. Petersburg, Florida, the consequences can be devastating. A St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyer at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and options if someone intentionally caused your fall or acted negligently.
Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (727) 787-2500 with a St. Petersburg slip and fall accident attorney.
Why Should I Hire Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for My St. Petersburg Slip and Fall Case?
Hiring a St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyer may significantly improve your chances of securing compensation after a fall. This includes potential money for injuries, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury law, including fighting for victims of slip and falls. We have recovered over $120 million for personal injury victims across Florida and earned a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating and Super Lawyers distinction.
Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer can help you with:
- Investigating your slip and fall accident
- Identifying potentially negligent and liable parties
- Gathering and presenting compelling evidence
- Valuing your economic damages for medical expenses and lost wages
- Filing insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits
- Negotiating slip and fall accident settlements
- Litigating slip and fall accidents in Florida courts
Schedule a free consultation with our St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyers if you or a loved one has been injured in St. Petersburg, FL.
How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents are far more common than many realize. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injury in the United States.
Millions of Americans experience slip and fall accidents each year. Some of the most common causes include:
- Wet and slippery floors
- Poorly maintained sidewalks and roads
- Inadequate lighting
- Cluttered or obstructed aisles
- Lack of signage warning of hazardous conditions
- Broken steps, loose handrails, or uneven floors
- Poor building maintenance
Slip and fall accidents can lead to injuries, from minor bruises to fractures and head injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident due to negligence, our St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyers may help.
What Do I Have To Prove To Win a Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Winning a slip and fall accident lawsuit generally requires showing that someone else intentionally or negligently caused your accident. This requires proving four elements to a judge or jury by a preponderance of the evidence.
The elements of negligence include the following:
- Duty of care: You must show that the property owner had a legal duty to keep it reasonably safe. The duty they owe will depend on whether you were an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. A St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyer can evaluate your case to determine what duty, if any, was owed.
- Breach of duty: You must prove that the property owner breached their duty. This occurs when the property owner fails to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. For example, if a grocery store owner knew about a spill in an aisle but did not clean it up or warn shoppers, this may be a breach.
- Causation: You must demonstrate that the property owner’s breach directly caused your slip and fall accident. This requires showing the hazardous condition was the direct and proximate cause of your injury.
- Damages: You must provide evidence of your damages resulting from the slip and fall accident. These include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses associated with your fall.
Winning a slip and fall case in Florida requires a thorough understanding of these elements. A St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyer can evaluate your case and gather evidence that may prove each of the different elements of negligence.
What Are Common Injuries in St. Petersburg Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can result in injuries, from minor bruises to severe or lifelong injuries.
The severity of your injuries will depend on the height of the fall and the surface you land on, but could include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Internal injuries
- Psychological trauma
It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a fall, even if your injuries do not appear serious. Our St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyers can help you fight for compensation for all injuries, regardless of their severity.
What Types of Compensation May I Recover for My Slip and Fall Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation after a slip and fall if someone intentionally caused it or acted negligently.
Compensation varies from case to case, but may include:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for ambulances, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, or physical therapy after a fall.
- Lost wages: Compensation for lost wages or diminished earnings if injuries in a slip and fall keep you from working.
- Property damage: Compensation for any personal property that must be repaired or replaced after your fall.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and suffering or emotional distress arising out of your fall and injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the impact of a slip and fall accident on your quality of life, including your ability to engage in hobbies and activities as you once did.
Identifying all potential compensation after an accident can be difficult. A St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyer can improve your odds of doing so successfully. Our team has years of experience evaluating slip and fall cases, estimating potential compensation, and gathering evidence to prove negligence and liability.
What if I’m Partly Liable for My Slip and Fall Accident?
You may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries under Florida’s “modified comparative negligence” rule if you are found partly liable for the accident. This rule allows you to seek damages even if you share less than 51% of the fault for the accident, but your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault for your accident because you were distracted and did not notice a wet floor sign, you can still recover damages. Your total damages will be reduced by 20 percent if the property owner is found liable for failing to maintain safe conditions.
Determining whether comparative negligence may be involved in your case can be complicated. A St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyer will need to investigate your fall and why it occurred. This may include gathering evidence such as witness statements or accident reports.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida?
You have limited time to file a lawsuit after sustaining a slip and fall injury. This time is known as the statute of limitations. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents, is two years from your accident date. Failing to file a lawsuit in time can result in losing your right to seek compensation in court.
An exception may apply, such as if you were under 18 at the time of your fall. Consult with a St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyer to determine how the statute of limitations may apply in your case. A lawyer can also help you prepare and file a lawsuit for damages from your accident.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for My Slip and Fall Case?
One of the primary concerns with hiring a lawyer is typically the cost. At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, our St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay upfront fees or hourly rates to hire our personal injury lawyers.
Instead, we earn a fixed percentage of the amount we recover for you through a settlement or trial, and only if we win. You will owe no attorney fees otherwise.
Contact Our St. Petersburg Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident in St. Petersburg, FL, a St. Petersburg slip and fall accident lawyer can help you protect your rights. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that slip and fall accidents can have, and our team can guide you down the path to potential compensation if someone intentionally or negligently caused your fall. Do not wait. Schedule a free initial consultation today.
