Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip & Fall Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one have been injured, first seek medical attention. As slip and fall lawsuits can be challenging to prove, it is recommended to contact a slip and fall accident lawyer with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., for assistance. After your accident, rest assured that our attorneys are here to advocate on your behalf and represent your legal interests.

Where Do Slip & Fall Accidents Occur?

A slip and fall in any setting may be embarrassing, but when injuries occur, this situation becomes much more serious. Slipping and falling on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions and/or negligence is a situation best handled by our personal injury attorneys. A slip and fall injury can occur nearly anywhere, but these are common locations where an accident may occur:

Flat walking surfaces, such as sidewalks or driveways;
Grocery stores due to boxes, food spills, damaged flooring;
Restaurants due to spills, loose mats, etc.;

Stairs or staircases due to stair depth, stair height and lack of handrails;
Workplace due to poor flooring, spills, poor lighting, etc.

It is necessary to note that if your accident occurred at your workplace, whether or not your employer carriers workers' compensation will dictate the appropriate course of action.

Common Injuries From Slip & Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident can cause any number of injuries that have short- and long-term effects on you and your loved ones. Common injuries include:

Broken or fractured bones;
Concussion and other traumatic brain injuries;
Back, neck, and spinal injuries, including herniated discs;

A dislocated or separated shoulder; and
Muscle sprains and/or strains.

Premise Liability For A Slip & Fall Accident

All property owners have a legal obligation to see that the property is adequately maintained and repaired to avoid exposing guests and visitors to hazardous conditions. A slip and fall attorney can review evidence to determine if the owner didn’t fulfill the obligation or their actions resulted in the accident.

What To Do After A Slip & Fall Accident

Contact The Property Owner Or Manager

If the accident took place in a public setting, contact the person in charge, property manager or landlord as soon as possible. Once the accident report is filed, be sure to ask and obtain a copy for your records. If the property is privately owned, inform the owner about the accident.

Seek Medical Attention

Responding medical personnel will treat injuries and if necessary, transport you to a local hospital for further treatment. Be sure to obtain a copy of all medical reports which will prove useful should you decide to file a claim with the help of a personal injury attorney.

Gather Evidence & Information

If you are or are loved one are able, take photos of the scene where the accident occurred — such as the surrounding environment and floor surface. If possible, find witnesses and write down their statement along with contact information. Also, a copy of footage from any nearby security cameras may provide a beneficial viewpoint of the accident.

Contact A Slip & Fall Attorney

A slip and fall attorney can review your case to determine liability. Our law firm can also help you obtain an appropriate amount of compensation to provide for medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses.

Slip & Fall FAQs

The personal injury lawyers with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. answer several frequently asked questions related to personal injury lawsuits and slip and fall accidents.

Who can be held liable in a slip and fall case?

It depends on the circumstances. Property managers and owners are required by premise liability laws to ensure the property is free of hazardous conditions which may lead to a slip and fall accident.

What are some common causes of slip and fall accidents?

There can be a multitude of causes, but common causes include uneven surfaces, such as broken sidewalks; floors that have recently been reconditioned; loose flooring, such as mats or rugs; and spilled grease, liquids, and/or oils.

What should I do if I am involved in a slip and fall accident?

Immediately report the accident to the property owner or individual in charge and seek medical attention. Make sure you receive a copy of all reports and refrain from discussing the situation with anyone except a slip and fall accident lawyer.

Who will pay for the hospital bills if I experience a slip and fall accident?

Most employers and private owners have insurance which covers a certain amount of medical expenses, known as medical payment coverage. The coverage generally applies to anyone injured on the premises. Workers' compensation may also be applicable if the accident occurred at your workplace and your employer is covered under the insurance.

Can I make a claim against the store where I slipped and fell?

Generally, yes. Any store or business that invites the general public onto the premises has a legal obligation to make sure all guests, patrons, and visitors are kept reasonably safe from harm. This responsibility is governed by Florida Statute §768

Are there situations in which you cannot make a claim for a slip and fall accident?

Per Florida law, claims aren’t allowed to be filed if they are being made after the four-year statute of limitations has passed. Also, Florida is a comparative negligence state which means your actions leading up to the accident may be called into question and you may shoulder some or all of the liability. Contact one of the personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. to discuss your claim.

What if I am injured while at the home of a neighbor who invited me there for a party?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the injured person may be able to recover compensation from the host under the host’s homeowners insurance policy.

Can a building owner's violation of a building code ever be used to help a plaintiff win a slip and fall case?

Yes. It’s the business owner’s responsibility to ensure the structure is compliant with all local codes and ordinances. If a handrail is installed under or over local building code requirements, the business owner would be responsible for the lack of compliance.

Should I get legal help with my slip and fall claim?

Yes. Premise liability law is complex and Florida law places the burden of proof on the injured person to prove that the negligence of another person caused your slip and fall accident. A slip and fall attorney with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. will review the claim and all evidence surrounding the accident to build the strongest case possible in your favor.