Florida Slip & Fall Accident Attorneys
A simple trip to the grocery store or a walk through a parking lot can suddenly turn into a life-altering event. Slip and fall accidents happen unexpectedly and can result in serious injuries, from broken bones and sprains to traumatic brain injuries. The aftermath often involves mounting medical bills, lost income, and significant pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Florida, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps.
At the Law Office of Amanda E. Wright, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take. Navigating a personal injury claim in Florida requires a deep understanding of complex legal principles and the strategic skill to stand up to powerful insurance companies. Our firm is dedicated to helping victims of negligence secure the compensation they deserve.
Understanding Florida
Slip and Fall Law
Winning a slip and fall case in Florida is not as simple as proving you fell on someone else’s property. The law requires you to demonstrate that the property owner was negligent.
Proving Negligence: Actual vs. Constructive Knowledge
To establish negligence, you must prove that the property owner had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition that caused your fall.
Actual Knowledge:
This means the property owner or their employee knew about the specific hazard. For example, if an employee mopped a floor and failed to put up a “wet floor” sign, they had actual knowledge of the slippery condition.
Constructive Knowledge:
This is more common and can be proven in two ways. First, you can show that the dangerous condition existed for such a length of time that the property owner should have discovered it through reasonable care. Second, you can demonstrate that the condition occurred with such regularity that it was foreseeable. For example, if a freezer in a grocery store consistently leaks, the store owner is expected to foresee the potential for a puddle and take preventive measures.
Common examples of dangerous conditions that lead to slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven or broken pavement and sidewalks
- Poorly lit stairwells or hallways
- Cluttered walkways and aisles
- Loose or torn carpeting and tiles
The Impact of Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a “comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were texting while walking and a jury determines you were 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation award of $100,000 would be reduced to $80,000. Under this system, you can still recover damages unless you are found to be more than 50% at fault.
Property owners and their insurance companies often use this rule to their advantage. They may argue that you were not paying attention, were wearing inappropriate footwear, or ignored warning signs in an attempt to shift blame and reduce their payout. Having an experienced slip and fall accident attorney is crucial to counter these tactics and protect your right to fair compensation.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
The moments following a slip and fall are chaotic, but the actions you take can significantly impact your ability to file a successful claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Your health is the top priority. See a doctor right away, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not have immediate symptoms. Medical records create an official link between the accident and your injuries.
Document Everything:
If possible, use your phone or have someone else use theirs to take photos and videos of the exact location where you fell. Capture the hazard that caused your fall, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. If there were witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
Report the Incident:
Notify the property owner, manager, or an employee about the accident as soon as possible. Ask for a copy of the incident report. Stick to the facts of what happened and avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries.
Preserve Evidence:
Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident in a safe place. Do not wash them, as they may serve as important evidence.
Avoid Speaking with Insurers:
The property owner’s insurance company may contact you shortly after the accident. Do not give them a recorded statement or accept any settlement offers without first speaking to an attorney. Their goal is to minimize their liability, not to protect your interests.
How an Experienced Attorney
Can Make a Difference
Choosing the right legal representation is the most important decision you will make in your personal injury case. Amanda E. Wright offers a unique and powerful perspective that sets her apart from other slip and fall accident attorneys.
A South Florida native, Ms. Wright began her legal career as a public defender, fighting for the constitutional rights of her clients. She then transitioned to civil litigation, representing individuals in personal injury lawsuits. However, her most formative experience came from a strategic move to work for one of the nation’s largest insurance companies.
Defending a Fortune 100 insurer against personal injury claims provided Ms. Wright with an invaluable, firsthand look at their playbook. She learned the tactics insurance adjusters and lawyers use to devalue claims, delay payments, and avoid accountability. This insider knowledge is now her clients’ greatest asset. She anticipates the insurance company’s every move and builds proactive strategies to counter them.
The Law Office of Amanda E. Wright will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to gather crucial evidence.
- Hire professionals, if necessary, to prove the property owner’s negligence.
- Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company.
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
- Prepare to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Secure the Representation You Deserve
A slip and fall accident can leave you with lasting injuries and financial burdens. You do not have to face the legal battle alone. The Florida personal injury laws are complex, and property owners and their insurers have powerful legal teams on their side. You need an advocate who is not afraid to fight for you.
Contact the Law Office of Amanda E. Wright today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
