Slip and fall accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but the consequences of slip and fall accidents can be devastating and long-lasting. Slip and fall accidents occur when an individual slips, trips, or falls due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, often resulting in serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal damage, or head trauma. Legally, these claims fall under the category of premises liability, (Florida Statute 768.0755) and they are based on the idea that a property owner, manager, or occupier failed to maintain a reasonably safe environment.
What Constitutes a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall accidents are not limited to wet floors. They can stem from a variety of unsafe conditions, such as:
- Spilled liquids or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
- Uneven pavement or cracked sidewalks
- Loose rugs or floor mats
- Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
- Icy walkways or uncleared snow
- Obstructed store aisles or cluttered floors
The Importance of Evidence in Slip and Fall Accidents
Unlike car accidents, where police often document the scene, slip and fall accidents usually lack an official third-party report unless emergency responders are involved. With most slip and fall accidents, the only documentation is an internal incident report completed by the store manager or property owner, often with the intent of minimizing liability.
To preserve your right to recover damages, it’s critical to collect and secure evidence as soon as possible. Your case may rely heavily on:
- Your own account of how the accident occurred
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the fall
- Photographic evidence of the hazard (e.g., wet floor, broken stair, poor lighting)
- Surveillance footage if available
- Incident reports completed by the business or property manager
- Medical records linking your injuries to the fall
Dealing with Insurance Companies After Slip and Fall Accidents
After slip and fall accidents, victims are often contacted by the property owner’s insurance company. When insurance companies reach out to victims of of slip and fall accidents that they may have to compensate for losses, they have one goal in mind. And that goal is to gather as much information from the victim as they can and to encourage them to make statements that they can use to minimize the property owner’s financial responsibility. Anything you say can and will likely be used to discredit and challenge your claim in an effort to reduce your compensation.
Never speak directly with the insurance company without legal representation. At McGRATH GIBSON, our experienced Jacksonville slip and fall lawyers will communicate with insurers on your behalf, ensuring your statements are protected and your rights preserved.
Why Legal Experience Matters
Navigating slip and fall accidents claims involve complex legal standards such as proving the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to act. This is why choosing a seasoned legal team is essential.
At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our team of Jacksonville slip and fall attorneys has successfully represented hundreds of injury victims. Whether your fall occurred in a grocery store, shopping mall, apartment complex, or parking lot, we understand what it takes to build a strong case and pursue the full compensation for your loss.
Don’t Wait! Your Claim May Be Time-Sensitive
Under Florida law, slip and fall claims are subject to strict deadlines. The sooner you seek legal counsel, the better your chances of preserving crucial evidence and protecting your rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, call speak with our slip and fall accident attorneys at McGRATH GIBSON LAW, call (904) 358-3300 for a free case evaluation. If you ask us to represent you, there are no out-of-pocket costs for our full representation. We are compensated based on a contingency and only get paid if you receive compensation.
