Were you injured in a slip and fall accident in Port St. Lucie, FL? Slip and fall accidents are premises liability claims in Florida. Property owners can be liable for damages if someone gets hurt on their property because of unsafe conditions or negligence.
At Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group, our lawyers protect the rights of injured parties to receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by a slip and fall.
Our attorneys are fierce advocates for our clients. We have more than 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury claims. Over the course of two decades, we have won hundreds of millions of dollars in negotiated settlements and trial verdicts for our clients.
Contact us online or call (772) 677-0373 to schedule a free consultation with a Port St. Lucie slip and fall accident lawyer. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case with you.
How Our Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Slip and Fall Case in Florida
For many years, our dedicated legal team at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group has been pursuing injury claims for clients in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Our winning track record and significant resources give us an advantage during negotiations and trials. We are equipped to handle the most complex premises liability cases.
Our award-winning Port St. Lucie personal injury attorneys can help you with your injury claim by:
- Thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your slip and fall accident
- Gathering and preserving evidence proving the property owner is responsible for your injuries, including working with the best expert witnesses in their fields when necessary
- Determining how much your case is worth by documenting and analyzing your damages
- Defending you from allegations of shared fault that could reduce how much your claim is worth
- Negotiating with the insurance company and property owner for a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and going to trial to advocate for your rights if a settlement is not possible
Our lawyers are well-respected within the legal community. We have top ratings and awards from numerous organizations, including The National Trial Lawyers, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Martindale-Hubbell, and Super Lawyers.
Call Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Port St. Lucie premises liability lawyer.
What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Port St. Lucie, FL?
Slip, trip, and fall accidents occur on government, residential, business, and commercial property. People fall for many reasons. Many of the reasons for falls are not the victim’s fault. Instead, slips and falls occur because of dangerous conditions on the property.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Uneven floor surfaces
- Slippery and slick floors
- Inadequate lighting
- Torn and damaged carpeting and flooring
- Obstructed views and blocked walkways
- Unsecured cables and electrical wires
- Missing and broken handrails
- Potholes and cracked sidewalks and parking lots
- Falls from elevated platforms, ladders, and scaffolding
If you slip, trip, and fall on someone’s property, try to document the accident scene by taking photographs and vidoes. The property owner may correct the condition and/or place warning signs before you return to the property.
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident Claim in Port St. Lucie, FL?
If you are injured on someone else’s property, the owner could be responsible for your injuries. However, a party in charge of the property could share liability for your damages. It depends on the circumstances of your accident.
Potential parties in a slip and fall accident case include:
- Property owners
- Tenants
- Business owners
- Government entities
- Residential homeowners
- Property managers
- Garage and parking lot owners
- Schools, universities, and daycares
An individual who attacked you or intentionally caused your injury could also be liable for your claim. Injuries on another party’s property may occur because of assaults and other criminal activity.
How Does the Duty of Care Vary Based on the Category of the Injured Party?
Injured parties have the burden of proof in premises liability cases. Florida imposes a duty of care upon property owners. However, the duty of care depends upon the victim’s classification. There are five categories of visitors in Florida:
- Business invitee
- Public invitee
- Invited licensee
- Uninvited licensee
- Trespasser
Business invitees, invited licensees, and public invitees are owed the highest level of care. A property owner is required to inspect the property for hazards, correct dangerous conditions when they are discovered, and provide adequate warnings of risk.
A property owner is not obligated to inspect their property for an uninvited licensee. However, they must perform repairs and provide warnings of dangerous conditions.
A property owner does not have a responsibility to protect trespassers from injury. Children trespassing on the property because of an attractive nuisance may be exempt.
What Elements Must I Prove to Recover Damages for a Slip and Fall Claim?
Proving a property owner or other responsible party is liable for damages caused by a slip and fall accident can be challenging. You must have sufficient evidence to prove each of the following legal elements:
- The property owner had a legal duty of care because you were on the premises lawfully.
- The property owner breached their duty of care by failing to inspect, conduct repairs, and/or provide warnings.
- The property owner’s breach of duty was the direct and proximate cause of your slip and fall.
- The slip and fall accident caused you to sustain injuries and incur damages.
The burden of proof for a slip and fall claim is by a preponderance of the evidence. The evidence in your case must convince a jury that it is more likely than not that the property owner’s actions directly and proximately caused your injuries.
What Are Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida?
Insurance companies and property owners often downplay injuries from slips and falls. The insurance adjuster may treat your claim as a minor injury. However, falls can cause severe injuries that may result in permanent impairments.
Common slip and fall injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bone
- Nerve damage and soft tissue injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Concussions and head injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Degloving injury
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs
Report your fall to the property owner or other person in charge immediately. Seek prompt medical treatment for your injuries from the nearest emergency room or your doctor’s office. Delays in medical care could cause your injuries to worsen. It could also complicate your personal injury case and make it more challenging to prove your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Port St. Lucie, FL?
Most personal injury lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee basis. The attorney does not require you to pay any money to the law firm when you hire the attorneys. Instead, you must agree to pay the lawyer a percentage of what they recover for your case.
A contingency fee allows injured parties to hire an attorney without worrying about immediate fees. Our lawyers believe in the cases we take. We are confident in our ability to win cases on behalf of our clients. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you won’t owe us anything.
What Damages Are Available for a Port St. Lucie Slip and Fall Accident?
Florida personal injury laws allow victims to recover compensatory damages for a slip and fall claim. You can receive reimbursement for economic damages, including:
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Rehabilitative care
- Medical bills and expenses
- Physical therapy
- Diminished earning capacity
Financial losses are only one type of damage caused by a slip and fall. The victim also experiences pain and suffering because of their injuries and accidents. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Physical discomfort
- Emotional distress
- Impairment and disability
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Reduced quality of life
In addition to compensatory damages, a jury may award punitive damages. These damages punish a defendant for intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
Our legal team will work diligently to maximize your damages. We will carefully analyze all the factors related to your case to determine how they may impact how much your case is worth.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Am Partly at Fault for My Slip and Fall Accident?
Under Florida’s modified comparative fault standard, you can still recover damages if you are partially responsible for the accident. However, if you are found to be more at fault than the other party, you will be barred from receiving compensation.
We can help you fight against allegations of shared fault and minimize your liability.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Florida?
State law imposes deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. The Florida statute of limitations is two years for most slip-and-fall accidents.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations and various factors in your case could change the deadline. Therefore, seeking legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible is the best way to protect your rights.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation With Our Port St. Lucie Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
You deserve to be compensated fairly when a negligent property owner is responsible for causing your injuries. Call our office to schedule a free case review with a Port St. Lucie slip and fall accident lawyer. At Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group, your best interests are our top priority.
