What are 5 Common Slip and Fall Cases?
One of the more common forms of personal injuries in America is the “slip and fall.” You’ve probably heard of it, but you may not necessarily know what it is. It’s more than just falling down. In order to rise to the level of a civil action that someone can bring in a court of law, there must be negligence. A slip and fall case is actually a form of premises liability claim.
At Roman & Roman, P.A., we’ve been helping people recover compensation for slip and fall injuries in the Tampa Bay area for more than 100 years. Call us today if you need help recovering compensation after a serious slip and fall injury. Here are 5 of the most common types of slip and fall injuries we see.
#1 – Spills
People go to businesses and other public places expecting to be relatively safe. No one expects to find a pool of water, an old grape or piece of fruit, or spill in the middle of a shopping aisle. If there is a spill, we expect that the staff will have put out some form of warning. Otherwise, serious injuries can happen.
#2 – Entry Mats
Businesses often use entry mats to soak up rain and keep the entryway clean and clear. But if the mat is not positioned properly, it can actually become a serious trip hazard. People rushing in from outside or trying to hurry to get in from the rain may not be aware that a mat is loose or that there is a buckle in the mat, creating a trip hazard.
#3 – Balconies and Elevated Patios
Every year, countless Americans suffer severe and even fatal falls from balconies and raised patios. If you were invited onto someone else’s property, you had a right to expect that any latent or hidden dangers (i.e. loose railings) would be clearly identified so you could stay safe. When hosts and businesses do not make their guests aware of dangers and fail to make adequate repairs, injuries can happen.
#4 – Stair Accidents
When businesses fail to repair stairways or leave steps loose or unsecured, it can create a serious hazard, especially for seniors and those with unsteady gait, including those with disabilities.
#5 – Holes
Large holes that are not clearly marked or that are obscured in some way can also create serious hazards.
Defenses to a Slip and Fall
Defendants often argue that if the danger is “open and obvious,” then the victim should have seen it and been aware of the problem. While generally true, many insurance companies take liberties with this defense, using it in ways for which it was never intended.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a slip & fall injury, call Roman & Roman, P.A. today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a slip and fall attorney now. We only collect a fee if you collect compensation, so there’s no risk. But don’t delay. Florida places strict time limits on filing a lawsuit to secure compensation. If you wait too long you could lose your rights forever.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/0768PARTIContentsIndex.html
https://www.romanromanlaw.com/falls-are-a-leading-cause-of-death-among-seniors/
