Accidents involving slips and falls can happen anywhere at any time. Their effects can vary, causing anything from bruises and scratches to bone fractures and spinal cord injuries. Slips and falls account for 1 million hospital emergency room visits yearly, or 12% of total falls.
While slip and fall accidents can arise from just about any situation, the vast majority of these accidents can be prevented with proper care and attention. Suppose slip and fall injuries occur due to a hazardous condition on private or public property. In that case, the victim may be eligible to file a slip and fall claim, also called a premises liability claim.ÂÂ
Ocala, a city in northern Florida, is home to about 64,000 people. It is a lovely city with plenty of things to do but it is not risk-free. Many places in and around Ocala, including Publix, Winn-Dixie, Dollar General, The World Equestrian Center, and many more locations, are prone to slips and falls. If you’re an Ocala resident and have suffered a slip and fall injury, working with an Ocala, Florida, slip and fall accident lawyer is the best way to recover financial losses from the accident.
Common Types of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Typically, these accidents occur when someone trips over an object, misses a step, or loses traction on a walking surface. Regarding premises liability claims, incidents arise when property owners neglect hazardous conditions or fail to warn others of potential dangers.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
* Wet Floors
Wet and slippery floors are the most common cause of slip and fall accidents. It becomes very hard to maintain traction on slippery or wet floors, especially in properties where floors are made of smooth, waxed tiles. Splashed grease and oil, spills, unsalted icy surfaces, floor treatments on sloping floors, and tracked-in weather elements all make for hazardous flooring conditions.
* Uneven Surfaces
The area beneath our feet should be properly and safely maintained. Any inconsistency puts people nearby at risk of tripping, stumbling, or falling. Common uneven surface conditions include concrete pavements with large cracks, floors with loose boards, parking lots with potholes, warped floors, and poor carpet conditions.
* Poor Lighting
Walking areas and structures that are dark or poorly lit are difficult to navigate safely and prevent people from seeing any obstacles. Problem areas for poor lighting include walkways, indoor walking paths, stairs and stairwells, swimming pools, property exteriors, and exits.
* Inclement Weather
Rain and other inclement weather conditions like snow, hail, cold, dusty storms, high wind, and extreme temperatures invite fall, especially in outdoor areas. While it’s impossible to control the weather, property owners and municipalities are legally required to plow streets, shovel sidewalks, and salt steps and walkways.
Types of Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents lead to various injuries, varying from minor to severe. Common injuries include:
* Fractures and sprains
* Head injuries
* Spinal cord injuries
* Soft tissue injuries
* Cuts and bruises
* Traumatic brain injuries
* Neck and shoulder injuries
* Chronic back pain
Legal Recourse for Injured Victims
Property owners have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe and hazard-free, both indoors and out. If a property owner acted negligently and allowed dangerous or hazardous conditions to go unaddressed, they may be liable for the losses incurred by the victim. Some of these damages may include:
* Medical expenses
* Lost wages and benefits
* Lost earning capacity
* Pain and suffering
* Rehabilitation expenses
* Property damage
* Disability
* Loss of enjoyment
* Mental anguish
That said, victims must prove that the slip and fall accident resulted from the property owner’s negligence or carelessness. With the help of a slip and fall accident lawyer in Ocala, Florida, you can prove the following:
* The property owner had a duty to keep their property safe
* The property owner, by creating or allowing a dangerous condition to exist, did not uphold this obligation
* You slipped, tripped, fell, and sustained injuries
* You have financial losses as a result of the injuries
A Florida premises liability lawyer can help you by gathering necessary pieces of evidence, identifying liability for the slip and fall, interviewing eyewitnesses, determining the value of your losses, and negotiating a settlement or representing you in court.
Bottom Line
Slip and fall accidents can be caused by wet and slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, potholes, clutter, and more. Property owners should avoid having these issues on their premises. Victims of slip and fall accidents may be able to claim damages for their financial losses and suffering.
