Gainesville Slip & Fall Attorneys
A slip and fall accident can happen in a second, resulting in lifelong injuries for you or a loved one. The sudden shock of losing your balance and striking a hard surface leaves you no time to prevent the impact. Falling in a poorly lit parking lot or tripping over a cord can result in a life-changing injury. If you’ve experienced serious injuries from a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact Meldon Law’s Gainesville slip & fall attorneys as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Gainesville
No one expects a visit to the mall to turn tragic due to a wet spot on a floor or a malfunctioning escalator. Rather, what mall patrons expect is that property owners take care to ensure that their property is safe. Unfortunately, many businesses and property owners neglect improving safety hazards, whether due to expense, laziness, or overall neglect of the property.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet floors
- Stairs with no handrails
- Cords across floors
- Inadequate indoor or outdoor lighting
- Torn carpet
Experiencing a slip and fall can leave you feeling dazed and confused. If possible, take pictures and collect the contact information of witnesses. Should your injuries prevent you from doing so, ask a witness to help you. Having the presence-of-mind to gather this information is crucial for a successful claim.
A slip and fall accident can bring life as you know it to an immediate halt. Your future plans are now replaced with worry and stress over your medical bills and lost wages. No one should have to worry about out-of-pocket costs from the result of negligence of someone else.
Do not speak with the property owner, no matter how friendly he or she appears at the time. Seek immediate medical attention, then secure the services of a personal injury attorney familiar with Florida law as soon as possible.
Types of Possible Injuries
A serious fall can result in sudden and devastating injuries. Many injuries associated with a fall require a long recovery, resulting in an extensive list of medical expenses. The full impact of a fall down steps or from a wet floor can result in one or more of the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. A patient with a severe TBI may need to relearn basic skills, while others require around-the-clock care, making a skilled living facility necessary. This type of care is very expensive with average costs ranging from $8,000 to $9,000 per month.
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) – The spinal cord serves an important function in communicating messages with the brain. When damaged, messages regarding movement and sensation become disrupted, resulting in limited mobility and paralysis. The costs associated with a spinal cord injury can easily reach millions of dollars throughout a patient’s lifetime.
- Broken bones – A slip and fall accident often results in one or more broken bones. A severe break of an arm and/or leg can limit your mobility and make daily tasks almost impossible without assistance. Future surgeries and extensive physical therapy make the recovery process long and difficult.
- Neck and back injuries – Neck and back injuries are a real possibility during a fall. Breaking your back and spraining your neck are serious injuries that can prevent you from ever fully recovering, returning to the career you enjoyed before your accident, or engaging in the activities that you enjoyed before your accident.
- Internal injuries – Internal injuries are especially dangerous due to little or no warning signs. Only a medical professional using proper testing can diagnosis injuries such as internal bleeding or organ damage. These types of injuries are why it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately following a fall—even if you initially feel fine.
A serious injury leaves you in no position to handle your case alone. Navigating state law and negotiating with insurance companies is best left to a legal professional. Your financial future is too important to leave to chance. If you or a loved one are seriously injured in slip and fall due to the negligence of a property owner, contact Meldon Law as soon as possible.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Insurance companies like to settle cases quickly. Company representatives often present an initial settlement offer soon after an accident. While these initial offers may seem like large sums, they are typically not enough to cover future medical needs or future lost wages.
By making these initial low-ball offers, the insurance company is protecting its best interest by offering as little money as possible. To protect your best interests, don’t speak with any insurance companies; instead, contact Meldon Law to schedule a free case evaluation. Should we decide to move forward with your claim, we won’t settle until we secure fair compensation for you.
When it comes to personal injury cases, time is not on your side. State law limits the amount of time allowed to pursue a personal injury claim. Due to the scope of work involved in interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, it is important to consult with an attorney immediately. The sooner we get to work for you, the closer you’ll be to receiving compensation.
Speak with a Gainesville Slip & Fall Attorney Today
At Meldon Law, we take great pride in providing excellent client care. We always keep our clients informed about the progress of their cases. Our legal team works hard to negotiate fair settlements. If we are unable to reach a settlement out-of-court, we are unafraid to take your case to trial.
A sudden fall that results in serious injuries due to the negligence of another person demands accountability. While every case is different, depending on the specific details of your case, you may seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Never let a property owner try to blame you for your fall. Document the scene, seek medical care, and call Meldon Law.
Meldon Law provides experienced legal representation for slip and fall victims in Gainesville and throughout Florida. To schedule your free case evaluation, call us today at (352) 373-8000 or contact us online.
