A slip and fall is often not as minor as most people think. Slips or trips can cause traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and facial injuries. This can be a scary situation, but you don’t have to handle it on your own. The slip and fall lawyers in Miami from Meldon Law are here to fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other losses.
Call us today to learn more about what our Miami personal injury lawyers can do for you. We have an office conveniently located in Aventura, so we’re here when you need us.
Why Miami Residents Trust Us With Their Injury Cases
Our firm was founded over 50 years ago and has kept the same values since we opened. When you work with us, you can expect a team that is:
- Compassionate
- Accountable
- Reliable
- Focused on Excellence
- Always striving for Success
We never back down from a fight. Beyond that, we know how to win. We’ve obtained over $250 million for injured Floridians. We have won these verdicts and settlements by placing all our focus on each client. We limit our caseload so that you and your case get the attention you deserve. That is yet another reason we are Trusted by the Florida Gators—and Floridians Everywhere.
We are the fabric of the communities we work in. We take the time to get to know you and your family and fight tooth and nail to help you put your life back together on your darkest days. And insurance companies know to expect that. They know we are a force to be reckoned with, both inside and outside the courtroom. They take cases seriously when they know we’re at the helm.
How We Build a Strong Case on Your Behalf
Holding a property owner liable is not as simple and straightforward as it should be. You can expect the property owner and their insurer to do what they can to avoid paying you. We are prepared for these tactics and know how to fight them.
We gather all the evidence we need to establish the following:
- There was a hazard on the property.
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
- The property owner did not fix the hazard or warn you of it.
- You suffered injuries.
Our case aims to place the blame where it belongs—on the property owner. However, we know that property owners and their insurers often try to blame the injured person for the accident. They may claim that you were not on the property legally or that you contributed to your injury. Our Florida slip and fall lawyers will fight against these claims to get you every dollar you deserve.
Examples of Negligence That Can Cause a Slip and Fall
Any negligent action that creates a hazardous condition can cause a slip and fall. However, some of the most common causes we see include:
- Failing to clean up spills or place warning signage
- Failing to fix broken handrails or broken steps
- Failing to install a handrail in a stairwell
- Failing to install adequate lighting in a parking lot or stairwell
- Failing to fix torn carpeting
- Failing to move cords that stretch across aisles
What Compensation Can We Help You Recover After a Slip or Trip and Fall in Miami?
The compensation you can recover depends on the specifics of your accident, but could include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages typically come with bills or receipts and may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries will affect your ability to work in the future
- Miscellaneous expenses, such as transportation to and from your doctor’s office
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages focus on the physical and emotional impact of your injuries. They can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
We are here for you 24/7
(Consultations are Free)
How Long Do I Have to Build a Case?
Per Florida Statute § 95.11, you only have two years to take action and file a lawsuit. If you don’t file before the two years are up, you risk recovering nothing. You can continue negotiations with the insurance company; however, without the threat of a lawsuit, you’ll likely need to take what you can get.
We recommend that you get in touch with us as soon as possible. We can manage all deadlines in your case and ensure it is filed on time—as long as you contact us early enough.
Get Help from a Meldon Law Slip and Fall Attorney in Miami
You’re dealing with enough, going to doctor’s appointments and attempting to make ends meet. Let our team handle the legal lift. We will investigate your accident, determine who is liable, and build a strong case against them.
FAQs
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall?
After a slip or trip and fall, you likely want to just get up and leave the scene. However, there are important things to do to protect yourself and your case.
- Call 9-1-1 if you need emergency care. Paramedics can come to the scene, diagnose and treat any injuries, and link the injuries to the slip and fall.
- Report the accident. It is incredibly important to create a paper trail so that the insurance company can’t claim the accident didn’t happen.
- Get contact information for eyewitnesses. Your Miami slip and fall attorney from Meldon Law can interview these eyewitnesses to determine what happened.
- Continue with your medical care. If you disobey your doctor’s orders or skip doctor’s appointments, the insurance company can use this against you and claim you are uninjured.
- Call our team to discuss your case. We can help you explore your options.
Can I Afford a Lawyer for My Slip and Fall Case?
Yes. Our team takes cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and only pay us if we win.
This way, you can get the help you deserve without emptying your savings.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Contributed to My Slip or Trip and Fall?
You may be able to recover compensation even if your actions contributed to your accident or injury. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence law, which allows injured people to recover compensation, even when they played a part in their accident. However, there are two important things to remember:
- You must be less than 51% at fault for the accident to be eligible for compensation.
- Your percentage of fault can decrease the compensation you recover. For example, you were found to be 25% at fault for the accident. Your final damage award is $100,000. You would be able to recover $75,000.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Slip and Fall Cases?
Some slips and falls are minor, and victims only suffer bruising and minor lacerations. However, slips or trips and falls can cause severe or even fatal injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
- Broken hips or other bones
- Whiplash
- Internal injuries
- Back and neck injuries
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Slip and Fall Case?
Legally, you don’t need a lawyer for your case. However, if you choose to handle your case on your own, you’ll need to manage the entire case on your own. This could include:
- Gathering evidence
- Understanding Florida premises liability laws
- Communicating and negotiating with insurers
- Preparing your case for trial
- Funding your case, such as filing fees, hiring experts, and taking your case to trial