Whenever you’re at someone else’s property in Lauderdale Lakes, like a shopping mall, a restaurant, or your neighbor’s place, you’re just thinking about doing whatever you went there for. The possibility of getting injured while you’re there is probably not even the last thing going through your head when you’re there. After all, it’s only natural that the place will be safe for you to visit. In Florida, property owners are actually legally required to make their properties safe for all visitors. This means removing any hazards that can hurt someone, from fixing uneven sidewalks to clearly marking and cordoning off slippery floors. A part of their duty is to remove any obstacles that can lead to slip and fall accidents. Whenever there’s a danger that’s not immediately visible, they must also display clear warning labels or signs to keep visitors safe.
Of course, it’s impossible for someone to guarantee complete safety on their premises. It’s an unfortunate reality that even in places as amazing and safe as Fort Lauderdale Lakes, accidents still happen. No more than a few square miles in size, Lauderdale Lakes is a city that began as a retirement haven in the suburbs for Northeastern residents during the ‘60s. Dubbed the “Heart of Broward County,” Lauderdale Lakes hasn’t grown much in size, but this peaceful city has truly earned its name. The city and its residents value outdoor socializing and other activities, featuring some amazing parks, large pools, plenty of amazing places to eat, and just a few minutes drive away from several breathtaking beaches. Offering so much to residents and visitors alike despite its small size, Lauderdale Lakes also has plenty of locations where people can get injured due to accidents.
Slip and fall accidents are not uncommon in Lauderdale Lakes and can cause substantial injuries and financial burdens to victims. Someone might slip and injure themselves while scurrying along the poolside at Lauderdale Lakes Swimming Pool Complex or trip over an obstacle and fall at Northgate Neighborhood Park. If you’re ever a victim of such an accident, it can leave you with so much to contend with. Between the injuries, lost income, and emotional distress, it can disrupt your life. Fortunately, getting help from the right Lauderdale Lakes slip and fall lawyers can make you whole.
Our experienced slip and fall attorneys in Lauderdale Lakes are dedicated to ensuring victims of such accidents caused by someone else’s negligence get all the compensation they deserve. We’re completely aware of the severe impact such accidents can have on your life, and we’re steadfast in working tirelessly to fight for the rights of our clients and ensure they’re fairly compensated for their injuries.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Lauderdale Lakes, FL, you can rest easy knowing that we’re here for you. For a free consultation with a slip and fall lawyer in Lauderdale Lakes, contact Madalon Law. Providing complete support, clear legal options, and guidance throughout the process, we’re the caring legal experts who will help you get justice no matter what. While we fight for your right to fair compensation, you can focus on your recovery, knowing that your case is in the best hands.
Schedule a completely free and no-obligation consultation with our Lauderdale Lakes slip and fall lawyers.
A slip and fall accident is when a person gets injured because they slipped, tripped, or fell because of hazardous conditions, especially when it’s not on their own property. The most terrifying thing about slip and fall injuries is that they can happen anywhere, and they can have a lasting impact on your life. Whether you’re in a poorly lit parking lot at night, by the pool in the day, or simply walking on a sidewalk near your place, it’s impossible to be completely safe. Depending on how bad the accident is, victims can suffer from various injuries, from ankle sprains to severe head trauma.
It is important to remember that getting compensation for such injuries requires proving that it was someone else’s negligence that led to the damages. If you’re injured at a property that does not belong to you and the property’s owner did not fulfill their duty to make it safe, you might have a solid chance of filing a slip and fall lawsuit against the owner. Here are some of the most common places people get injured due to slip and fall accidents in Lauderdale Lakes:
Knowing where slip and fall injuries can occur is one thing, but knowing the possible causes can help you understand how much of a claim you have. Understanding where such accidents can happen will help you mitigate the risks for yourself but also shed light on the strength of your claim if your injuries were caused by one of these situations:
Slippery or Wet Surfaces
Outdoor public spaces like swimming pools are bound to have slippery surfaces due to water being splashed around. Places like malls can have slippery surfaces due to materials being spilled on the floors. Besides that, offices, shopping malls, reception areas in hotels, and other public areas might have slick and slippery surfaces when the floors are being mopped and cleaned.
The owners responsible for managing these properties must ensure that all surfaces are clean and well-maintained. Whenever there are surfaces that are going to be slippery due to being cleaned, the property owner must ensure they have warning signs adequately displayed to make sure everyone navigating these areas can avoid the slippery areas to prevent slip and fall injuries in Lauderdale Lakes.
Debris and Other Obstacles
Debris, like fallen branches, trash, construction debris, and other obstacles in places where people walk can be quite dangerous. Places like parks, malls, residential complexes, and other public areas are common places where slip and fall accidents in Lauderdale Lakes occur because of debris and other obstacles.
City management and private property owners must make sure regular cleaning and maintenance is done to keep these places free of debris and other obstacles that can lead to people tripping and falling. Routine inspections are essential to ensure these spaces are safe for people to navigate.
Bad Lighting
Poor lighting on pathways, alleys, parking lots, and other areas where people traverse can be very dangerous. When a person does not have enough lighting to see where they are going, they might not be able to see hazardous conditions like uneven or broken surfaces, debris and other obstacles, or warning signs for slippery conditions and maintenance work being done, especially at night.
It is up to property owners to ensure they have proper lights all around their properties so that people on their premises have complete visibility of where they’re going and of any obstacles that can harm them. City planners are responsible for ensuring adequate lighting in all public spaces, especially where people go in the evening or at night.
Improper or No Warning Signs
Whenever there is any hazardous situation that needs to be addressed and will take time to be remediated, it should be made clearly visible for people in the area. Whether it is a part of the property undergoing some work for maintenance, has been cleaned and has a slippery surface, or there are other hazards, proper warnings are necessary to make visitors aware of and help them avoid the dangers.
Warning labels are particularly necessary in public spaces where surfaces have recently been mopped and polished, construction areas, or any other properties where maintenance work is being done. When the dangers aren’t immediately visible, it is the property owner’s responsibility to put up signage that informs people of the hazards and keeps them safe.
Damaged or Uneven Walkways
A walkway, like a sidewalk, should be well-paved, have an even surface, and offer proper traction to ensure nobody trips or slips. If the pavement has cracks, an uneven surface, slippery conditions, or potholes, the conditions can make it very unsafe for someone to use it. People can trip, slip, or fall. These conditions can happen in walkways that have a lot of foot traffic and due to weathering naturally.
Routine maintenance and repairs done as soon as any damage happens are necessary to ensure the safety of pedestrians by preventing accidents. City maintenance teams are responsible for public walkways, and property owners are also responsible for walkways on their private properties. They must perform routine checks to remove hazards that can harm people.
Damaged Railings
Whenever someone is traversing upstairs or downstairs in a stairwell or on a balcony, there is a reasonable expectation for these spaces to have railings. People rely on these railings for support while there and to prevent them from falling from heights. If a property is not maintained properly and the railings are in disrepair or missing entirely, it can be very dangerous.
Property owners must absolutely make sure that their premises have railings in all the places necessary and are kept in great shape to ensure people can use the railings for support without the risk of falling.
If you’ve been fortunate enough to never experience any, know that slip and fall injuries can be terrifying. Slip and fall accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries to people. While some might be very easy to recover from within a few weeks, others can have a long-term or even permanent impact on you that can have lasting effects for the rest of your life.
When you understand the type of injuries that can occur due to slip and fall accidents in Lauderdale Lakes, it is easier to identify the severity of the situation, the possibility of making a solid claim, and seeking support from the right Lauderdale Lakes slip and fall attorneys.
Cuts and Bruises
Many people assume that minor injuries like cuts and bruises caused by slip and fall accidents are insignificant. However, these injuries can be quite painful and need medical attention. Cuts that pierce the skin can require stitches to keep the injury from getting worse and prevent infections that can lead to further health complications. Extensive bruising can require care due to the possibility of more serious underlying injuries.
For instance, a deep cut on the arm after falling and hitting a sharp object in a dirty place might require immediate medical attention to clean, stitch, and bandage the wound. Otherwise, it can lead to infections and more severe health problems. A very bad bruise might indicate a serious internal injury and require more extensive care.
Strains and Sprains
Slip and fall injuries often result in sprains and strains, especially in the wrist, elbows, and ankles. Sprains and strains occur when the muscles or ligaments overstretch or get torn during a fall. For example, you can sprain your wrist while trying to cushion yourself after tripping and falling. It can lead to an unnatural extension of your wrist, leading to ligament damage in the joint supporting the wrist. Similarly, you can suffer from a sprained ankle if you slip or trip and your ankle twists or becomes overextended.
When minor, sprains or strains can be treated through nominal care and plenty of rest. If severe, they might even require proper surgical procedures to help you heal and extensive rehab during the recovery process to help you heal and regain a full range of motion in the affected area. Regardless of minor or severe incidents, strains and sprains can be extremely painful, rendering you unable to perform a lot of routine daily tasks.
Broken Bones and Severe Fractures
Broken bones, from minor to severe fractures or even complete breaks, are unfortunately very common results of slip and fall incidents. Fractures and broken bones can happen in any part of the body that suffers trauma from the fall, from the ankles to the back, wrist, elbows, legs, knees, or hips. These injuries are incredibly painful and require a lot of care from medical professionals to ensure complete recovery.
From casts to surgeries and physical therapy, broken bones and fractures can be traumatizing for a person. Depending on how severe the fracture is, it can take several weeks to recover from fractures caused by slip and fall accidents in Lauderdale Lakes. Some fractures can even be fatal, especially if people do not get immediate medical attention.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Besides the possibility of fractures, slip and fall accidents in Lauderdale Lakes can also result in traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Even if a person suffers from mild concussions, it can cause severe health problems, from cognitive impairment to dizziness and headaches.
Severe injuries to the brain can have a permanent effect on a person, ranging from issues with their memory to affecting their ability to perform routine tasks and even behavioral issues. Severe brain injuries can lead to the need for hospitalization, extensive care, and a lifelong need for assisted living.
Nerve Damage
Depending on how bad the fall is, a slip and fall accident in Lauderdale Lakes can also cause damage to the nervous system in a person’s body. While it might not be apparent through visible cuts or bruises, nerve damage can be severely debilitating for a person. It can lead to numbness or a tingling sensation in the parts of the body it affects, but it can be as extreme as chronic pain.
To prove that negligence from a property owner resulted in your injuries, there are a few aspects to understand:
The Breach of Duty of Care
The duty of care refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to make their premises safe for people who visit it. The duty can vary based on the visitor’s status, but even a trespasser is entitled to some duty of care. To prove that the owner is liable, you must establish they had a duty of care toward you as a visitor on their property, and they breached it.
Proving the Cause
To win a slip and fall case in Lauderdale Lakes, proving that the property owner owed you a duty of care and breached it isn’t enough. You must also prove that their negligence resulted in the conditions that directly resulted in the accident. This involves proving that there is a clear connection between the accident and their failure to fulfill their duty.
Relating to Your Injury
The breach of care of duty and proving the cause being related to it isn’t enough. Beyond that, you must also show that the incident resulting from the property owner’s negligence directly caused the injuries you’ve suffered.
When you suffer from a slip and fall injury in Lauderdale Lakes, it is very easy to feel overwhelmed. However, it is necessary to act appropriately and immediately to ensure your well-being and protect your rights. In case of an accident, try to be present in the situation and take the following steps:
Request Immediate Medical Assistance
Requesting immediate medical assistance is necessary, even if you feel like you did not get too hurt or don’t need it. It happens far too often that a person fails to get themselves checked because they thought they suffered minor injuries, only for the condition to be far worse than they initially thought it was.
Report the Incident to Authorities
Reporting the accident to the property owner and other concerned authorities is necessary to get an official record of the accident. After making the report, make sure you also get a copy of the report for your personal records because it can be evidence in your case.
Collect and Preserve Proof
From the clothes you were wearing to any documented proof, you need evidence to prove your case. The evidence to prove it can include:
Alternatively, consider contacting the right slip and fall attorneys in Lauderdale Lakes immediately after requesting medical assistance. This way, you can make sure you get the treatment you need right there and then. While you focus on getting the care and medical attention you need, your attorney can help you handle the rest of the situation adequately to improve your chances of getting fair compensation for your injuries.
When you contact a lawyer after a slip and fall accident in Lauderdale Lakes, consulting an attorney experienced in cases like yours can make a world of difference for your benefit. A Lauderdale Lakes slip and fall lawyer will:
Evaluate Your Case
Offering a free consultation, they will discuss your case and evaluate the circumstances of the accident you were a victim of. They will take an initial look and determine the legal avenues you can explore. The right attorney will also help you understand who is at fault for causing your injuries so you know who to seek damages against.
Collect Evidence
Depending on the severity of the accident, you might not be in the best shape to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, take pictures and videos, or collect records from healthcare providers and acquire police reports. A Lauderdale Lakes slip and fall lawyer can handle all of these things for you, ensuring that you have the proof you need to make a strong claim against the negligent party that caused your injuries.
Negotiate With Attorneys and Insurance Companies
Slip and fall accidents and other personal injury cases typically see lawyers and insurance companies engage with the victim and negligent party. Insurance companies are good at one thing and one thing alone: minimizing the amount they have to pay out. They know all the legal loopholes and psychological tactics they can use to try and lowball you into agreeing to a settlement that is far lower than you deserve to get fairly compensated for your injuries. Fortunately, the right slip and fall attorney knows all these tactics and the laws inside and out. They can negotiate with the opposing counsel and insurance companies to ensure there is no chance of you being forced to accept a penny less than you deserve.
Take Your Lawsuit to Court
In most slip and fall cases, there is never a need to take things to court. Typically, representatives of the negligent party negotiate with Lauderdale Lakes attorneys representing victims of slip and fall cases and agree to a settlement that adequately compensates them. However, there are situations where the party at fault does not agree to pay the settlement amount they should, and matters must be taken to a court of law for a judge and jury to decide. In situations like these, only the Lauderdale Lakes attorneys skilled and experienced in court battles can give you the best chance of winning.
What is the time limit for me to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit in Lauderdale Lakes?
Lauderdale Lakes falls under the jurisdiction of Florida’s personal injury laws. In Florida, the time limit to file a case like yours is typically two years from the date when the accident happened. To make sure you have a good chance of winning fair compensation for your injuries, you must file the case before the statute of limitations is up. Otherwise, you might not have a claim that stands in a court of law. When you consult with an experienced attorney immediately after your accident, they can handle the entire process and file your claim well before time to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
How do I prove liability in a slip-and-fall lawsuit in Lauderdale Lakes?
Proving that the at-fault responsibility is liable requires establishing that they had the duty of care and breached it. Then, you must prove that their negligence led to the injuries you’ve suffered. For this, you need a lot of evidence to prove your claim. When you hire Lauderdale Lakes slip and fall lawyers, you can count on them to help you prove liability and collect all the necessary evidence to win the case.
What types of damages can I claim if I am injured in a slip-and-fall accident?
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you might be able to claim economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages in a personal injury case like this are there to cover the expenses like lost wages, property damage, and medical bills you incurred due to the accident. Non-economic damages can include loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other punitive damages. However, it is important to talk to experienced lawyers to understand the extent of the damages you can claim based on your situation.
What is the first step to take after experiencing a slip-and-fall injury?
Your first priority after an accident must be your well-being. First, contact emergency services to seek immediate medical attention. Then, you must report the incident to the owner of the premises, collect evidence, and avoid making statements. Contacting a lawyer after seeking medical attention can relieve you from the hassle of handling all the other aspects of dealing with the aftermath of slip and fall accidents.
Is it possible to get compensated if the accident was partially my fault?
Florida is a state of comparative negligence. It means that even if you have some responsibility to bear, you can still get compensated for the damages you’ve suffered. Suppose you were around 30% at fault for the incident that led to your slip and fall injuries. In that case, the total damages will first be calculated. Then, you will be responsible for covering 30% of the damages, but the rest of the 70% will be the other party’s responsibility to compensate you.
What is the role of a slip-and-fall lawyer in my situation?
Legal experts like slip and fall lawyers in Lauderdale Lakes from Madalon Law can make your life easier. From collecting evidence to providing guidance, negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel, and taking matters to court, they can handle everything for you to ensure you don’t have to deal with all the hassles and can focus on recovering.
Do I need a slip-and-fall lawyer to fight my case for me?
While you can technically fight the case yourself, Florida’s personal injury law is very difficult to understand. The at-fault party will have experts on their side, and they will know all the tricks that will help them minimize their accountability. When you have experts in your corner, you have a far better chance of getting fair compensation for your injuries.
What proof do I need to collect in a slip-and-fall lawsuit?
Proving that the other party was at fault for the injuries you’ve suffered is necessary to get a good settlement for your slip and fall case or get a favorable decision if you fight in court. This means you will need a lot of solid proof in your favor, from documentation of the accident scene and your injuries to footage, incident reports, medical reports, witness statements, and more. When you work with an experienced slip and fall lawyer, you can count on them to collect and maintain the evidence you need to prove your case.
How much will the lawyer charge for my slip and fall case in Lauderdale Lakes?
Most slip and fall injury lawyers charge you on a contingency fee basis. When you have the initial consultation, they will evaluate your case and determine the chances you have of winning fair compensation for your injuries. When they take your case on, they will continue to work for you without charging you a dime. They will only take payment from you as a percentage of the settlement they help you win in your slip and fall injury case. This means you can count on experienced attorneys to persevere and do their level best to help you win. If they are unable to get you results, they won’t get paid, making you feel relaxed about the burden of any legal fees.
These accidents are the cause of severe injuries for many people and can lead to substantial losses. Hiring the right Lauderdale Lakes slip and fall lawyer does far more than help you recover medical expenses – it protects your right by fairly compensating you for all the damages you have suffered due to the negligence of a property owner who failed to keep their property safe.
When you want to maximize your chances of getting a favorable outcome, it is important to work with the best in the business. Our caring attorneys are here to help you, advocate for your rights, and make sure you get each and every penny in compensation to become whole again from the injuries.
Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION and discuss your case with our Lauderdale Lakes slip and fall lawyers.
We ensure that justice prevails.
Most people are not aware of how the law works, the rights they have and the amount of compensation they can be entitled to after they have been injured in an accident that was the result of another party’s negligence. The obstacles and confusion that follow an accident and an injury can seem overwhelming.
