Margate, a vibrant city nestled in Broward County with a population exceeding 53,000, is a hub of activity. From bustling shopping centers like Lakewood Mall and Cocogate Plaza to charming squares like Margate Village Square, there’s something for everyone. However, with so many places to explore, slip and trip and fall accidents can happen.
A slip and fall occurs when you lose your footing due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways are just a few examples of hazards that can cause a slip and fall.
In some cases, a slip and fall accident hurts only your pride. But in others, it can lead to serious injuries.
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, a slip and fall results in over 1 million emergency room visits each year.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Margate because of someone else’s negligence, you need to know your rights.
Let’s examine the causes of slips and falls and what you can do in the aftermath. We will also discuss the steps you can take to protect yourself and pursue compensation.
Margate’s diverse landscape means there are multiple hazards that can lead to a slip and fall, including:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the most common slip and fall injuries include strains, sprains, and tears (72,750), fractures (45,460), and bruises and contusions (29,950).
The severity of injuries from a slip and fall can vary greatly, depending on your age, health, and the force of the fall. However, some common outcomes include:
Bone Fractures
These are some of the most serious injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents. Fractures can occur in various parts of the body, including:
Head Injuries
A slip and fall can cause a variety of head injuries, with the most common being a concussion. Concussions bring on headaches, dizziness, nausea, and trouble focusing. While most concussions heal with rest, you should see a medical professional to monitor for any worsening symptoms.
The impact of a fall can also lead to lacerations (cuts) on your scalp or face. Depending on the severity, stitches might be required to close the wound and prevent infection.
Beyond concussions, slip and falls can inflict more serious Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) such as:
Knee Injuries
The force of a fall can easily injure your knees, which absorb a lot of impact. Injuries can range from superficial cuts and scrapes, sprains (stretched ligaments), dislocations (bones out of joint), patellar injuries (damage to the kneecap), and fractures.
Since knees are weight-bearing joints, any injury can take a long time to heal and require physical therapy. Chronic pain and reduced mobility are also potential long-term consequences.
Back and Neck Injuries
The back and neck are prone to injuries during a fall, as they absorb much of the impact. These injuries can range from mild strains and sprains to serious spinal cord damage.
Nerve Damage
The pressure or impact from a fall can damage nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. Nerve damage can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the injury.
Chronic Pain
Many slip and fall accident victims experience chronic pain as a result of their injuries. This pain can have a big impact on their quality of life. This makes it difficult to work, participate in activities, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Other Potential Injuries
Depending on the circumstances of the fall, you may also sustain:
Even a tumble that seems minor can cause problems later. If you take a slip and fall, don’t wait to see a doctor – especially if you’re in any pain, feel uncomfortable, or notice anything unusual. Getting checked out early by a doctor can help prevent bigger issues down the road and get you back on your feet faster.
In Florida, property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This applies to businesses like stores and restaurants, apartment complexes where you might be visiting a friend, and even private homes if you’re there with permission (think attending a barbecue).
Types of Visitors
Things get a bit trickier here. Florida law separates visitors into three groups:
Welcome Guests (Invitees): These are people the owner invites onto the property for a specific reason, usually business. Shoppers in a store, diners at a restaurant, or someone at a business meeting all fall into this category. Generally, property owners have the biggest responsibility to keep these folks safe. This means they should regularly check for hazards and fix any problems they find. They should also warn you about any hidden dangers you might not see.
Social Visitors (Licensees): These are people allowed on the property for their own reasons, not necessarily business. Think about a friend visiting your house or someone using a shortcut through a private yard with the owner’s knowledge (but not necessarily permission). The owner’s responsibility to these visitors is lower than for invitees. They typically only need to warn licensees about known dangers and avoid hurting them on purpose.
Trespassers: These are people who have no right to be on the property in the first place. Property owners generally don’t have to worry about keeping trespassers safe, except in special situations, like children who might wander onto the property unintentionally.
Causation: Proving It Was Their Fault
To win a slip and fall case, you’ll need to show two things: your visitor status (invitee or licensee) and that the property owner’s negligence caused your fall. This means proving:
If you have a slip and fall accident in Margate and believe the property owner’s negligence caused it, understanding your visitor status, the owner’s duty of care, and the concept of causation is important. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you determine the best course of action. They can also help you recover compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to damages, including:
Making a Wrongful Death Claim
In the tragic event that a slip and fall accident leads to a loved one’s death, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable parties.
After a slip and fall accident, you might be contacted by the property owner’s insurance company. It’s important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
Here’s how an attorney can help you maximize compensation:
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Consulting with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your slip and fall accident can significantly increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Madalon Law has a proven track record of success in helping slip and fall victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Here’s what we can do for you:
Don’t wait any longer. Call Madalon Law at our phone number (888) 888-5666 for a free consultation. We’ll fight for your rights and help you get back on your feet.
What Is Florida’s Statute of Limitation?
Florida law has a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including slip and fall accidents. In most cases, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Don’t wait – evidence can disappear, and witness memories can fade over time.
What Is “Open and Obvious” Doctrine in Slip and Fall Accident Case in Florida?
The “open and obvious” doctrine can limit your claim if the hazard that caused your fall is clear and easily visible. However, exceptions exist, and a Margate slip and fall attorney can advise you on its applicability to your case.
Can I File a Negligence Suit for Swimming Pool Accidents in Florida?
Absolutely. Florida has specific laws regarding swimming pool accidents, and depending on the circumstances, you might be able to file a negligence suit if your injuries were caused by someone else’s carelessness.
Can I File a Negligence Suit Even if I Was Partially at Fault for My Slip and Fall?
Florida follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if you’re found to be partially responsible for your accident, you can still recover compensation for your damages. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
It cost you nothing to speak to an attorney. And you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Contact the Margate slip and fall accident lawyers of Madalon Law today for your free consultation.
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.
