Morgan & Morgan Battles Against Slip and Fall Hazards

Many slip and fall cases in 2021 occurred in grocery stores, restaurants, and similar locations that may have slippery floors and other slip or trip hazards. Victims who have to stand up against big stores and businesses can have a heavy battle on their hands when trying to recover an adequate settlement. They may be offered a small payment by the relevant insurer, who hopes they will take the bait and go away.

However, slip and fall victims with severe injuries could be entitled to considerable settlements, which they need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Since the time for filing an injury lawsuit may be limited, seek legal help from a seasoned slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible after your fall. Morgan & Morgan is here to ensure you don’t leave money on the table. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.

Morgan & Morgan’s 2021 Slip and Fall Wins

We never settle for less. Over the last three decades, our dedicated and tenacious attorneys have fought tirelessly for compensation for the injured, recovering more than $20 billion in damages. Some of our slip and fall cases in 2021 include:

• $5.3 million verdict for a client who suffered arm and leg injuries in a slip and fall at Cici’s Pizza in Tampa
• $4.6 million settlement against a homeowners’ association in South Carolina whose negligence caused our client’s serious leg injuries
• $2 million verdict for our client who suffered arm, back, and neck injuries in an Orlando Walmart slip and fall incident
• $1.5 million verdict in a confidential Orlando slip and fall case
• $1.36 million verdict for leg injuries suffered by our client in a fall in Mel’s Diner in Fort Myers

In many of these cases, our clients received lowball settlement offers, which were a fraction of the true worth of their claim. When Morgan & Morgan takes your case, you can rest assured that our slip and fall lawyers will fight hard for the maximum potential compensation so you can move on with your life without worrying about your injury expenses.

How to Know Whether You Have a Slip and Fall Claim

Sometimes, we slip or trip and fall due to our own inattention or ill-fitting shoes. Getting injured in a fall does not automatically qualify for a personal injury lawsuit. However, you could have a legal claim if you fell and suffered an injury due to a hazardous condition on another’s property, such as a pothole or a missing step.  

Property owners who neglect the maintenance of their premises and fail to fix or warn of hazardous conditions could be liable for your losses.

Common Causes of Slips and Falls

Almost every floor defect or obstruction can cause falls and severe injuries, particularly in older and fragile individuals. Property owners should take great care to ensure that their premises inside and outside areas are well maintained, without flooring defects or cracks in sidewalks. Common causes of slips and falls can include:

• Sudden changes in floor levels
• Loose cables and other tripping hazards on floors
• Slippery floors due to liquid or food spillages
• Missing handrails
• Potholes in sidewalks or parking lots
• Inadequate lighting
• Missing or broken stairs
• Loose floorboards and bulging carpets
• Ice or snow on walkways

Where Did Most Slips and Falls Happen in 2021?

Slips and falls can practically happen anywhere on private, commercial, and public properties. However, busy grocery stores, restaurants, and other establishments with frequent spills and potentially slippery floors can be common locations where patrons suffer an injury. Other places where slips and falls can occur:

• Hotels
• Public pools
• Theme parks
• Cruise ships
• Construction sites
• Restaurant kitchens
• Schools
• Bars and clubs
• Shopping malls
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
• Parking garages
• Airports
• Public transit stations

The best way to discover whether you have a slip and fall claim is to contact a personal injury attorney immediately after your injury. Our dedicated lawyers can assess your accident, determine whether you have legal recourse, and go after the responsible party to recover compensation for you.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Slip and Fall Accident

When a slip and fall accident happens, many victims walk away without protecting their health or legal rights, hoping they will be fine. Do not make this critical mistake. It can be tricky to prove your claim and recover compensation if you develop symptoms and serious injuries later.

Here are the vital steps you should take when hurt on someone else’s property:

• Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
• Seek medical advice immediately to receive treatment and document your injuries
• File an accident report with the restaurant, grocery store, or wherever else your fall happened
• Gather receipts and other evidence of your expenses
• Get in touch with a slip and fall lawyer to protect your rights and determine your legal options

Injuries in Slip and Fall Cases in 2021

The most recent figures from the National Safety Council (NSC) show that more than 36,000 adults aged 65 and over suffered fatal injuries in preventable falls in 2020. Falls can particularly affect older individuals, who could face a lengthy and expensive recovery process. In a particularly nasty fall, a victim may be permanently disabled, requiring ongoing medical and personal care. However, injuries in slips and falls can vary and include:

• Scrapes and abrasions
• Knee and wrist injuries
• Shoulder dislocations
• Head and brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Back injuries
• Muscle tears, sprains, and strains

If you or a loved one suffered significant injuries in a fall in 2021, you could still file a personal injury lawsuit and recover damages. Our tenacious attorneys could identify your options and move forward with a claim on your behalf.

Damages Victims Can Receive in Slip and Fall Claims

Since every personal injury claim is different, there is no average settlement amount for slip and fall victims. You could be entitled to various damages, depending on your injuries, expenses, and other facts of your claim. Slip and fall victims generally received the following damages in 2021, among others:

• Healthcare costs, including future medical expenses
• Loss of income and future income
• Costs of household assistance or home health aide
• Out-of-pocket expenses in connection with your fall injury
• Awards for pain and suffering

Our lawyers can calculate the total value of your claim and negotiate hard with the defendant and insurance companies.

How Can a Morgan & Morgan Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Me Win My Case?

Our attorneys protect victims’ rights and fight for comprehensive compensation. We can:

• Help you get medical assistance
• Analyze your slip and fall accident and determine your legal options
• Assess all your damages and calculate a fair settlement value
• Gather evidence to prove the defendant’s negligence
• File a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf
• Fight for maximum potential compensation at trial

Standing up to a business or government entity can be stressful and frustrating. However, you do not have to go it alone. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys can handle your case from start to finish while you are healing.

What Is a Typical Slip and Fall Claim Worth?

There is no average settlement in slip and fall cases as damages are generally calculated by assessing the victim’s unique situation, which includes:

• Severity and scope of the fall injuries
• Consequences of the injuries on the victim’s life quality
• Medical bills and future expected medical costs
• Income losses and future expected loss of wages
• Costs associated with the injury, such as ongoing care or modifications of the home and vehicle

A settlement for significant injuries will likely include non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of life enjoyment, and emotional distress. Such damages are subjective and assessed on an individual basis. The best way to determine the worth of your claim is by working with a qualified attorney who can calculate your damages comprehensively and fight for what you deserve.

Do I Have to Pay Back My Health Insurer if I Receive a Settlement for Medical Bills?

Generally, when you receive a settlement for medical expenses, you will have to reimburse your private health insurance or Medicaid/Medicare, if applicable. Suppose your health insurance paid for $10,000 worth of your medical bills. If you receive a settlement of $10,000 for your healthcare expenses, you will be responsible for paying some or all of the amount your health insurance carrier paid for your treatment.

However, our lawyers can be by your side throughout the entire claim and handle the complex process of reimbursing your lien holders, which is called subrogation. Having a seasoned lawyer in your corner can be vital as they can usually negotiate down the amount your health insurer receives, meaning you could keep more of the compensation payment.

Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation if I Slip and Fall at Work?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), slips and falls are some of the most common work injuries. However, if you suffer a fall at work resulting in injuries, you generally qualify for workers’ compensation.

The benefits that you could receive depend on your state’s workers’ compensation program but typically include medical expenses, income replacement payments, and others. However, if you are injured at work, you must report your accident to your employer as soon as possible and file an official workers’ compensation claim.

If you have trouble receiving what you deserve or have already had your workers’ compensation claim declined, Morgan & Morgan could help you recover the benefits you deserve.

Could I Still Sue Now for a Slip and Fall Case in 2021?

The time limits for personal injury claims depend on where you live, as every state has its own statute of limitations. While in some states, victims have only one short year to file a lawsuit and seek compensation, others may have four years or more to initiate legal action.

If you have already waited to file a lawsuit, you should seek legal advice immediately, as your time to seek compensation may be running out. Once the statute of limitations has passed in your state, pursuing compensation can be virtually impossible.

How Much Does a Slip and Fall Lawyer Cost?

Personal injury attorneys typically work on contingency, also called a “no-win-no-fee” agreement. Therefore, you do not have to pay an attorney’s fee if you lose your case. However, make sure you raise the topic before agreeing to hire a lawyer, as some attorneys work with retainers or hourly fees, which could leave you stuck with high costs whether you win or lose.

Morgan & Morgan never charges clients anything upfront. We want injured individuals to have the best shot at getting what they deserve, regardless of their financial situation.  You only pay us when we win, and you receive a settlement or verdict. 

Morgan & Morgan Fights Hard for Slip and Fall Victims

The bottom line is that you deserve compensation if you are hurt due to another’s carelessness, whether a store, homeowner’s association, or an individual. However, getting what you deserve can be tricky, especially when you are up against a corporate giant. Large companies have almost unlimited resources to fight claims, with teams of lawyers at the ready.

You don’t have to struggle alone when you or a loved one gets hurt in a slip and fall. Morgan & Morgan is here to level the playing field and fight hard for what you deserve. Our clients are like family to us; just like family, we want to be here for you during the most challenging time in your life and help you recover the settlement or verdict you truly deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more.