Slip And Fall Attorney in Palm Harbor

When someone suffers a slip and fall accident, many unexpected expenses and losses can result. Falling accidents are one of the leading causes of injury claims across the country.

If a slip and fall accident happens on another person’s property in Florida, the victim may be owed compensation. Injured people have the right to file a legal claim for financial compensation following an act of negligence.

Property owners and landowners in Florida have a duty to maintain their premises and create reasonably safe conditions for visitors. The extent of their duty depends on the type of visitor on their property.

Following any type of falling accident or injury, seeking legal representation is critical. Speak with the Morgan & Morgan slip and fall lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL, to determine who is liable in your case.

If you have sustained financial or personal losses from a falling accident in Florida, contact the team at Morgan and Morgan. Our slip and fall lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL, will carefully review the available evidence in your case.

We will leverage our significant legal experience and resources to recover every dime you deserve. Victims of negligent property owners should not have to pay the costs associated with their accidents or injuries.

Our team is standing by to review the circumstances of your claim. Fill out our simple online contact form to arrange a free initial meeting with a Morgan & Morgan legal representative.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slipping and falling is one of the most common causes of personal injuries. When a surface is slick or slippery, those walking may slide unexpectedly and lose their balance.

Often, these accidents involve a person’s feet sliding forward, which results in the victim falling backward. This type of fall makes certain injuries more likely. However, the extent of the injuries depends on the specific circumstances of the fall.

Falling accidents can result in numerous injuries. In addition to the hazards in the environment, the physical condition of the person who falls contributes to the severity of their injuries. 

Whatever type of injury you have sustained, you should speak with slip and fall lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL. The attorneys at Morgan and Morgan can handle slip and fall accident claims of all kinds.

Some typical injuries that can happen as a result of slip and fall accidents include:

Sprains and Strains

These injuries happen when the person’s ligaments, tendons, or muscles are damaged. Sprains and strains usually affect the joints of the slip and fall victim. 

Common signs and symptoms of sprains and strains are:

• Swelling 
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion in the joint
• Persistent pain around the affected area

Many minor soft tissue injuries can be effectively treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, more severe injuries may require physical therapy, medications, or surgical intervention. 

Bruises and Contusions

Bruises, also known as contusions, occur when blood vessels below the skin are damaged. This type of injury causes bleeding under the skin. 

These injuries result in discoloration of the skin. Often, the skin appears purple, blue, green, yellow, or black, depending on the stage of healing.

Bruises often occur because of an impact to the victim’s skin, such as from a slip and fall accident. When a bruise forms, the area will be tender to the touch and may become swollen. 

As the bruise heals, the discoloration will change and fade over time. Healing time for bruises varies depending on the severity of the injury. 

Most contusions heal within a few days, although some may take several weeks to disappear.

Broken Bones and Fractures

A broken bone injury is also known as a fracture. This common injury can occur from a slip and fall accident. 

When someone sustains a broken bone, it means that the bone has been cracked or split into two or more pieces. The severity of a bone break will vary depending on several factors, including:

• The location of the fracture
• The number of pieces resulting from the impact
• Whether the broken bone protrudes through the victim’s skin

Some common fractures that occur in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident include:

• Broken wrists or hands
• Broken ankles and feet
• Broken hips

Bone breaks and fractures typically happen when the victim attempts to break their fall with their hands. These injuries can also happen when the person lands on their feet or ankles.

Broken bones can also occur in other parts of the body. Some of the other types of fractures that may result from falling accidents include broken arms, legs, spine, and skull. 

Hip fractures are more common in elderly individuals. These falling accident victims are at risk of more severe and complex fractures as well. Hip fractures often require extensive medical care and treatment. In some instances, these injuries may be life-threatening or fatal.

Symptoms of a bone fracture include:

• Significant pain 
• Loss of movement or function
• Swelling at the site of the break 

Depending on the extent of the fracture, the victim may or may not be able to put weight on the broken limb. If you suspect a broken bone in the wake of a slip and fall, it is vital to seek medical attention. 

Without adequate and proper treatment, fractures can lead to long-lasting medical complications. Possible resulting medical issues include chronic pain, arthritis, and even deformities.

Following appropriate treatment, healing a fracture can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The speed of the victim’s recovery will depend on the location and severity of the bone break. Physical rehabilitation may be needed to regain strength and recover range of motion.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Head and brain injuries are a serious concern in the aftermath of slip and fall accidents. This type of physical damage can range from mild concussions to more dangerous traumatic brain injuries. 

A few of the most common signs and symptoms of a head or brain injury include:

• Blurred vision
• Persistent headaches
• Disorientation and confusion
• Loss of balance or dizziness
• Vomiting and persistent nausea
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Issues related to cognition and memory

When you have suffered a head injury in a slip and fall accident, it is crucial to get medical attention immediately. Untreated head and brain injuries can lead to long-term physical and cognitive disorders.

No matter what type of slip and fall injury you have sustained, you may be owed compensation for the associated costs and losses. The Morgan & Morgan slip and fall lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL, can help you determine the best course of action in your personal injury case. 

Physical injuries are only one possible outcome of a slip and fall accident. It is also worth noting that falling accidents can also cause emotional trauma, fear of falling again, anxiety, panic disorder, and depression.

Examples of Damages in Florida Accident Claims

When a property owner’s negligence causes physical or emotional harm to another, the victim can pursue damages. The term “damages” refers to payments from the at-fault party to the victim of their negligent act or tort.

The most common damages in Florida accident and injury cases are compensatory. In other words, these payments are meant to compensate the injured person for measurable expenses incurred because of the at-fault party’s negligent behavior.

For instance, suppose that you slip and fall on a spilled liquid in a Florida restaurant. If there was no sign indicating a danger of falling, the property owner or operator may be required to compensate you for your losses. 

The most common categories of compensatory payments in Florida tort claims are special and general damages.

Special Damages

This type of compensatory payment is meant to make up for the direct and indirect financial losses that happen because of an accident. Many slip and fall victims experience significant economic costs when recovering from their injuries.

Victims should not be made to pay the financial expenses of an accident caused by a negligent Florida property owner. Some typical examples of special damages in Florida tort claims are:

• Accrued medical debt and bills
• Travel needed for medical purposes
• Loss of earning potential over the long term
• Property damage resulting from the accident
• Expected costs of ongoing and future medical care
• Lost income and missed wages from an inability to work

The skyrocketing financial obligations resulting from a personal injury can feel overwhelming. For this reason, it is important to secure the services of slip and fall lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL. The knowledgeable team at Morgan & Morgan will fight for every cent you deserve in special damages.

General Damages

While special damages can be easily calculated using receipts and bills, general damages cannot. Many of the worst consequences of a serious slip and fall injury do not take the form of monetary or measurable losses.

The emotional and personal costs of an injury tend to be significant. General damages are payments to compensate for the following types of intangible harm:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Emotional damage and anguish
• Depression and anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of consortium or relationship, in cases of fatal injuries

It can be challenging to determine the value of the general damages in a personal injury claim. Because there are no quantitative records to use for calculation, insurance providers often attempt to downplay the general damages sought in these cases.

Do not let a greedy corporation fail to provide you with the compensation you deserve. Let the Morgan and Morgan slip and fall lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL, fight to recover maximum compensatory damages in your personal injury case.