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Do you have a case for slip and fall injuries? Get answers to this and other commonly asked questions.

If you slip and fall on someone else’s property while in Florida, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, there are many factors that could determine the type and amount of compensation that you could be entitled to in a Tampa slip and fall lawsuit.

Let’s take a look at some common questions that injured Florida residents may have.

What is the statute of limitations for slip and fall cases?

In the state of Florida, you have 4 years after the date of a personal injury accident — including a slip and fall or other premises liability case — to file a lawsuit.

slip and fall questions

Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall?

It depends. Generally, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney if you were injured and plan to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. The good thing is that most attorneys offer free initial consultations, so it costs you nothing to find out if you should hire a lawyer.

Your attorney will be able to give you a better understanding of your rights and how to preserve them. Knowledgeable legal counsel will also be able to help gather evidence that can be used either in settlement negotiations or during a formal trial. It is important to note that you are in full control of whether you want to settle a case or take it to trial.

Where are slips and falls most likely to occur?

Slips and falls tend to occur in parking lots, on sidewalks and on floors that are wet or icy. They can also occur on uneven stairs or elevated structures that lack adequate safety railings (such as on a construction site). Any part of a home or business that is dark or poorly lit is an area where a person is at a higher risk of falling.

How much is my case worth?

There is no way to know exactly how much your slip and fall case is worth until we know about the specific details surrounding your claim and the circumstances that led up to the injury.

During your initial consultation, one of our attorneys will be able to help you estimate how much you lost in wages and future earnings because of your injuries. We will also help to determine how much you had to pay in medical bills or other costs related to an accident that was not your fault.

What duties do property owners have to guests?

Property owners have a duty to use reasonable care and correct hazards they knew or should have known about. A property owner must generally mitigate known hazards such as a cracked sidewalk, a wet floor or a leaking roof. However, property owners may not be required to fix a hazard that they could not reasonably have known about.

Furthermore, property owners in Florida are generally not liable for the actions of trespassers or those who don’t use “common sense” while on the premises.

Who can be liable in a slip and fall case?

The owner of a property, a tenant or anyone else who is on the premises could be held liable for your injuries. In some cases, they could all be liable for any damages that you incur because of their negligence.

Could I be partially liable for my injuries?

Yes, you may be seen as partially or fully liable for a slip and fall accident that resulted in your injuries. For instance, a jury may find that you were acting in a careless manner when you fell in a parking lot or slipped while climbing the stairs. In such cases, your award amount may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What types of evidence can you use in my slip and fall case?

We can use photos, videos or witness statements as evidence in your slip and fall injury case. We may also be able to use the testimony of expert witnesses to help bolster your claim. Furthermore, medical bills or other records could show that you suffered a financial loss because of another party’s negligence.

Can I settle after filing a lawsuit?

It is possible to settle a case after filing a slip and fall lawsuit. In some cases, an attorney will file a lawsuit simply to preserve your right to do so if negotiations don’t result in a favorable outcome. Typically, a judge will ask that you try to negotiate a settlement with other parties in the matter before setting a trial date.

Get answers from an experienced Tampa slip and fall injury lawyer

As you can see, there are many factors that go into a slip and fall lawsuit. Because of these complications, it’s important to have someone with legal expertise on your side. This will be your best chance for securing a favorable outcome and getting the compensation you deserve.

Contact Tragos, Sartes & Tragos today for your free consultation.