Slip and falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in the United States. The resulting injuries from a slip and fall or trip and fall accident can be severe, and lead to physical, emotional and financial duress. Owners of shopping malls, grocery stores and retail stores have a duty to protect visitors from dangerous conditions and defects in the property. When they fail to do so and a visitor sustains injuries due to the property owner's negligence, the accident can be even more devastating. If you've been injured, a Lakeland slip and fall lawyer at Burnetti, P.A. may be able to help you pursue a premises liability claim for compensation.

Why Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen

There are many reasons why a slip and fall or trip and fall accident may occur, including:

• Poor design
• Improper maintenance of the property
• Broken handrails
• Collapsing floors, walls, or roofs
• Uneven pavement, sidewalks or curbs
• Cracked sidewalks
• Loose carpeting

Foreign objects obstructing pathways, or slippery surfaces caused by spilled liquids or water leakage may also cause a visitor to slip and fall or trip and fall.

Property Owners' Duty of Reasonable Care

A property owner has a duty of reasonable care to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for the safety of business visitors and to inspect their property for any unsafe or dangerous conditions. This includes exercising reasonable care in the maintenance, inspection, repair, warning, or operations of the business premises. If they fail to exercise reasonable care and it causes a loss, injury, or damage, a victim may be able to pursue a slip and fall lawsuit or claim for damages. A Lakeland personal injury lawyer at Burnetti, P.A. may be able to assist in filing a claim for damages against the negligent party. 

What to Do if You Slip and Fall at a Store

A slip and fall accident at a store may leave the injured feeling embarrassed about their accident, and want to leave the store as quickly as possible. When a trip and fall accident occurs however, the store immediately begins collecting information to fight potential claims; therefore, it is important for the injured to remember several things.

First, many retail stores have video cameras that may record the incident and the aftermath. Customers should be aware that their actions following an accident may be on video, and they should act accordingly.

Second, a store employee may ask the injured questions about the accident, or fill out an accident report. If you are hurt or injured, it is important to speak up at this point. This information may be used if you pursue a claim at a later date, so it is important to have any pain or injuries documented. In addition, it is also important to obtain a copy of the incident report.

Third, if you fall, it is important to try to identify what caused the fall, and if possible, take pictures (even with only a cell phone camera) of the dangerous hazard or condition. Pursuing a personal injury claim may be very difficult if the cause of the fall is unknown.

Obtaining the contact information for any witnesses, keeping the clothes and shoes that you were wearing at the time of the accident, and obtaining a copy of your cell phone records to show that you were not on your phone or distracted at the time of the accident may also help should you decide to pursue a slip and fall lawsuit or claim at a later date.

Slip and Fall Injuries

If you are injured, it is also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many common injuries that result from a slip and fall accident include:

• Broken bones
• Soft tissue damage
• Whiplash
• Cuts and abrasions
• Wrist sprains
• Neck sprains
• Hand fractures
• Mid and low back sprains
• Injuries that require surgery

Contact a Lakeland Slip and Fall Lawyer at Burnetti, P.A. If You've Been Injured

Injuries sustained in a trip and fall or slip and fall accident can be devastating and life-changing. You may experience physical and emotional trauma after the accident, along with financial hardship. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, a Lakeland slip and fall lawyer at Burnetti, P.A. may be able to help you

At Burnetti, P.A. there are no fees and no costs if there is no recovery (compensation). Bilingual staff is available to meet during the day, evenings and weekends in your home, the hospital or our office. For a free consultation, call 1-888-BURNETTI.

211 S Florida Ave
Lakeland, FL 33801
Click here for driving directions
863-680-1131

Lakeland Personal Injury Practice Areas

• Lakeland Personal Injury
• Lakeland Car Accidents
• Lakeland Tractor Trailor Accidents
• Lakeland Truck Accidents
• Lakeland Motorcycle Accidents
• Lakeland Bus Accidents
• Lakeland Pedestrian Accidents
• Lakeland Medical Malpractice
• Lakeland Defective Products
• Lakeland Slip and Falls
• Lakeland Airplane Crash
• Lakeland Boating Accident
• Lakeland Defective Drugs
• Lakeland Head Injuries
• Lakeland Train Crashes
• Lakeland Workplace Accidents
• Lakeland Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect