Miami Slip & Fall Attorney

Do you need to speak with a slip and fall attorney in Miami? Our law firm offers free consultations, and we won’t charge any fees unless we win a settlement or verdict in your case.

We have an extensive knowledge of premises liability law in Florida. We can explain the strengths and weaknesses of your slip and fall case and then help you develop a plan of action. Call us today at (305) 372-3650.

Speak with a Slip and Fall Attorney Early to Avoid Complications

The sooner you speak with a slip and fall lawyer, the faster your legal team can start gathering evidence and protecting your claim. Surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and other evidence could be compromised within just a few hours of the accident. Our attorneys in Miami can perform an investigation right away to make sure all available evidence is compiled.

How Common Are Slip and Falls?

Slips, trips, and falls account for a surprising number of severe injuries each year. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits annually, making them the leading cause of hospital visits. Slip and falls account for over 1 million visits or 12% of total falls. NFSI also reports that slip and falls are the leading cause of occupational injuries for people aged 15-24.

A significant portion of these injuries can and should be avoided. Many times, they are caused by easily cured hazards, such as spills, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, unsecured cords or rugs, unmarked changes in elevation, or building code violations.

In Miami and throughout Florida, property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn others of hidden dangers. This is true for those who maintain and operate stores, residential commercial complexes, restaurants, and other businesses which are open to the public.

Importance of Seeking Medical Care After a Fall

We lead busy lives and, as such, seeking immediate medical attention after being involved in an accident may not seem like a priority between work, kids, and other important errands. Getting a prompt diagnosis, however, is a crucial step should you wish to file a personal injury claim as it may become an important piece of evidence.

Delaying visiting a doctor after your accident, even if your injuries do not appear to be too serious, may not only cause health complications but could also put your case at risk of being disputed. The insurance company and other opposing parties will be looking for mistakes made by you after the accident, so it may be in your best interests to seek immediate medical care.

Here are a few reasons to visit a doctor immediately after your accident:

• You Are Obligated to Mitigate Damages: One of your duties after being involved in an accident is to mitigate the damages. You are expected to take all reasonable steps to prevent your injuries from worsening. Visiting a doctor immediately is important for your recovery but could also help you against any disputes you may face when filing a Miami slip and fall claim. If a diagnosis is delayed, it may be argued by the insurer that you were negligent and are partially responsible for the damages you have suffered. Your financial compensation could be significantly reduced as a result.
• Medical Records Can Be Used as Vital Evidence: Seeking urgent medical care can help emphasize the extent of your injuries. Your official medical records will serve as important evidence during your case as they will contain details of your injuries, demonstrate how serious your injuries are, lay out the treatment you require, and indicate the long-term effects you may suffer due to your condition. A prompt diagnosis will also help link your injuries to the accident. This will make it harder for the insurer to assert that your injuries are due to a different incident or a pre-existing condition.
• You Could Prevent Injuries from Worsening: Some conditions have latent symptoms, and the severity of your injuries may, therefore, not be immediately apparent. If you do not seek immediate medical attention, your condition could deteriorate over time, causing further health complications as well as added medical costs. The insurance company may dispute compensation for these additional costs as it could be argued that you did not fulfill your duty to mitigate damages by delaying medical care.

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Could Assist Your Claim

Being involved in an accident that has left you injured can be traumatic, and it may be difficult to imagine ever forgetting any of the grisly details. Personal injury claims can be drawn out for quite some time, however, as your Miami slip and fall attorney may advise you to put off accepting a settlement until you have reached maximum medical improvement. As such, your memories of the incident will inevitably fade.

Keeping a personal injury journal that explains the accident and how it has affected you will ensure vital details and memories are recorded. The log can then be used during your case as evidence to help prove causation, liability, and damages.

Below are a few examples of what to include in your journal daily:

• Your Exact Recollection of the Accident: As soon as possible after the accident, write down exactly how and when it happened. Write down every detail you can remember, no matter how insignificant it may seem. For instance, if you remember seeing surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the accident, make a note of that. Include the steps you took after the accident, too, like calling the police or going to the emergency room, as well as what the other party involved did. Finally, make a note of any witnesses, if you spoke to them, and their contact information if you managed to get it. Witness statements could be useful when your slip and fall lawyer is corroborating your story. All this information will help your attorney map out the incident and determine what evidence will be needed to strengthen your case.
• Every Doctor’s Visit: Keep a record of all your doctor’s visits, the instructions your doctor gives you, the treatments you receive, if you go for physiotherapy, and what medications you take. These details will serve as evidence of the medical costs incurred and may also help prove you are doing everything you can to mitigate damages.
• Symptoms That You Experience: Make a note of the symptoms and pain levels you experience daily. Explain how your injuries have affected your everyday life, routines, and limits. You may be able to recover intangible losses as part of your claim, and these details will help prove those damages suffered.

Contact a Miami Slip and Fall Attorney Near You

You can reach our law firm by calling (305) 372-3650 or filling out our contact form. Our slip and fall attorneys are ready to help you and your family fight for the compensation you deserve.