Miami Slip and Fall Lawyer
Have you been injured in a slip and fall accident in Miami, FL? Contact our Miami law office to schedule your free consultation with a Miami slip and fall lawyer. The Soffer Firm has successfully represented injured clients who have fallen in Miami-Dade County for the last 25+ years. Our clients who are accident victims receive the financial compensation they deserve, with our most recent $500,000 slip and fall case settlement.
Slip and fall accidents can be serious, but you don’t have to suffer alone. Our Miami personal injury attorneys will work hard for you and fight on your behalf so that you are compensated for your injuries.
How Our Miami Slip and Fall Attorneys Can Help You
The Soffer Firm handles slip and fall accidents, which are one of the most common types of personal injuries. These accidents, also known as premises liability cases, can result in very serious injuries, including broken bones, deep lacerations, concussions, and even death. Our dedicated Miami slip and fall attorneys will:
- Investigate your premises liability case thoroughly
- Gather evidence, including photos and witness statements
- Work with medical professionals to determine the severity of your injuries
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Fight for your right to full and complete compensation
Benefits of Contingency Fee Representation
At The Soffer Firm, we understand that dealing with unexpected medical expenses and lost wages can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer contingency fee representation for slip and fall cases. This arrangement allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case. Here’s how it benefits you:
- No upfront costs: You don’t have to worry about paying legal fees out of pocket.
- Aligned interests: Our payment is tied to your success, ensuring we’re motivated to maximize your compensation.
- Zero financial risk: If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us any attorney fees.
- Access to quality legal representation: Regardless of your financial situation, you can get top-notch legal help.
Common Causes and Injuries from Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Broken or cracked sidewalks and pavement
- Wet or greasy floors
- Defective steps and stairways
- Poor lighting
- Uneven flooring
- Obstructions in walkways
When these trip and fall accidents occur, they can lead to severe injuries. According to the CDC, over 800,000 people are admitted to hospitals each year as a result of a fall injury, with the most common injuries being head injuries or hip fractures. Additional common injuries include:
- Back injuries: The most severe back injuries arise from falls over 20 feet, but even shortfalls can cause significant pain to the lower or upper back, as well as tingling sensations, numbness, or muscle weakness. Many victims ignore these symptoms but worsen over time.
- Shoulder injuries: Shoulder injuries usually occur following a slip and fall accident, when the shoulder makes violent contact with the ground. The impact causes pain and may even tear some of the muscles or tendons in the shoulder area. Elders have a hard time handling this injury because they are used to working with their arms.
- Wrist injuries: Happens when an individual lands awkwardly on an outstretched arm or while wearing high heels. The impact causes wrist pain that may be more severe if the victim falls on their hands.
- Knee injuries: When people slip and fall, they frequently hurt their knees when they try to catch themselves before hitting the ground. The impact causes knee pain and swelling as well as bruising if the victim falls directly on their knees.
- Neck injuries: Slip and fall accidents can cause a variety of neck injuries, from whiplash to a broken bone or more. There’s a greater danger of spinal damage if the head isn’t kept up when the victim falls. Whether it’s from a fall on flat surfaces or stairs, the effect is always the same.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Slips and falls are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, especially when the person falls backward. A traumatic brain injury can be debilitating and cause crippling pain, fatigue, confusion, light sensitivity, and depression.
- In the most severe cases, individuals die or become disabled, necessitating around-the-clock care. Elders, children, and employees are more prone to serious injuries than the general population. However, there are cases when victims do not initially feel anything and do not visit a doctor right away. It isn’t until the following day or several days later that the full scope of pain, restricted range of motion, and other symptoms begin to appear.
Florida's Premises Liability Laws
Under Florida law, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. For example, airports have an elevated duty of care to keep their floors obstacle and hazard-free. Additional legal duties include:
- Regularly inspecting the property for hazards
- Promptly repairing known dangers
- Warning visitors about non-obvious hazardous conditions
- Complying with applicable building codes and safety regulations
Failure to uphold this duty of care can make property owners liable for injuries that occur on their premises. Our local Miami slip and fall attorneys are well-versed in Florida’s premises liability statutes and can determine if you have a valid claim.
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners should take proactive steps to prevent slip and fall accidents, including:
- Installing slip-resistant flooring in high-risk areas
- Using absorbent mats at entrances during wet weather
- Applying anti-slip coatings to smooth surfaces
- Ensuring proper lighting in walkways and stairwells
- Promptly cleaning up spills and addressing wet floors
- Maintaining handrails and repairing uneven walking surfaces
If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s failure to implement proper safety measures, you may be entitled to compensation.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident take these steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager
- Document the scene and your injuries (if possible)
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Contact a Miami slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible
Documenting the Accident Scene
Preserving evidence is critical in slip and fall cases. Our legal team works with accident reconstruction experts to thoroughly document the scene, including:
- Taking photographs and video of the hazardous condition
- Measuring coefficients of friction on floor surfaces
- Obtaining surveillance camera footage
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering statements
- Reviewing maintenance and inspection records
This detailed documentation helps build a strong foundation for your claim. Our experienced attorneys know how to compile and present this evidence effectively.
Challenges in Slip and Fall Lawsuits
When it comes to slip and fall cases, it is crucial to have an experienced and talented lawyer who is well versed in local state laws. While you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, slip and fall cases can be challenging. Here is exactly why trip and fall cases can be difficult to win.
As the plaintiff, you must prove that:
- The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition
- They failed to address the hazard in a reasonable timeframe
- This negligence directly caused your injury
In response to these claims, property owners and their insurance companies often use various defenses, including:
- Claiming the hazard was “open and obvious”
- Arguing that you were not paying attention
- Asserting that you were in an area not open to the public
Given these challenges, it’s crucial to have an experienced slip and fall attorney on your side. At The Soffer Firm, we have the expertise to:
- Gather compelling evidence to support your claim
- Anticipate and counter common defense tactics
- Negotiate effectively with insurance companies
- Present a strong case in court if necessary
The Role of Expert Witnesses in Slip and Fall Cases
Expert witnesses play a crucial role in supporting slip and fall claims in Miami. Our attorneys work with qualified experts who can:
- Assess slip resistance of flooring surfaces using specialized testing equipment
- Analyze building codes and safety standards to identify violations
- Document and preserve evidence at the accident scene
- Evaluate maintenance practices and identify negligence
- Provide expert testimony on dangerous conditions that led to the fall
Expert analysis is often critical for establishing liability and proving negligence in premises liability cases. Our firm has a network of respected experts we can call upon to strengthen your claim.
Damages Available to Slip and Fall Accident Victims
Our Miami slip and fall attorneys will investigate your case and ensure that you get the best possible settlement for your injuries. The damages awarded in the slip & fall claim for compensation fall in the following categories:
- Medical bills
- Lost work income
- Pain and suffering, and
- Permanent injuries including paralysis, scarring, broken bones, brain damage, amputation, among many others.
Our experienced fall accident lawyers establish the proper liabilities. They will ensure that all negligent parties are named in your case for proper compensation.
FAQs for Miami Slip and Fall Attorneys
Free Consultation with a Miami Slip and Fall Lawyer
Don’t let a slip and fall accident derail your life. The Soffer Firm is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember, with our contingency fee arrangement, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call us at 305-487-8615 or fill out our form for a free initial consultation. Let our experienced Miami slip and fall lawyers inform you of your rights and guide you through this challenging time.