Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville

A slip and fall can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last for months or even years. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim.

The slip and fall claims process can be daunting, especially if you’re recovering from a serious injury. But you don’t have to go through that process alone.

Since 2013, Blakeley Law Firm has recovered more than $250 million for our clients. If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, a slip and fall accident lawyer in Jacksonville can help you pursue full compensation for your losses.

Why Hire a Jacksonville Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer?

Slip and fall cases can be complicated. A lawyer can:

• Investigate and gather evidence, including surveillance footage, photographs, and witness statements.
• Calculate the value of your claim, including both economic and non-economic damages.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to protect you from lowball offers and manipulative tactics.
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

A Jacksonville slip and fall accident lawyer can provide guidance and support at every step of the legal process.

How Much Do Lawyers Charge for Slip and Fall Cases?

The slip and fall accident lawyers at Blakeley Law Firm work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You don’t pay anything upfront.
• Your attorney only gets paid if you win your case.
• Your attorney’s fee will be a predetermined percentage of your settlement or verdict.

What is the Average Settlement for a Slip and Fall in Florida?

Since every case is different, there is no average settlement for a slip and fall in Florida. Some victims receive four or five-figure payouts, while others receive settlements worth millions.

The value of your claim will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the length of your medical treatment, and how much time you have to spend away from work. A Jacksonville slip and fall attorney can help fight for the maximum possible settlement.

What is the Minimum Compensation for a Slip and Fall?

Legally, there‘s no minimum compensation for a slip and fall. That said, even minor injury claims can lead to substantial settlements. The key is proving that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, which a slip and fall accident attorney in Jacksonville can help you do.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Jacksonville, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care related to your injury.
• Lost income: You can recover wages you would’ve earned while recovering from your injuries, as well as any future income you may lose if your ability to work has been affected.
• Loss of earning capacity: You can be compensated if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or compromise your ability to earn a living in the future.
• Pain and suffering: You can recover damages for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
• Emotional distress: You can seek compensation for the psychological effects of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: You can receive damages if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement: You can be compensated for long-term or permanent changes to your body or physical abilities.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence, you can be awarded additional damages meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.

A Jacksonville slip and fall lawyer can make sure you’re compensated for all of your damages.

How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in Florida?

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.

If you miss the filing window, your case could be thrown out, which is why it’s important to speak with a Jacksonville slip and fall attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Who Can Be Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?

The answer as to who’s responsible for a slip and fall accident in Jacksonville depends on where the incident occurs:

• Property owners: Homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners can be liable if they fail to maintain safe premises.
• Business operators: Store managers, restaurants, and retailers must address hazards such as spills, broken flooring, or poor lighting.
• Government entities: If you slip and fall on city property, such as a sidewalk or government building, the city of Jacksonville may be responsible.

A slip and fall lawyer in Jacksonville can help determine who’s liable and work to hold them accountable.

How Do I Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case?

To win a slip and fall case in Florida, you must prove that the property owner or manager was negligent. To do that, you must establish four key elements:

1. Duty of care: The property owner had a legal duty to keep the premises safe.
2. Breach of duty: They failed to fix, warn about, or remove a known hazard.
3. Causation: That hazard directly caused your fall and injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered losses as a result.

A Jacksonville slip and fall lawyer can help collect and present evidence to prove negligence.

What if I’m Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that:

• You can recover damages for an accident as long as you were no more than 50% at fault.
• Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you may not recover any damages at all. For this reason, it’s important to hire a lawyer who can advocate for you and, if necessary, minimize your part in the accident.

How Do I Know Whether I Have a Case?

To have a strong slip and fall case, the following conditions must be met:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care. For example, if you were legally on the property (as a customer or guest), the owner had a responsibility to keep the premises safe.
• There was a hazardous condition on the property. This could be a wet floor, loose carpet, poor lighting, or uneven sidewalk.
• The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard. If the hazard was obvious or had existed for some time, the owner may be liable.
• You suffered actual injuries. If the fall caused medical issues, time away from work, or other damages, you may have a valid claim.

A Jacksonville personal injury attorney can help determine the strength of your claim.

What Evidence Do I Need to Win a Slip and Fall Case?

A strong slip and fall claim requires solid evidence. The more documentation you can provide, the stronger your case will be. Key pieces of evidence often include:

• Photographs of the hazard that caused your fall (taken as soon as possible after the incident)
• Surveillance footage from nearby security cameras that recorded the accident
• Incident reports filed with the business or property manager
• Medical records showing the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ve received
• Witness statements from people who saw the fall or the hazardous condition that caused it
• Expert testimony (when applicable) regarding negligence or the long-term impact of your injuries

A personal injury lawyer in Jacksonville can help gather, preserve, and present this evidence.

What is Premises Liability in Florida?

Premises liability is the area of Florida law that holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions. Under Chapter 768 Section 0755 of Florida law, if you slip and fall due to a “transitory foreign substance” on the floor of a business, you must prove that that business had actual or constructive knowledge of the danger and failed to fix it.

In other words, the hazard must have existed long enough that the owner should have known about it, or there must be a pattern of similar hazards that the owner failed to address. If you can’t prove these elements, you may not have a viable slip and fall claim.

How Does the Legal Process Work After a Slip and Fall?

After a slip and fall accident, the legal process typically involves these steps:

• Consultation: Your attorney will evaluate your claim and explain your options.
• Investigation: Your lawyer will collect evidence, contact witnesses, and review property maintenance records.
• Claim filing: Your lawyer will file a claim with the property owner’s insurance company, outlining your injuries and requesting compensation.
• Negotiation: Your lawyer will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Lawsuit: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit and prepare for trial.
• Resolution: If your case goes to trial, it will end with either a negotiated settlement or a court verdict.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can occur in grocery stores, malls, hotels, restaurants, apartment complexes, and even private homes. Common causes include:

• Wet or slippery floors with no warning signs
• Uneven sidewalks or broken pavement
• Loose rugs, carpets, or floorboards
• Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
• Clutter or debris in walkways
• Spilled liquids or food items not promptly cleaned up
• Broken railings or steps

Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

Although slip and fall incidents might seem minor, they can cause serious and even life-altering injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries (including concussions and traumatic brain injuries)
• Back and spinal injuries
• Knee injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

What to Do After a Slip and Fall

By taking the proper steps after a fall, you can significantly improve your odds of recovering fair compensation. Here’s what you should do:

• Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards that contributed to the fall.
• Exchange contact information with any witnesses who saw the fall.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor.
• Report the incident to the property owner or store manager and request a copy of the incident report.
• Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
• Call a Jacksonville slip and fall attorney to discuss your legal options.

Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney in Jacksonville

A slip and fall accident can turn your life upside down. If you’ve been the victim of one, an experienced Jacksonville slip and fall lawyer from Blakeley Law Firm can investigate the accident, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for a fair settlement.

Whether you were injured at a business, in a public place, or on private property, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. Our team is committed to standing by your side in your fight against insurance companies that don’t have your best interests at heart.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and begin pursuing justice.