Melbourne Slip and Fall Lawyers

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the most common non-fatal injury suffered by nearly all age groups is unintentional falls. Except for people aged 15 to 24, falls are the leading cause of injuries. For those aged 15 to 24, it is the second most common cause. Overall, the CDC reports that there are more than 8 million falls with injuries that occur in the United States each year. Property owners in Melbourne – whether private or commercial – have a duty to people who enter their premises to provide a safe place for them to gather. A property owner must take all steps necessary to provide a safe environment for visitors. But often, that doesn’t happen, and people get hurt due to their negligence. If you’ve been seriously injured due to a property owner’s carelessness, call the Melbourne slip and fall lawyers at Couture Law P.A. to find out if you can hold them financially accountable in Brevard County courts.

Property ownership brings responsibility

People who own property are expected to:

• clean up spills or slippery areas
• make sure uneven pavement is repaired
• provide proper lighting
• secure loose tiles and rugs
• make sure walkways are clear of debris
• ensure stairs are clean and are slip-resistant
• make sure handrails are secure and available
• make sure elevators are in proper working order

Slip and fall claims for compensation

Under Florida law, there are several points that must be proven for a slip and fall lawsuit to be considered valid. These points include:

• the property owner created a dangerous condition that placed people at risk
• the property owner knew or should have known of the risk and failed to correct the problem
• the victim of the slip or fall would not have seen the situation as a risk so that it could be avoided

Your Melbourne slip and fall attorney will need to establish these facts and will do so from the evidence that is gathered surrounding the event.

Common premises liability injuries

Slips and falls can cause different types of injuries. However, some of the more common injuries seen in these types of accidents include:

• traumatic brain injury
• skull fractures
• spine or neck injuries
• broken, fractured, or sprained wrists and ankles
• rotator cuff injuries
• tailbone injuries
• hip injuries

Many of these injuries can cause significant discomfort and require long-term care. A slip and fall case may not be as simple of an event as many people may think.

Types of compensation for claims

Because every case is different, there is no hard-and-fast rule on what types of compensation the victim of the accident is going to receive. However, there are some very common forms of compensation that your attorney can seek on your behalf. These include:

• medical expenses. All current and future medical expenses related to the accident will be a part of your compensation package. Your attorney will work closely with medical professionals to determine the extent of future medical care you may require.
• loss of income. All income that you have lost due to the accident will be a part of your compensation. If you have a reduced capacity to earn in the future based on your injuries, or if you cannot return to work, your future earnings may also be incorporated into your compensation.
• loss of benefits. If your company actively contributes to your retirement or health care and you have lost these benefits, you may be able to seek compensation for these losses.

Additional forms of compensation, such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium, may be available. Your slip and fall lawyer will speak with you about all options available based on your case.

A Melbourne premises liability lawyer can help you

If you have sustained an injury due to a slip or a fall, speak with a Melbourne slip and fall attorney about your rights to seek compensation. It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the event to ensure that evidence is preserved and that the Statutes of Limitations do not expire.