Orlando Slip and Fall Attorneys

Where do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?

Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, but there are some locations where these incidents can occur more often:

• Restaurants, Grocery Stores, and Other Retail Shops. In high-traffic businesses, the possibility of slipping and falling increases. Unmarked wet floors or unsecured equipment could be present, causing an accident.
• Sidewalks. Poorly-maintained sidewalks with cracks, uneven concrete, or holes can cause accidents.
• Stairs. Loose, missing, or damaged handrails, poorly-maintained stairs or carpeting, or inadequate lighting can create a more dangerous environment.
• Parking Lots. Similar to sidewalks, badly-maintained parking lots can cause accidents as well. 
• Job Sites. Workplaces - primarily industrial or construction environments - can contain numerous possible hazards that someone could slip and fall on. 
• Elevators and Escalators. As functional machines, elevators and escalators must be inspected and maintained regularly. Failure to do so could result in sudden stops, falls, and even possible loss of limbs or extremities. 

This list is by no means comprehensive. Even if your situation isn’t covered here, you may have a solid slip and fall case.

Premises Liability in Orlando Slip and Fall Cases

Property owners are required by law to maintain a safe environment for others. These responsibilities are many, but they primarily fall under the practice area of premises liability. These laws ensure that visitors to the property can conclude their business safely and without incident. Most environmental hazards that cause accidents are expected to be rectified by property owners before allowing visitors to the property.

The primary exception to premises liability laws is the “open and obvious” clause. Open and obvious hazards like curbs, large planters, and appropriately-placed ladders are not treated the same as other unresolved environmental hazards that could cause accidents.

Common Hazards that Lead to Slips and Falls

The number of potential hazards that cause people to slip and fall is effectively unlimited, but here are a few of the most common. 

• Poorly lit walkways
• Unmarked wet floors
• Waxy residue
• Uneven or poorly maintained pavement
• Loose gravel or dirt
• Unsecured workplace equipment (ladders, scaffolding, etc.)
• Spilled substances like food or drink
• Broken or poorly maintained steps or stairs

What to Do After an Orlando Slip and Fall

In the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident, you should follow a few key steps to secure your case. 

1. Document Everything. Write down every detail that you can, even those that seem minor. Where you were, time and date, what you were doing directly before the fall – all of this can be valuable information to an attorney in determining the specifics of your case. Take down contact information for witnesses of the accident as well. If you can take pictures of the environment, take as many as possible.
2. Report The Incident. Notify an employee or manager of a business if you have slipped and fallen. Ask them to file a written report and ensure you get a copy. Above all, do not share any details of the incident on social media.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention. While some injuries, like broken bones, scrapes, or cuts are apparent, others, like internal bleeding, may not be immediately visible. It’s vital to speak to a medical professional immediately to ensure that you are safe and well.‍
4. Contact An Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney. A capable lawyer will lend strength to your claim and ensure you are compensated if appropriate. Make sure to contact a lawyer before contacting an insurance company.

You should take these steps in order and as quickly as possible. The more immediate the action, the better your chance at a positive outcome.

Evidence Used in Orlando Slip and Fall Cases

Some key pieces of evidence can lend credibility to your slip and fall claim:

• Video Footage and Photos. Security camera footage of the incident can provide visual evidence of the incident itself. 
• Witness Testimony. Accounts of first-hand witnesses can corroborate details shown in video or photo evidence.
• Maintenance Logs. Checking maintenance logs can show whether a failure to upkeep a location or piece of equipment properly has occurred. 
• Weather Reports. A weather report can confirm details if a location becomes slick or unsafe due to rain, ice, or snow.
• Medical Documentation. Medical reports and history that show when you visited a medical professional and their notes on your injuries can corroborate the effects of a fall. In addition, medical bills can show that these injuries cost you a potentially significant amount of money.

Other evidence specific to your case may also be helpful, but those listed here are useful in almost every slip and fall case.