Ripped or torn carpeting can be a hazard. If you or a loved one tripped, slipped, or fell because of a property owner’s failure to maintain their premises properly, you may be entitled to compensation. Reach out to the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733 to find out how a Punta Gorda carpeting that is ripped or torn slip and fall injury lawyer can assist you with an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Property Owners Have a Legal Duty to Keep Their Premises Safe
Business and property owners owe those lawfully on their premises a duty of care. This means they must take reasonable measures to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of their tenants, patrons, and customers. If they fail to do so, they could be legally liable for injuries that happen on their property. You may have a premises liability case if you slipped and fell on torn or ripped carpeting at a residence, public place, or business, including:
- A bar, restaurant, or nightclub
- A private residence
- A hotel
- A movie theater, concert hall, or sporting venue
- An apartment complex
- A shopping mall or retail shop
- A government-owned building, such as a post office or city hall
A Punta Gorda carpeting that is ripped or torn slip and fall injury lawyer can help you determine who may bear responsibility for your accident. In some instances, it may be a private individual, while other cases may involve a business owner or the owner of the property leased by a business.
If your case is against the state of Florida, you can file a claim under Florida Statutes § 768.28. The statute caps the damages you can win from the state at $200,000 or $300,000 if the claim involves more than one entity.
Fall-Related Injuries Can Be Extensive and Expensive
Falls can be serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls account for an average of 3 million emergency room visits per year. Some of the worst-case scenarios that can occur after a slip and fall include debilitating injuries and even death. Falls can result in:
- Broken or sprained ankles or wrists
- Broken bones in the hands or feet
- Broken limbs
- Back sprains, strains, or broken vertebrae
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Broken hips
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
The side effects of some of these injuries may be life-altering. A broken or sprained neck or back may cause chronic pain and lifelong mobility issues. A spinal cord injury may result in complete or partial paralysis. Head injuries can lead to a coma, vegetative state, or death. Head injuries may also cause lasting issues with speech, memory, movement, and cognitive abilities.
The medical treatment required to address severe fall-related injuries may be extensive. If you needed surgery, had to stay in the hospital, or require physical therapy or other rehabilitation services, you likely have expensive medical bills. Furthermore, the rehabilitative therapy needed for some of these injuries may extend into the indefinite future, causing you further financial strain.
If your accident was not your fault, you should not have to suffer the financial consequences. You should not have to struggle with bills, worry about your financial future, or fear losing the things you have worked for. For help seeking fair compensation, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733.
Seeking Compensation Through Insurance
Some slip and fall accident cases can be resolved through a business or property owner’s insurance policy. Homeowners carry homeowners insurance, and business owners generally have property insurance and/or liability insurance.
Insurers know that you are facing mounting medical bills and other expenses. They may use this knowledge to intimidate and pressure you into taking a settlement. Working with an attorney ensures you have someone representing your interests. If insurance denies your claim, an attorney can help you pursue your case in trial.
A lawyer will help you seek a settlement to cover your medical care, lost wages, damaged property, and pain and suffering. If your loved one died because of fall-related injuries, you might be able to pursue a claim for their wrongful death.
If your case goes to court, you must file your case within two years of your loved one’s death or four years from the time of your injuries, according to Florida Statutes §95.11. You will also be subject to the state’s comparative fault laws outlined in Florida Statutes §768.81. This law states that if your own actions contributed to your injuries, any settlement you win would be reduced by your amount of fault.
Helping Victims Get Back on Their Feet
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we provide our clients with responsive legal care. Our team will be with you every step of the way. We will do our best to seek fair compensation.
A Punta Gorda carpeting that is ripped or torn slip and fall injury lawyer will take care of the work needed to support your claims so that you can focus your energy on getting better. Our team can talk to witnesses, collect video or photographic evidence, gather your medical bills and other relevant financial paperwork, file insurance claims and/or court documents, and generally take care of the legwork needed to build your case. You do not have to fight alone. Call our offices today at 1-800-747-3733.