If you slip and fall on someone else’s property in Largo, FL understanding what help you can receive from the property owner, and what their responsibilities are is an important step to getting well. Premises liability and slip and fall accidents happen on private property, and in a commercial location. Who is responsible can vary based on location, lease agreements, municipal and state legalities, and more.
Types of Injuries suffered in Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall accident can cause a variety of injuries, some painful but minor – some debilitating and with major long term consequences. You could fall on an arm or wrist suffering a sprain or break. You could land on your back and end up with head, neck, or back injuries. If you fall down the stairs, anything from contusions to broken bones could result. In every case, having a slip and fall accident lawyer on your side is an imperative step to be sure your best interests are represented.
Types of Slip and Fall Accidents
There are a variety of ways a business could be liable for damages and medical care if you slip or trip and fall on their premises in Largo. You might trip an object left in an aisle by a customer or employee, or you could catch your foot on loose floorboards or carpeting. There may be water or debris on the floor or sidewalk causing you to lose your footing and fall down. A poorly marked step up or down could cause you to trip and land on your back or hands and knees, causing injury. Your landlord could be negligent in fixing a step or deck and you fall resulting from poor maintenance of the premises.
The Cloud Law Firm lawyers are slip and fall accident lawyers in Largo, FL with deep knowledge of our local jurisdiction and what it takes to make sure you’re taken care of after an injury. Responsibility can be shirked, or just misunderstood by renters and landlords, as well as business premises – so having someone in your corner is important to a positive outcome.
Common Public Fall Hazards
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other falls research: More than one out of four Americans age 65+ falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. While most falls by seniors occur in the home, particularly the bathroom, tripping hazards in public places are not uncommon. Unmarked changes in elevation or uneven surfaces are especially problematic. This often occurs with cracked or raised concrete or curbs, or raised door thresholds. Stairs are another hazard, particularly when they are steep or slippery or no safety handrail is provided. When one stair riser is taller or shorter than the others, this unexpected change can also cause a fall. Poor lighting can also contribute to falls because seniors often have impaired night vision. A person accompanying an older adult needs to be alert, always looking ahead for hazards.
Tips for Families
Many seniors have poor eyesight as well as an impaired sense of balance, leading to an increased risk of falling. Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) makes seniors weak and less to resist the forces that lead to falling. According to Irv Seldin, owner of Visiting Angels – a trusted home care agency in West Palm Beach, Florida, one of the most important things a family can do is to make sure that their loved one receives regular physical therapy and follow up conditioning to strengthen the important muscle groups that enhance stability. This includes not only leg muscles but also core muscles.