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Orlando Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys

Slip and fall accidents cause huge numbers of injuries and deaths every year in Orlando. Even when someone survives a slip-and-fall accident, they may sustain injuries, including brain damage, paralysis, broken bones, and more. Other consequences of slip and fall accidents include expensive medical bills, missing work, and permanent disabilities.

If you sustained injuries in a fall on someone else’s property, contact Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys at the law offices of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., now. Our team has seen how the legal system treats slip-and-fall victims, and we can protect your rights while we pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

We understand that people are at the heart of every slip-and-fall accident case, which is why we treat every client with respect and compassion. You can rest and heal while we work on your case. For more information, call or visit our contact page for a free consultation.

Why Choose Attorney Michael T. Gibson for Your Slip and Fall Accident Case?

Orlando has plenty of slip and fall accident lawyers, but how do you choose the right attorney for your case? You want a lawyer who will aggressively protect your rights and see your case through to its conclusion, not someone who wants a quick settlement.

With that in mind, here are a few reasons why our firm is the right choice for your slip and fall accident case:

  • Our commitment to our clients. Attorney Michael T. Gibson founded our firm after seeing how the legal system treated his family. We know how devastating an accident can be and the difference a dependable attorney can make. Our lawyers want to help you rebuild your life and recover as much money as possible after an accident.
  • Our results. Over the years, our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. While we cannot guarantee how much money you will recover for your injuries, we will fight for every dollar you deserve.
  • Our resources. Our law office has the resources of a large firm, enabling us to take on the toughest cases and win. At the same time, we make sure to meet every client’s individual needs as best we can. We have the legal firepower to take on the insurance companies while providing exceptional service to all our clients.
  • Our affordable services. We understand how an accident can drain your resources. However, everyone who needs an attorney should be able to afford one. We work on a contingency basis, which means you do not owe us any fees unless you collect compensation for your injuries. We also offer free consultations so you can learn more about us before you decide we’re the lawyers for you.

How Much Is a Slip and Fall Accident Case Worth?

“How much is my case worth?” is one of the most common questions we receive. Unfortunately, we cannot tell you how much your case is worth until we have a chance to investigate the accident.

You can estimate how much compensation you could receive by adding up all your eligible losses in a personal injury claim.

Depending on the specifics of your case, you could recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills. Slip and fall accidents can be expensive to treat, especially if you have to spend a long time in the hospital. Our lawyers can help you recover compensation for your doctor’s appointments, ambulance expenses, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and other medical expenses.
  • Lost wages. A severe slip and fall accident could keep you away from work for a long while. If that happens, you could lose a significant portion of your income. We can negotiate a settlement that includes compensation for your lost wages after a slip and fall accident.
  • Lost future earnings. Brain damage, paralysis, and other severe injuries could limit your ability to work after an accident. However, you still have bills to pay, even when you are not working. Our slip and fall attorneys can help you recover compensation for your lost future earnings due to an injury or disability.
  • Physical pain. Falls can be painful, particularly if you break a bone or suffer another severe injury. Intense pain can also affect your quality of life and keep you from doing activities you’re accustomed to or enjoy. We can assist you in recovering compensation for your physical pain after an accident.
  • Emotional distress. Mental health disorders are common when someone sustains significant injuries in an accident. These disorders include anxiety, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, and suicidal thoughts. If you struggle emotionally after an accident, we can help you recover a compensation offer for your psychological distress.
  • Damaged personal property. Dropping something or landing hard on an object can damage the item, in addition to causing you severe injuries. In a slip and fall accident case, compensation can include money for any personal property damaged in the fall.

Facts About Florida Slip and Fall Accidents

Here are a few statistics about slip and fall accidents in Florida:

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that about 25 percent of Florida adults aged 65 and up sustain injuries from falls every year.
  • Other CDC data show that it cost just under $4 billion to treat fall injuries among Florida’s older adults in one recent year.
  • More than 42,000 people nationwide died from fall injuries in one recent year, CDC research shows.

Types of Slip and Fall Cases We Handle

No matter what caused you to slip and fall, our firm has the resources and determination to help you to Seek Compensation after an accident.

Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in Florida are:

  • Uneven floors or walkways. If a floor surface is not even, anyone walking on it could lose their balance and fall. Sometimes, it may be difficult to see that the floor is uneven until someone looks closer.
  • Wet floors from spilled liquids. Wet floors are the prototypical example of how slip and fall accidents happen. Water, spilled drinks, certain cleaning chemicals, and other slippery substances can make a floor unsafe to walk on.
  • Clutter or debris on the floor. Small objects on the floor can cause a slip and fall accident if someone steps on the object and loses their balance.
  • Damaged sidewalks or other pathways. Cracks in the pavement, uneven surfaces, erosion, and other sidewalk hazards can cause passers-by to slip and fall.
  • Inadequate lighting. If you cannot see the ground in front of you as you walk, it is challenging to see potential hazards that could cause a slip and fall accident. Property owners have a legal responsibility to provide adequate lighting in common areas.
  • Poorly maintained stairways and handrails. If a stairway is unstable or falling apart, someone could easily lose their balance and fall. Similarly, broken handrails can cause an accident if someone cannot use the handrail to keep their balance.
  • Stray electrical cords. When people string electrical cords across the floor without thinking, they inadvertently create a situation where someone walking by could slip and fall.
  • Construction site hazards. Construction sites are full of dangers that can cause slip and fall accidents. These hazards include spilled chemicals, open pits and trenches, and debris scattered throughout the site.
  • Sloped pathways without proper handrails. Without a handrail to help them keep their balance, people walking up a sloped surface may fall and sustain severe injuries.
  • Poorly maintained parking lots and garages. Inadequate lighting, puddles on the floor, poorly maintained pathways, and other hazards make parking lots and garages especially prone to slip and falls.
  • Poor weather conditions. Rain or other precipitation at a building’s entrances can cause someone to fall on their way in or out.

Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents Include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • External injuries to the head and face
  • Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
  • Back injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Sprains, strains, or other soft-tissue issues
  • Deep bruises
  • Psychological distress
  • Wrongful death

How a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Can Help With Your Case

Slip and fall accidents frequently take a substantial toll on victims. While you want to protect your rights and recover compensation for your injuries, doing so can be challenging when you are in pain after an accident. Hiring an Orlando slip and fall accident lawyer means you can rest and focus on your health while your lawyer handles your legal case.

Some of the ways a slip and fall accident attorney can help with your case include:

  • Establishing liability. To recover compensation for a slip and fall accident, you must prove the property owner or a business caused your injuries through their negligent actions. Meeting this legal standard can be difficult, but a lawyer can help you find the evidence you need to make your case.
  • Documenting your injuries. The key to maximizing compensation in a slip and fall accident case is solid proof of all your injuries. A slip and fall accident attorney can gather your medical records and evidence to make the best possible compensation case.
  • Filing your claim. You should file your personal injury claim as soon as possible to recover the money you need. A slip and fall accident lawyer can complete the necessary paperwork for your claim and ensure everything is in order before submitting it.
  • Negotiating for a reasonable settlement. Property owners and their insurance companies want to keep their expenses low, which means paying as little as possible for your injuries. However, an attorney can help you try to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
  • Preparing your case for trial. Most of the time, a property owner or insurer will agree to a settlement to avoid a risky and potentially costly trial. There are times, though, when an insurer will refuse to negotiate in good faith. In cases like this, you can protect your rights by taking the insurance company to court. A slip and fall accident lawyer can handle trial preparations and help you develop your legal strategy.

What to Do After an Orlando Slip and Fall Accident

If you slip and fall on someone else’s property in Orlando, here is what you need to do to protect your rights:

  • Report the accident. Find the property owner or a manager and tell them what happened. If your injuries prevent you from making the report yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member to do it for you.
  • Document the scene. If you can, use your phone to take pictures of where you fell, any noticeable hazards in the area, and your injuries. Look around for eyewitnesses and get their contact information. Finally, see if any surveillance cameras nearby may have recorded the accident.
  • Seek medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident. First and foremost, you want to rule out any serious internal injuries. Secondly, delaying treatment and not documenting your injuries right away could create issues with a personal injury claim.
  • Save your medical records and receipts. These documents are evidence of all the harm you suffered in a slip and fall accident, so do not lose them.
  • Do not give any recorded statements. Do not say anything to an insurance company that they could use against you. If an insurance company contacts you, tell them you are hiring an attorney and that they will be handling your case.

Hire a slip and fall accident lawyer. The sooner you meet with an attorney, the quicker they can get started on your case.

Practice Areas

How can a Orlando attorney can help your Slip and Fall accident case

After your slip and fall accident it is critical that you begin taking action as soon as you are able to do so.

Choosing your Orlando slip and fall accident attorney is not a decision that should be made in haste. There are cases where accident attorneys approach victims while they are still on the accident scene or have just arrived at the hospital. It is to your benefit to research your slip and fall lawyer on your own, rather than just choosing the first one that solicits you for your case.

At The Law Offices of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney we come to you when called upon – whether you are recovering in the hospital or in the comfort of your own home. We have seen the devastation a serious slip and fall accident can do to a client’s body, which is why we work hard to accommodate you and handle all of the case details so you can focus on recovery.

Of course, we strive to make sure you can meet with your Orlando slip and fall accident lawyer when necessary. We believe that working in-person with your attorney is a critical part of feeling confident that your case will settle in your favor.

We suggest you have an initial consultation with one of our slip and fall attorneys as soon as possible. You’re sure to have many questions about your rights and options to file your injury claim, and a slip and fall lawyer from our office can help provide answers to your questions.

When you are ready to begin your personal injury claim for a slip and fall injury, we will take the reins on your case. These cases often require interaction with the insurance companies, government offices, and other professional entities all with their own legal experts. Working with an Orlando slip and fall accident lawyer can help make sure you’re not at a disadvantage.

One of the major benefits of seeking legal help from an attorney rather than going it alone is that a lawyer such as myself becomes your correspondent with the other party. You have just suffered a serious injury or loss; you should be free to focus on recovery and putting your life back together – not dealing with paperwork and deadlines.

My job as a slip and fall lawyer is to work on behalf of my clients to reduce their struggle for justice and increase their settlement value by seeking a fair resolution to their case. Insurance companies are not quick to dole out hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlement awards unless there is substantial evidence to warrant that amount. Our attorneys focus on providing that evidence so you can support your right to compensation.

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Evidence and Settlements:

Where an Attorney is Critical to Your Case

Slip and fall cases are unique in the fact that much of the evidence of the accident may come from witness accounts. Over the years there have been fraudulent cases in which people have created their own accidents and filed lawsuits against stores and buildings just to obtain an injury settlement.

Insurance companies have wised up to these fraudulent cases and are often much more diligent in reviewing the case details to prove there truly was a hazard caused by the property owner’s negligence and not the victim’s malicious intent. Therefore, to prove you were not at fault for the accident, you will need solid evidence of your accident circumstances.

Eyewitness accounts can be a good source of evidence in a slip and fall case, but they can be difficult to obtain on your own. A good slip and fall attorney will work diligently to obtain the contact information for any witnesses to your accident and connect with them to get a statement regarding the situation.

You should also be proactive in this matter – if you have just been in a slip and fall accident, if you are able to do so, get the contact information of anyone who saw the incident. That way you can quickly get to work recording their eyewitness account before their memory of the event is compromised by time.

Insurance companies may also see you as a source of witness testimony and ask you to provide a recorded statement. This is a step that should not be taken unless you have already discussed it with your Orlando slip and fall accident attorney.

The insurance adjusters often use pressure and coercion to trick victims into belittling their injuries or admitting that they were partially at fault for causing the accident. If this happens, they may be able to justify dropping your claim or offering a lower settlement.

Your slip and fall lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls by acting on your behalf during negotiations with the insurance adjusters. They can also help you obtain other sources of evidence that many victims may not obtain on their own, such as video surveillance tapes.

If your accident occurred at a commercial building or in a public area where there is video surveillance, there is a good chance your accident was caught on tape. This can be excellent evidence to show that you were unaware of the hazard that caused your slip and fall accident. Many buildings do not readily hand out copies of security footage to anyone who asks – an attorney may be able to recover the security footage before it is erased or recorded over.

Once you have the evidence to build your Orlando slip and fall accident case, your attorney will help you negotiate with the insurance companies or other party for a fair settlement. One of the mistakes many trip and fall victims make is that they accept the first settlement offer that hits the table. At The Law Offices of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney, I don’t settle a case until I am confident that the amount is enough to cover both current and future damages.

Seeking a Fair Settlement with Help from Your Orlando Slip and Fall Accident Attorney

Before you sign the final settlement agreement you need to make sure the amount is appropriate for your current and future needs. After months of recovery and medical care, you’re probably facing substantial medical bills. A settlement that takes care of these bills is a welcome relief – but it should be much more than that.

How long does it take to recover from a slip and fall accident?

The common injuries from a slip and fall accident can cause months, even years of recovery, treatment and suffering. They are not always resolved by the time a settlement comes to the table. As a slip and fall attorney, I am focused on not only my clients’ current expenses and losses, but also their projected future losses and financial needs.

If you are facing permanent disability from your injuries or have lost a loved one who was a primary income earner in your household, you should also be seeking compensation for the wages that would have been earned had the accident not have occurred. Likewise, if the injury was of a permanent or fatal nature, emotional damages may be included in your settlement.

Experienced Orlando Slip & Fall Accident Attorneys

If you are a victim of an accident that occurs on another’s property in Orlando or in the central Florida counties of Seminole, Orange, Lake, Osceola, or Volusia, you may have a valid personal injury case. To get the experienced and skilled legal representation you need, contact an Orlando slip and fall accident attorney at my law firm to discuss your case.

As your attorney, I can negotiate a full and fair settlement with the appropriate insurance company, or take the claim to civil court if necessary. I provide responsive, personal attention and will work vigorously on your behalf to obtain fair compensation for damages.

Attorney Michael T. Gibson and his Personal Injury Lawyer team are ready to fight if you sustained injuries in a slip and fall accident. Call (407) 490-1271 today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.

Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney
2420 S. Lakemont Avenue
Suite 150
Orlando, FL 32814
Phone: 407-422-4529

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents

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The following are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about Orlando slip and fall accidents:

You suffered a slip and fall accident. Now what? The steps you take immediately after your accident can go a long way toward protecting you: both your health and your finances. Step one: Prioritize medical care. When you slip and fall, make medical care your top priority, especially if you hit your head, lose consciousness, or have any pain. Many slip and fall accident victims will try to hurry away from the scene of the accident. You may feel embarrassed or want to conceal your fall from others around you. Failing to seek medical care, however, could worsen your injuries. Not only can this make your recovery more difficult, it could interfere with your ability to file an Orlando slip and fall claim. Instead, make medical care a priority. If you can follow no other steps after your accident, you should still recognize the importance of seeking quality medical care. Step two: Collect evidence, if possible. If you or someone with you can collect evidence at the scene of the accident, that evidence can make it easier to prove what led to your accident and, therefore, who may share liability for any injuries you suffered. Sometimes, the premises owner may later try to disguise evidence. For example, the owner might nail down an uneven stair. Most of the time, spills get cleaned up quickly once the staff notices them. Unfortunately, this may already have come too late to protect you. Take photos of the accident scene if you can. These photos can help provide vital evidence that may help you file an Orlando slip and fall claim. Step three: Report the accident. If you suffer a slip and fall in a business, you should report your accident and your injuries to store personnel as soon as possible. Your decision to report the accident not only provides a vital record that will establish when your accident took place, it may help protect others and prevent future visitors to that location from suffering injuries like yours. Step four: Get in touch with an Orlando slip and fall attorney as soon as possible. Do not wait to contact an Orlando slip and fall attorney after your slip and fall accident. An attorney can help you understand all the parties that contributed to your accident, the compensation you deserve, and any other factors that may influence your Orlando slip and fall claim. An attorney can also help fight for you.

Many accident victims, including slip and fall accident victims, find that working with an experienced Orlando slip and fall attorney can maximize the compensation they receive for their injuries. An attorney can: Provide you with a better idea of the compensation you deserve. How much compensation do you really deserve for your injuries? Knowing the answer to this simple question can go a long way toward helping you plan for your medical care and other spending after your accident. Support you throughout the claim process. An experienced Orlando slip and fall attorney will provide support and advice throughout the claim process, freeing you to focus on your recovery. Fight for you, if needed. While most slip and fall accident claims settle out of court, you may have to go to court to prove your claim and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries. An attorney can prepare you to take your claim to court and fight for you if needed.

You have the option to take a settlement issued by the premises owner or their insurance company. In many cases, however, that offer may not reflect the compensation you really deserve for your injuries. In many cases, insurance companies will provide a low settlement offer to an accident victim in the effort to decrease their financial liability for that accident. They may try to pressure you, insisting that you need to accept the offer fast before it disappears or that you do not really need an attorney. Instead, consult an experienced attorney to get a better idea of the compensation you should expect for injuries related to your slip and fall accident.

Your compensation will depend on the injuries you suffered and the party that caused your accident. Most premises owners carry insurance policies to protect individuals who suffer injuries as a result of their negligence. Those insurance policies may have set limits that determine how much compensation you can expect from serious injuries, even if your costs exceed that amount. Most slip and fall accident victims, however, claim compensation for: Medical expenses. What medical costs did you have related to the accident? You should include emergency medical expenses as well as the cost of ongoing medical treatments related to your injuries. Lost income. How much time did you have to miss at work as a result of your injuries? Pain and suffering. How much suffering did you experience due to your accident? How much did it impact various areas of your life? An attorney can help give you a better understanding of how pain and suffering could affect your claim.

Sometimes, you may choose not to seek medical attention immediately after your accident. You may want to avoid embarrassment, or you may have plans for the day that you do not want a trip to the hospital to ruin. Some slip and fall victims do not even notice the pain immediately after the accident. If you suffer serious injuries, adrenaline can flood your system, masking the pain. You may even write minor pain the next day off to “soreness” following the accident, only to later discover that you suffered more serious injury than you thought. Ideally, you should seek medical care as soon after the accident as you can. Medical care not only identifies any injuries you suffered and allows you to receive appropriate treatment, it can make it easier for you to prove exactly when your injuries took place. Even if you did not seek medical care immediately, however, you can still pursue an Orlando slip and fall claim against the party that caused your accident. If you wait to seek medical care, you may need to provide evidence concerning when your accident took place. The insurance company or the premises owner may attempt to prove that your injuries occurred at another time, which could limit your Orlando slip and fall claim. Consult an attorney to learn more about how to file a claim after an Orlando slip and fall and what evidence you can present if you did not seek medical care immediately after the accident.

Most often, either the premises owner or a company operating on the premises will bear liability for a slip and fall. If you suffered injuries due to damage to the building or surrounding area, including poorly-maintained stairs, railings, or flooring, the premises owner may bear liability. A slip and fall that occurs due to a spill or debris in the walkway may leave the company operating on that premises, if separate from the owner, liable for any injuries you suffered. Consult an experienced Orlando slip and fall attorney at Michael T. Gibson, P.A., to learn more about how liability gets calculated after a slip and fall accident and how it may impact your claim.

Most homeowners, like business owners, carry insurance. Florida homeowners typically homeowners’ insurance, which can protect you if you suffer a serious injury on their property. You may have the right to file an Orlando slip and fall an Orlando slip and fall claim after an injury on private property if: The homeowner failed to properly maintain the property. You had the legal right to visit the property. The homeowner did not issue a proper warning concerning dangers on the property, leading to your accident. Consult an attorney to learn more about how to handle an Orlando slip and fall claim associated with an injury on private property.

You should expect it to take time—in many cases, several months—to receive compensation for an Orlando slip and fall claim after a slip and fall accident. An attorney can give you a better idea of the timeline you must work with and how long you should expect your specific claim to take. Factors to consider may include: The extent of your injuries. If you suffered serious injuries in your slip and fall accident, you may need time for your doctors to make a better estimate of your eventual prognosis. For example, if you suffered spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, you may need up to six months for your doctors to get a better idea of what your eventual recovery will look like, how long it will take, and what limitations you will face related to your injuries. Severe injuries, which may require more compensation than relatively minor injuries, can take longer for the insurance company to approve. Many insurance companies will prove more reluctant to make large settlements, which can interfere with the time it takes for you to receive compensation. The negotiation process. Sometimes, you and the insurance company can arrive at a settlement agreement within a few rounds of negotiation. Other times, it may take multiple rounds of negotiation to arrive at an agreement. Each round of negotiation can add to the time it takes for you to receive compensation. Whether you need to go to court. If you cannot reach an agreement with the insurance company, you may need to take your slip and fall accident claim to court. Most often, slip and fall accident claims settle out of court. Sometimes, however, you may need a judge or jury to decide how much compensation you really deserve for your injuries. Once you arrive at an agreement, the insurance company or liable party usually has 30 days to provide you with a check to cover your an Orlando slip and fall claim.

After a slip and fall accident, you may have considerable medical bills, especially if you suffer a broken hip, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury. As the injured party, you must take responsibility for paying those bills. You may, however, have options that can help you cover those expenses. Start with your health insurance, which can provide vital assistance in covering your medical bills after a serious injury. You should contact your medical insurance provider to notify them about the accident and ask any questions you might have about your coverage, including your copays and deductibles, what providers you can see for in-network coverage, or what coverage you have for specific aspects of your care. You may also want to ask how an Orlando slip and fall claim will influence your insurance coverage. Next, an Orlando slip and fall claim can help you seek compensation for your injuries and your medical expenses. The liable party will issue a settlement to you, which you can then use to cover your medical bills and other expenses. If you cannot pay your medical expenses until you receive an Orlando slip and fall settlement, your attorney can issue a letter of protection letting your care providers know about your intent to pay.

There are three things you have to prove to recover compensation after a slip and fall accident:

  • You were on the property legally
  • A hazard on the property caused the accident.
  • The property owner’s negligence led to the accident.

A slip and fall accident lawyer can help you find the proof to hold a negligent property owner liable for your injuries.

State law says you have four years from the date of a slip and fall accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you will likely lose your right to compensation. We recommend you speak with an attorney immediately to avoid issues with Florida’s statute of limitations.

If your case does not go to trial, you could expect it to take a few weeks or months before you see any compensation. But if your case goes to trial, it could be a year or longer before you recover any money.