Whether the property is a shopping mall or someone’s home, all property owners are responsible for keeping their premises in safe condition. When they fail, the results can be tragic. Many do not realize the serious injuries that a fall can cause, especially in an older individual. The U.S. Department of Justice has stated that the largest percentage of personal injury claims in the United States come from auto accidents and premises liability. The property owners of these residential or commercial buildings must be held responsible for the damages that their negligent actions cause.
When a slip and fall occurs, there are thousands of things that run through the accident victim’s mind. From taking care of hospital bills to handling insurance companies and employers, those who have suffered from an injury typically feel overwhelmed with their “to do” list. Keeping this in mind, a West Palm Beach personal injury attorney is essential. By focusing our attention on researching and investigating your case, you will have the time to concentrate on recovery. If you have been the victim of unsafe or dangerous conditions, we can help. Contact Larmoyeux & Bone for a case assessment from a knowledgeable West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer.
Personal Injury Claims
Premises liability falls into a variety of different categories. As a general rule, commercial or residential property owners are liable for any dangerous conditions that may exist on their grounds. At Larmoyeux & Bone, a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to handle any personal injury claims, also known as premises liability lawsuits, which involve:
- Dangerous walkways
- Trip and fall accidents
- Falling objects
- Cracked sidewalks
- Inadequate security
- Poor lighting
- School accidents and injuries
- Swimming pool accidents or drowning
- Construction accidents
In establishing a premises liability claim, the persons involved in the accident are essential to the outcome of the case. In the court of law, there will need to be an established status of all of those involved in the liability case. The following are the possible legal statuses of those involved in a personal injury claim:
- Invitee
- Licensee
- Social Guest
- Trespasser
From the initial complaint to a settlement or award, we make sure that the other side understands the pain and suffering you have endured as the result of your accident. We work with you to document your losses so that you can get the settlement or award that you deserve. In doing so, we are able to build a strong case that puts you in the best position to win the compensation in which you are entitled. Florida residents have depended on our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers for many years. If you or a loved one has been injured, it is time to seek justice for your losses.
What You Can Do
If you have been the victim of a slip and fall, try to determine what caused the fall and whether the fall was preventable. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information if possible. Make note of the conditions in the surrounding area. Most importantly, contact a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer right away. You may only be eligible for compensation for a limited time. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin building your case.
Documenting the above details will allow a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer to build a strong case which will breed the maximum compensation possible. With over 50 years of combined experience, the Larmoyeux & Bone staff takes pride in protecting the rights of Florida residents.
Types of Personal Injuries
Below, we will go over some of the most common types of personal injuries suffered throughout Florida today. Feel free to jump to topics that are relevant to you by clicking on the linked sub-sections below.
Table of Contents:
Boating Accident
Florida is the number one destination for boaters across the United States. With almost 3,500 miles of coastline and over 11,000 miles of streams, waterways, and rivers, boating is one of the most popular activities in the Sunshine State. Today, about one million boats are registered in the state of Florida. Approximately 500,000 of those boats are registered to boat owners living outside of Florida and using the state’s waterways.
With the massive number of boats throughout the state of Florida, it comes with little surprise that boating accidents and associated injuries and deaths have become somewhat of a common occurrence. Sadly, Florida ranks first in the number of boating injuries and boating fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident in Florida, Larmoyeux & Bone is prepared to take on your case today.
Contact our West Palm Beach office at your earliest convenience to learn more about your legal options.
Dangers of Boating Accidents
The United States Coast Guard is responsible for safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. With over 43,000 active duty members, the Coast Guard plays an important role in protecting our seas and the safety of maritime activity. In 2011, the Coast Guard tallied 4,588 boating accidents which included 3,081 injuries and 758 deaths. Clearly, boating is a potentially dangerous activity.
The most significant contributing factors to boating accidents in Florida include:
- Improper Lookout
- Excessive Speeding
- Operator Negligence
- Inexperienced Operator
- Machinery Failure
Fatal boating accidents in Florida occur far too often. When dealing with such a wide variety of potential hazards, it is essential for boaters and boat passengers to exercise safe habits through the duration of the boat ride. Sadly, alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boat accidents. Alcohol use highlights the importance of operating a boat only when a cognitively sound and experienced boat operator is present.
Florida residents will recognize a significant range of different type of boats. Ocean lovers choose to enjoy themselves in the water with a number of different vessels. Those boaters must recognize the potential risk associated with each type of vessel. The following types of vessels were most frequently involved in boating accidents in Florida:
- Motorboats
- Personal Watercrafts
- Cabin Motorboats
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have endured. Do not hesitate to seek professional legal assistance when deciding how to handle the proceedings of a boat crash.
Premises Liability
Land Owner Duties
The complexity involved in typical premises liability claims often requires the advice and guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. In fact, some slip and fall cases may not qualify for a liability claim. As such, it is imperative to contact a professional legal team to learn about potential claim options.
There are three types of land occupiers that will play a role in determining whether or not an accident victim has any grounds in which to file a claim. An invitee is considered to be anyone who has entered a property or land with an expressed invitation or permission from the owner or occupier of the land or property. The intention is of commercial benefit to the property owner in the case of an invitee.
A licensee refers to anyone who has entered a property or land with an expressed invitation, but not for any commercial or business purposes. For example, a person attending someone’s house for a party would be considered a licensee. Finally, a trespasser refers to anyone who enters onto a property without the expressed permission of a property or landowner.
Understanding the differences between these three entities plays an essential role in the determination of liability in these types of claims. If you or a loved one has been injured on another person’s property, contact Larmoyeux & Bone today to learn more.
Common Premises Liability Claims
From clothing stores to supermarkets and every other property in between, unexpected injuries occur each and every day throughout the United States. While certain areas such as construction sites present a greater likelihood for injury, liability must be determined any time a person is a victim to an accident on another’s property. Slip and fall accidents are commonly associated with premises liability, however, there are many instances where unexpected injuries may occur.
The following are some of the most common premises liability claims:
- Fires
- Falling ceilings
- Electrocution
- Slip and fall
- Construction zone
- Unsafe walkways or sidewalks
- Inadequate security
- Elevator or escalator malfunction
- Lack of store maintenance
- Exposure to some type of poisonous substance
While the above list marks the most common premises liability claims, it is important for all Florida residents to recognize when a property owner is responsible for supplying safe conditions for all invitees. Neglecting to provide a safe atmosphere may leave these property owners or occupiers at risk of a lawsuit.
Slip and Fall Accident
One of the most common premises liability lawsuits is a slip and fall accident. Slip and fall accidents occur far too often in Florida. However, based upon premises liability law, those owners and occupiers of the property in which the slip and fall accident occurs are given the legal responsibility for the any and all persons within their premises. As such, when a mishap takes place, these owners and occupiers are held liable for any damages and injuries suffered by the accident victim.
The homeowner or property owner of some kind is given the responsibility for the well being of any visitors. In this regard, the owners will be held accountable for providing safe conditions for all visitors. When a slip and fall accident occurs due to a lack of safety on the premises, the property owner may be responsible for the compensation of accident victims.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a slip and fall accident in Florida, the firm of Larmoyeux & Bone is prepared to take on your case today. With our main office headquarters located in West Palm Beach, FL, our skilled Florida personal injury lawyers are available to meet Florida residents in any location.
Slip and Fall Injury Factors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one million Americans suffer from a trip, slip, and fall injury each year in the United States. Even worse, approximately 17,000 people are killed annually in the U.S. because of a slip and fall accident. Commonly associated with on the job injuries, it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the safest conditions possible for all visitors.
The majority of slip and fall accidents occur due to some sort of slippery surface. People tend to slip backward as their forward foot hits the walking surface and their front foot slides forward. While a wide variety of potential factors may play a role in the slip and fall injury, the most common elements leading to an accident are as follows:
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- Cracked sidewalks
- Uneven ground
- Broken steps
- Loose or torn carpeting
- Small scattered objects
- Manholes
- Parking lot potholes
- Steps without a warning sign
- Wet floors
- Snow or ice
- Overgrown grass or moss
- Lack of grab bars or handrails
- Insufficient lighting
While there are certainly many additional factors that may lead to slip and fall accidents, the above mark the most commonly seen elements in these types of injuries. It is absolutely essential for accident victims involved in a slip and fall to seek medical attention immediately. When severe falls occur, these specific injuries have been known to greatly affect the victim’s ability to function properly, as they had prior to the incident. The following are the most common injuries associated with slip and fall accidents:
- Bone Fractures
- Head Trauma
- Spinal Cord Damage
- Back and Neck Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered from any of the above injuries following a slip and fall, Larmoyeux & Bone is here to help. Contact our West Palm Beach office today to learn more about your potential legal options.
Contact our West Palm Beach, FL office today to get started!
Contact a Knowledgeable West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney
Larmoyeux & Bone cannot stress enough the importance of seeking medical care as soon as any type of injury takes place on another person’s property. Immediately addressing health issues will help to prevent further injury from developing. Following a meeting with a doctor, accident victims must seek the advice and guidance of a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer.
With a focus exclusively on helping injured Florida residents, Larmoyeux & Bone has built a reputation throughout the South Florida community. We believe that it is our duty to protect the rights of all Floridians. To get started today, please contact our West Palm Beach office as soon as possible.