Jacksonville Elderly Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys
Elderly Slip and Fall
More than one third of people over the age of 65 fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among the elderly. It isn't hard to guess why: injuries such as these can be terribly violent in the moment, and the medical effects of advancing age can mean even a simple fall may result in a fractured hip or a head injury. Needless to say, it is incumbent upon property owners and business proprietors to take precautions so that such accidents rarely occur. In the event that the owners fail to do so, the victim may have a slip and fall case.
How do you wage and win a lawsuit over an elderly slip and fall victim in Florida? The law here in Florida divides victims up by categories, and each comes with its own liability. Business invitees are essentially customers, or people who have come to a store or restaurant to conduct business of some sort. Licensees include social guests and other expected parties. For each of these two categories, liability falls almost completely onto the owner of the property to ensure that it is safe, and that hazards are well-marked where they occur. Any failure to do so may result in that party assuming the entire liability for the accident, meaning the plaintiff can recover full medical expenses, loss of income and other penalties.
Trespassers are another story, however. When elderly people arrive on the wrong property, or in some cases become confused, they may encounter hazards that the owner of that property did not expect anyone to encounter. In this instance, the issue of comparative fault becomes important: a jury may determine that both the owner and the victim share some fault for the slip and fall, and typically the damages will be shared by both parties. What proportion those damages are assigned is determined by the jury as well.
No matter what the circumstances of an elderly slip and fall, it is important to retain experienced personal injury attorneys for your lawsuit. Farah and Farah has been protecting the rights of the elderly in Florida for more than two decades, and our record of success reflects an abiding commitment to full and fair settlements throughout the state. If you or an elderly relative has been injured in a slip and fall and you want to recover what you deserve, please contact our Jacksonville elderly slip and fall lawyers for a free consultation today.