Can I Sue After Falling Down A Staircase In Orlando?
Falling down a staircase is no laughing matter. These accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, and they may leave victims permanently disabled. If you have fallen down a flight of stairs in Orlando, you might be wondering whether you can sue. You might be in desperate need of financial compensation as you deal with medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages. Under what circumstances can you sue? How much money can you receive? Is filing a personal injury lawsuit difficult?
These are all good questions, and they’re probably best left answered by a legal professional – such as a personal injury attorney. Get in touch with one of these qualified attorneys in Orlando, and you can plan out your next moves in detail. An experienced lawyer can assess your unique situation and recommend the best course of action. Often, this involves suing the negligent party and receiving a considerable financial settlement.
Examples of Staircase Negligence
In order to sue for your staircase accident, you will need to show that someone else’s negligence was to blame. There are a number of reasons staircase accidents can be caused by negligence, including:
- Dimly-Lit Stairwells: Adequate lighting doesn’t just create a positive mood – it’s also an essential component of a safe environment. A dimly-lit stairwell can cause people to lose their footing and fall.
- Uneven Steps: According to the Florida building code, all staircases must be built in a very specific, regulated manner. If these codes are ignored, staircases may have uneven or “wonky” steps that can easily cause people to tumble.
- Broken Steps: Staircases that are not properly maintained may pose serious safety risks to innocent people. A broken step can cause serious injuries.
- Debris and Spills: If the surface of the staircase is littered with debris, people can easily lose their footing. The same goes for spills – as liquids can cause people to slip.
- No Railings: Railings are often required by law. If railings are absent, people may not be able to steady themselves before stumbling and falling. This can lead to serious injuries.
Statute of Limitations
As long as you can prove that a property owner was negligent in maintaining or building the staircase, you can sue them for your injuries. However, you can only sue if you act somewhat quickly. The statute of limitations in Florida is four years for personal injury. This means that if you wait longer than four years after your injury, you will be prevented from taking legal action and recovering a settlement.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
The dedicated Orlando personal injury lawyers at Payer Law can help you recover compensation. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured victims in Florida, and we know how traumatic and devastating these kinds of injuries can be. If someone else is to blame for your staircase accident, you have every right to take legal action and hold them accountable. Book your consultation today, and we can start guiding you towards a fair, adequate settlement.
