At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we represent people who have been injured due to cracked, defective, or broken sidewalks. Public walkways need to be periodically maintained to make travels safe for all parties. When an overseeing organization or individual fails to uphold this duty, they can be found financially liable for any resulting damages. If you were injured because you fell on an unmaintained sidewalk, you have legal options when it comes to financial recovery.
You could recover the cost of:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Childcare costs, if your injuries prevented you from caring for your children
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience
- Psychological anguish
Under Florida Statute §95.11, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. To preserve your legal rights, we encourage you to reach out to our team today. Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (305) 944-2035.
Injuries Following a Sidewalk Accident
Falling on the pavement can result in serious injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 800,000 people are hospitalized each year from injuries they sustain from falling.
Some of the injuries you could have suffered from your accident include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Dislocated joints
- Sprains
- Cuts and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord trauma
- Concussion
At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we can help you no matter what injuries you sustained. Your Miami cracked or defective or broken sidewalks lawyer can assign value to your medical bills so that you are left with no out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more about your options in a free case review, call us today.
Determining Liability for Your Sidewalk Slip and Fall Case
Who is responsible for your damages will rest on where you were injured. Different cities and counties have different rules when it comes to assigning liability for a sidewalk slip and fall case. For example, if you were injured on a sidewalk outside of somebody’s house, the person who owns that house could be financially responsible for your losses. However, if you fell on a sidewalk that was not near a residential or commercial property, liability could rest on a government organization.
Your Miami cracked or defective or broken sidewalks lawyer will review the evidence in your case to determine who can be responsible for your economic and noneconomic damages.
Evidence in your case could include:
- Photos or videos of the hazardous area and your injuries
- Testimony from eyewitnesses
- Statements from your doctor
- Your medical records
- The police report filed at the accident scene
- Testimony from a third-party consultant
Your legal team may be able to recover forms of evidence that we have not included here. To learn more about what they could be, call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (305) 944-2035.
What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident
The primary purpose of sidewalks is to provide a safe path for pedestrians. However, some sidewalks in Miami are eroded, cracked, uneven, broken, or slippery. These circumstances can lead to an accident with serious outcomes. So, what should you do after a sidewalk accident?
You should always do what makes sense in your situation, but you may also want to consider the following:
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you write the incident off as a minor mishap, you should still seek medical attention. Some conditions, like spinal cord trauma, do not present symptoms right away. Being examined by your doctor can help you understand the extent of your injuries and secure treatment. You should save all documents relating to your medical care, including your imaging scans, lab test results, and follow-up appointment dates.
Leave Communications to Your Lawyer
The negligent party and their insurer may try to contact you directly following your accident. When that happens, refer them to your Miami cracked or defective or broken sidewalks lawyer. They will manage communications between all these involved parties and help you make decisions that benefit your situation.
Complete Your Doctor’s Recommended Course of Treatment
You do not want to give the at-fault party the opportunity to dispute your injuries. If you do not complete your doctor’s recommended course of treatment, not only could this impact your wellbeing, but it gives the other party the chance to say that the accident did not cause your injuries, rather, your failure to follow your doctor’s orders. This could limit the amount of compensation you could receive or jeopardize your case altogether.
Keep All Documents Relating to Your Claim
Your lawyer can collect many forms of evidence that could stand to benefit your claim. However, you may already have some of these items on hand. For example, if you filed a police report after you were injured, your copy of this document could be used by your lawyer to gain further insight into your situation. The police report could include information regarding where you were injured, what happened, and other relevant details.
Another document that could benefit your case is the contact information of witnesses to the accident. For instance, if you were walking with your friend and they watched you fall, your lawyer can use their contact information to get a statement regarding your injuries. Keeping all documentation relating to your claim could provide your legal team with important pieces of information.
Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Today
After being injured in a slip and fall accident on a Miami sidewalk, you may be unaware of your legal options. A lawyer can help you assign liability, collect evidence, and negotiate for a fair settlement offer. You do not have to undertake any legal burdens by yourself. Our legal team can take the time to help you understand Florida’s premises liability laws and how to proceed with your case.
To get started with a free case review, call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (305) 944-2035.