Close
Table of Contents
    Fort Lauderdale Attorney David I. Fuchs

    David I. Fuchs, Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

     

    We tend to overlook the hazard of falling in our everyday lives, but a fall caused by slipping or tripping can result in serious injuries. Some of these falls may be unavoidable accidents. In other cases, the fall was caused by a dangerous condition that should have been addressed. If you have slipped and fallen on someone else’s property and incurred injuries as a result, you may be able to hold the property owner responsible. If you find yourself in this situation, you should reach out to a Fort Lauderdale slip and fall lawyer to learn more.

    Broken bones, spinal cord fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), soft tissue damage, and painful cuts and bruises are some of the serious injuries people sustain in slip and fall accidents in Florida. Nationwide, the staggering statistics show that millions of people are injured in slip and falls every year, and these unfortunate injuries cost billions of dollars annually. Among the elderly population, they are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries and even death. From 2007 to 2016, fall fatalities rose by 30% among seniors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Attorney David I. Fuchs helps people who have incurred injuries in Fort Lauderdale slip, trip, and fall cases. With nearly 30 years of personal injury experience, he provides dedicated and aggressive legal representation while fighting for you to get the compensation you deserve.

    Common Property Hazards that Lead to Slip and Fall Accidents

    You can trip and fall under almost any circumstances, but certain hazards are especially dangerous and routinely result in injury. Examples of property conditions that have caused injuries include:

    • Wet and slippery floors
    • Staircases in disrepair
    • Loose handrails
    • Broken or uneven flooring
    • Inadequate lighting
    • Loose floorboards
    • Wrinkled carpet or rugs
    • Potholes
    • Cracked sidewalks and walkways
    • Exposed wiring or other unsafe electrical installations

    Many other conditions that can result in a fall, both inside or outdoors. Further, these trips can occur on any property, such as the grocery store, Walmart, a concert or sports venue, or a hotel. If you were injured on someone else’s property, an experienced Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney can assess whether the property owner should be held liable.

    Slip and Fall Prevention

    Sometimes people fall by accident because they simply aren’t looking where they are going, or even stumble over their own two feet. But slipping, tripping, and falling also occur because of the negligence of others who have not kept their properties safely maintained, or who have allowed clutter to build up. Slip and fall accidents happen at workplaces, at stores and other public businesses, at concerts and events, at other people’s homes, and at a whole host of places where people gather.

    If you’re a property owner, it’s important to survey your property for slip and fall dangers. You don’t want people to fall and get injured while visiting your property. And you also don’t want to potentially be held liable should such an injury occur.

    Here are some things you can do to help prevent visitors to your property, and yourself, from suffering slips, trips, and falls:

    • Keep floors clean, dry and free of spills and other debris.
    • Post clear warning signs indicating hazards like recently mopped floors or uneven footing.
    • Remove unsecured rugs and other possible trip dangers from floors.
    • Ensure any rugs used have a non-skid backing.
    • Be sure stairs have handrails, and the rails are in working order.
    • Fix broken or uneven stairs and steps.
    • Remove clutter from floors and tight spaces like hallways.
    • Repair potholes and uneven or cracked walking surfaces.
    • Make sure rooms, hallways, and stairways are well-lit.
    • Avoid running power cords and cables across walkways.

    Injuries in Slip and Fall Cases

    Slip, trip, and fall accidents can result in very serious injuries. The Law Offices of David I. Fuchs fights for clients to receive compensation for the following:

    • Facial and skull fractures
    • Concussions and other brain injuries
    • Broken bones and torn ligaments and tendons
    • Joint sprains and strains
    • Deep lacerations that require stitches or plastic surgery

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls ca4 be especially dangerous for people 65 and older, as such accidents are more likely to result in broken bones and other severe injuries. Injuries resulting from a fall can have long-term impacts on your day-to-day life, so it’s important to reach out to a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer if you’re suffering after one of these incidents.

    Premises Liability in Slip and Fall Claims

    Slip and falls live under the umbrella of premises liability cases. “Premises liability” refers to a property owner’s legal obligation to make their property safe for guests and other visitors. As a result of this duty of care, property owners may be held liable for the injuries and other losses suffered by their guests.

    In a slip and fall case, a standard of negligence is applied in order to determine whether the property owner met their legal obligation to maintain their property. They are considered negligent if they did not act with the same level of care that an ordinarily prudent person would have under the same circumstances. In the context of a slip and fall case, this issue raises two questions:

    • Did the property owner know about the hazard that caused your fall and fail to take reasonable efforts to repair or otherwise address it?
    • If they didn’t actually know about the hazard, should they have been aware of the situation?

    If the property owner knew and failed to address the danger, or should have known about it, they may be held liable for injuries suffered by those who lawfully visit the property. A tenacious lawyer in Fort Lauderdale like David Fuchs can use his years of experience in premises liability and personal injury law to strengthen your case from the beginning.

    Property Owners’ Legal Obligation to Maintain their Land

    It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether a property owner was negligent. Generally, they need to make efforts to make their property safe that would be deemed reasonable under the same circumstances.

    In some cases, this means that the property owner meets their obligation by posting signs or other warnings alerting guests to the potential hazard. For example, they need to ensure the maintenance staff is placing wet floor signs after mopping the tile floor in the lobby. In other cases, hanging a sign and refusing to repair or otherwise address the issue may not be sufficient.

    It’s important to keep in mind that property owners’ efforts only need to be reasonable under the circumstances. In other words, their efforts don’t necessarily need to be successful or have prevented any fall from occurring. For example, a property owner who makes reasonable efforts to repair a broken sidewalk pending total replacement may not be liable in the event someone who still trips is injured.

    In cases where a property owner didn’t actually know about the danger, the question then becomes whether they should have known. In these cases, you need to consider the following:

    • How long the hazard existed
    • What caused the hazard
    • Whether other people had suffered injury as a result of the hazard
    • Whether the property owner regularly inspects the property for hazards
    • Whether the hazard was obvious or apparent

    The facts particular to each situation determine slip and fall cases. That is why it’s important to retain the help of a seasoned attorney in Fort Lauderdale to help you navigate the complicated process of filing a slip and fall claim.

    Statute of Limitations after a Slip and Fall in Fort Lauderdale

    In any personal injury claim, it’s important to understand that there is a deadline for you to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. The statute of limitations for a slip and fall case under Florida law is four years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your lawsuit within that time period, your case will most likely be dismissed unless it falls under an exception.

    Four years may seem like a long time, but it can pass faster than you think. It’s important to understand that the four-year deadline starts running from the day the accident occurred – not the date you discovered your injury, learned that the property owner was aware of the hazard, or when an insurance company denied your claim.

    Comparative Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases

    Property owners often defend themselves against slip and fall claims by arguing that the victim’s own negligence contributed to the accident. For example, the property owner may claim in your case –

    • That you weren’t paying attention and could have avoided the accident.
    • That the hazard was obvious and easily avoided.
    • That you were on a part of the property where you weren’t supposed to be.
    • That you were wearing inappropriate footwear or clothing that contributed to the accident.

    Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that any compensation you are entitled to will be reduced by the amount your own negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if it is determined that the property owner was negligent, but your failure to pay attention contributed 20 percent to the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20 percent.

    Allegations of being comparatively involved in a slip and fall accident can be frustrating, so do not hesitate to reach out to a dedicated Fort Lauderdale lawyer like David I. Fuchs.

    Our Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Attorneys Can Help

    After slipping and falling on someone else’s property, you may be entitled compensation for your injuries, your financial losses, and your pain and suffering. Unfortunately, getting the compensation you deserve is incredibly difficult without the assistance of an experienced Fort Lauderdale slip and fall lawyer. David I. Fuchs can give you the help you need to put your life back together. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, call or team or reach out online.

    If you cannot come to the Fort Lauderdale office, accident attorney David I. Fuchs will send a representative to see you. He speaks English and Spanish.

    David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Office

    8 SE 8th Street
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
    P: (954) 568-3636

    Client Testimonials

    “…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

    Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

    Sean O.
    Google Review
    “Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

    It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

    Giovanni G.
    Google Review
    “…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

    I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

    Sheila N.
    Google Review
    “Best lawyer in Broward County”
    Evans P.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

    I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

    Velouse G.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

    Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

    Libby E.
    Google Review
    “I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

    At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

    Donna M.
    Google Review
    “They have a wonderful team.”

    …took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

    Nicholas G.
    Google Review
    “My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

    I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

    Yvette W.
    Google Review
    “This is a great law office.”

    The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

    Jonathan Z.
    Google Review
    “Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

    It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

    Sade P.
    Google Review
    “They helped tremendously!”

    I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

    A Boone
    Google Review
    “I highly recommend this man.”

    A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

    N. Hit
    Google Review
    “He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

    David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

    Samantha D.
    Google Review
    “…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

    I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
    They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

    Karen G.
    Google Review
    “Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
    Zuberi L.
    Google Review
    “He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

    I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

    Joan K.
    Google Review
    “My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

    Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

    Willie M.
    Google Review
    “A+++++ recommended.”

    I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

    J. Hernandez
    Google Review
    “I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

    They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

    S. Rodriguez
    Google Review
    “They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

    I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

    Pastor D.
    Google Review