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Florida Slip | Trip | Fall Accidents and Unsafe Premises

Florida Slip | Trip | Fall Injury Law | Florida Unsafe Premises Lawyer

If you or a family member has been injured in a fall or because of an unsafe condition on someone's property, you need the help of a lawyer with experience handling cases such as yours.

Clearwater injury lawyer James W. Dodson has represented clients like you in all types of fall and premise injury claims for more than 20 years and has recovered millions of dollars for his clients.

He wrote the book on Florida Fall Cases, Literally.

Request his FREE book today to learn what must be done for you to recover from your injury.
Click here to request your FREE book

With  years of experience handling slip/trip/fall and unsafe premises cases, Attorney James W. Dodson knows what must be done to hold the property owner liable for your injuries. He has access to investigators who will obtain witness statements and  document the unsafe condition(s) responsible for causing your injury, as well as, access to the experts who are knowledgeable about the Federal, State, and local codes which set the minimum safety standards for buildings and walking surfaces. He knows the steps to notifying the property owner and  forcing them to present important evidence, such as surveillance films and photographs.

Clearwater  Attorney  James W. Dodson understands how The Ameican With Disabilities Act, The Life Safety Code, and the Florida Accessibility Code  may be applied.

Florida law requires a property owner to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition and to warn you of dangers which may exist. When they fail to do this, you may hold them liable for your injury. Injuries received in a fall or because of an unsafe condition can be devastating now and for years to come. These injuries require medical treatment, therapy, surgery, pain management and cause you, not only great pain and suffering, but loss of the enjoyment of life, as well as, lost wages and earning capacity.

The Importance of Prompt Action
Most of these cases are caused by an unsafe condition which may be repaired, replaced or eliminated after an accident occurs. Proving the dangerous condition requires prompt investigation to photograph the scene, have it investigated by an appropriate expert, if necessary, and obtain witness statements. Clearwater Fall/Unsafe Premises Lawyer James W. Dodson has access to investigators and experts to promptly investigate your case. We know, if you have been injured, it is stressful dealing with a claims adjuster who wants you to provide a recorded statement and sign medical authorizations and/or  claims forms. We will relieve you of this burden, deal directly with the adjuster on your behalf and allow you to concentrate on recovering from your injury.

Types of Slip | Trip | Fall and Unsafe Premises Cases We Handle:
We have experience successfully representing Florida fall and unsafe premises accident victims in all types of accidents in Florida, including:

• liquids, food or debris on the floor or walkway
• crushed, broken, cracked sidewalks and walking surfaces
• poor lighting
• steps, stairs in disrepair or not meeting code
• handrails, guardrails missing, broken or not meeting code
• holes and depression in parking lots and sidewalks
• handicap ramps not meeting code, too steep, too narrow, no contrasting paint, disrepair
• falling merchandise in stores
• inadequate security
• criminal acts

Types of Injuries
People injured in slip/trip/fall/unsafe premises cases suffer many serious injuries, including:

FREE Slip | Trip | Fall & Unsafe Premises Case Review
Contact us now for a FREE consultation about your Florida  Fall or Unsafe Premises case. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer. You may be concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer and the expenses of investigating your case. We offer our services on a contingent fee basis paid at the end of you case. Simply stated, you will pay no fee unless you receive fair compensation. Our fee will be paid as a percent of your recovery. If we accept your case, we will pay the costs required to investigate and prove your claim. In the unlikely event your case is unsuccessful, we will not ask for reimbursement of those expenses. 

At the Law Office of James W. Dodson, P.A.,  we restrict our  practice to representing injured clients. Jim Dodson is well-respected in the legal community. His peers have awarded him the highest possible rating for legal ethics and abilities, rating him AV, Peer Review Rated*. Mr. Dodson belongs to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a group of lawyers that have achieved a trial award, settlement, or verdict of $1,000,000 or more.

 
We Handle Cases all Over Florida
Although our law firm is conveniently located in Clearwater, Florida,we handle cases all over Florida, including: Clearwater,  St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park, Seminole,  Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Oldsmar, Crystal Beach, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, Belleair Shores, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonnet Point, Holiday, Land O'Lakes, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County and all other Florida Counties.

* CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc., used with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.

Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida? Get Your FREE MUST Read Book Today!

The Ultimate Guide To Injuries From A Fall: Dangerous Trips to Avoid in Your Fall Case 

If you’ve been injured in a fall, make sure you don't hurt your case, as well. This book will tell you specific steps you should take if you have been injured in a fall case. Clearwater, Florida injury lawyer, Jim Dodson has over 20 years experience representing clients injured in all types of falls. Injuries from falls commonly result in broken bones, head, back and neck injuries, herniated discs, nerve damage, and often times require surgery. Learn the danger of using your own health insurance company, common mistakes to avoid, what you need to prove in order to win your case and how to find the best lawyer for your case. Don't hire a lawyer or speak with a claims adjuster until you have read this book.  
Click HERE to get your free copy!

Blog for Florida Slip | Trip | Fall Accidents and Unsafe Premises

• Relief From Painful Compression Fracture Found in Non-Surgical Treatment | Accident and Injury Lawyer in Clearwater Florida
• Experienced Fall Injury Lawyer Needed For Slip and Fall Cases More Than Ever Now
• Port Richey 4 Year-Old Learns Life Saving Lesson at Pre-School
• Why You Must be 100% Truthful With Your Lawyer | Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
• Woman Suffers Herniated Disk in Slip & Fall Accident Awarded $1.6 Million Settlement
• Slip and Fall Cases in Florida Harder to Pursue | Florida Slip and Fall Lawyer
• Slip and Fall in a Grocery Store - Should the Burden of Proof be on the Injured? | Slip and Fall Attorney in Clearwater Florida
• Slip and Fall Cases in Icy Winter | Florida Slip and Fall Attorney
• 5 Critical Factors Which Resulted in Substantial Florida Fall Case Settlement Part 2 | Florida Slip and Fall Lawyer
• How Contacting an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer Early On Wins Fall Case Client $675,000 Part 1 | Clearwater Slip and Fall Lawyer
• A List of Common Misunderstandings In Fall Cases | Who is At Fault | Property Owners Responsibility
• Here Are the Important Steps to Take in a Fall Case | Florida Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
• Why It Is Important to Act Early in a Case | Don't Wait | Florida Slip and Fall Lawyer
• Florida Slip, Trip and Fall Lawyer Jim Dodson's New Video | Comparative Fault and | The Danger of Giving a Recorded Statement
• Slip and Fall Injury? | Video of the Necessary Steps to Take to Protect Your Case | Florida Slip and Fall Attorney Jim Dodson
• Fall Injury Case Settles | Clearwater Florida Fall Injury Lawyer
• Fall Injury in Shopping Center Parking Lot Successfully Settled | Florida Fall Injury Lawyer
• Florida Slip and Fall Case | Is it a Breach of Duty of Care | Florida Slip and Fall Attorney | Clearwater
• Florida Trip and Fall Accident Caused by Unsafe Premises | Clearwater Florida Slip Trip Fall Unsafe Premises Lawyer
• Fall Accident | Determining the Value | Fall Accident Attorney | Florida

Florida Child Injury Law Blog

• USCPSC Urges Ban on Drop-Side Cribs
• Scope Original Mouthwash Recalled for Child Safety Reasons
• Is Your Child’s Car Seat Installed Safely?
• Paxil Settles Over 200 Lawsuits Involving Birth Defects
• Parents:What Are the Biggest Threats to Your Child’s Safety?

Florida Personal Injury Video Blog | Florida Personal Injury Lawyer James W. Dodson

• When Must You STOP for a School Bus in Florida?
• What Motorcycle Insurance is Required in Florida?
• What Are the Time Limits on Medical Malpractice Claims in Florida?
• Sudden Medical Emergency Defense in a Car Wreck
• Pedestrian Safety in Florida | Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Library for Florida Slip | Trip | Fall Accidents and Unsafe Premises:

• How Contacting His Lawyer Early On Earns Client in Fall Case $675,000 Part 2   
  Description: In the second of a two part article, Clearwater Slip and Fall Lawyer Jim Dodson discusses the handling of several critical factors, which occurred in a former client's fall case, which allowed him to successfully pursue a fair and just settlement for his client's injuries.
• How Contacting His Lawyer Early On Earns Client in Fall Case $675,000 Part 1   
  Description: Clearwater Florida Slip and Fall Lawyer Jim Dodson discusses the settlement of a fall case. His client benefited by consulting with him soon after his injury which allowed the accident scene (poor lighting and broken and crushed sidewalk) to be well documented. The client also did not fall victim to common tactics used by insurance adjusters which include the encouragement of signing an early release and settling before the full extent of injuries suffered are known.
•   
• The Morse Fall Scale | A Quick and Easy Method of Assessing a Patient's Likelihood of Falling [PDF]   
  Description: The Morse Fall Scale is a rapid and simple method of assessing a patient’s likelihood of falling. A large majority of nurses rate the scale as “quick and easy to use,” and 54% estimated that it took less than 3 minutes to rate a patient. It consists of six variables that are quick and easy to score, and it has been shown to have predictive validity and interrater reliability. The MFS is used widely in acute care settings, both in the hospital and long term care inpatient settings.
• Slip and Fall Cases Dominate Florida Theme Park Lawsuits | Part 1   
  Description: Florida Slip and Fall Attorney Jim Dodson publishes a two-part Orlando Sentinel article in which a reporter reviewed hundreds of personal injury lawsuits against theme parks. The review found Central Florida's theme-park guests are far more likely to sue over injuries that have nothing to do with the park's signature attractions. The most common lawsuits are slip and fall cases.
• Naples Florida Slip and Fall Lawsuit Alleges Breach of Duty of Care   
  Description: Florida Slip, Trip Fall and Unsafe Premises lawyer Jim Dodson provides an article reported in the Naples Daily News summarizing a lawsuit filed by a woman who slipped and fell on fecal matter or brown mud at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples in 2007. The lawsuit alleges the Audubon Society, the owner of the property, was negligent and breached its duty of care by not providing a clean and safe area to walk. The suit seeks compensation for the plaintiff's injuries.
• Slip-and-Fall Lawsuits Most Common at Theme Parks   
  Description: A list of the types of injury lawsuits brought against Florida theme parks in the past five years as published by Orlando Sentinel research reports and provided by Florida Personal Injury lawyer Jim Dodson.
• Slip and Fall Cases Dominate Florida Theme Park Lawsuits | Part 2   
  Description: Florida Slip and Fall Attorney Jim Dodson publishes a two part article reported by the Orlando Sentinel which reviewed hundreds of personal injury lawsuits against Florida theme parks. Among the Sentinel's lawsuit review's findings were: few of those who sued a theme park rushed into it, a small percentage of theme park cases went to trial, most settlements were secret, and plaintiff's who lost sometimes ended up footing the legal bill.
• Four Things Your Fall Case Must Have | Part 2   
  Description: Clearwater Fall Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson outlines some of the conditions needed to pursue a fall injury case, in the second part of a two part article. He discusses damages suffered as a result of the unsafe condition such as intangible losses (wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, physical pain) in addition to the responsible party's ability to pay for damages.
• Four Things Your Fall Case Must Have | Part 1   
  Description: Clearwater Fall Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson outlines some of the conditions needed to pursue a fall injury case, in a two part article. He includes a discussion of unsafe conditions and evidence of who is responsible for it, as well as the types of serious injuries resulting from a fall injury, such as hierniated discs, brain injury, and broken bones.
• How the Value of a Slip and Fall Case Is Determined | Part 2   
  Description: Florida Slip and Fall lawyer Jim Dodson discusses some guidelines included in determining the value of a slip and fall case including: how strong the proof of the unsafe condition is, was the unsafe condition a result of a violation of some safety code and does the fall injury involve surgery, scarring or future medical needs.
• How the Value of a Slip and Fall Case Is Determined | Part 1   
  Description: Florida Slip and Fall lawyer Jim Dodson counsels that no value can be placed on a slip and fall case until all of the damages are known. All medical treatment must be completed and the doctor must provide your lawyer with an estimate of all future medical needs and the costs required. This means the injured person has reached what lawyers and doctors refer to as "maximum medical improvement."
• Should You Settle Your Fall Claim Without a Lawyer?   
  Description: Clearwater Slip and Fall Attorney Jim Dodson outlines some guidelines for determining if a fall claim can be settled without hiring a lawyer. There are no hard and fast rules, but someone may be successful in settling a small case which does not involve serious injury. Most serious injuries resulting from a fall (spine injury, such as a herniated lumbar disc, head injury, knee injuries including patella fracture) will require the assistance of a lawyer experienced in handling injuries in fall cases.
• Is the property owner required to pay your medical expenses and damages when you fall?   
  Description: Tampa Bay area slip and fall attorney, Jim Dodson, discusses a property owner's liability to pay for an injured person's medical care, a misunderstood concept involving fall cases. In most instances, a property owner owes a duty of reasonable care to someone coming on their property for business or social reasons. They may be held liable only if it can be proven the property owner breached their duty, meaning they failed to exercise reasonable care in designing or maintaining their property.
• What Causes Falls in the Elderly?   
  Description: Falls are the top cause of accidents in people over the age of 65. Falls are also the main cause of serious injuries and accidental deaths in older people.
• A Student-led Demonstration Project on Fall Prevention in a Long-Term Care Facility [PDF]   
  Description: Falls account for 70% of accidental deaths in persons aged 75 and older. Mortality due to falls is significantly higher for older adults living in extended care facilities versus those living in the community. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a fall prevention training program in a long-term care setting.(University of Massachusetts Graduate School of Nursing)
• Fall Prevention for Older Adults [PDF]   
  Description: Falls were the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in every age group except young
  adults aged 15-24, and were the leading cause of fatal injury among adults 75 and older in the U.S. in 200-2004. Risk of falls and related injuries increases steadily after 65 years; persons 85 years and older have the highest injury rate.
• Bone Fractures | Causes | Treatment   
  Description: A bone fracture is a break in a bone. The soft tissue surrounding the break may also be injured. Most bone fractures are the result of injuries from falls or vehicle crashes, but fractures can also be caused by certain diseases.
• Hip Replacement Surgery | Patient Education   
  Description: St. Petersburg | Clearwater Hip Accident Attorney James W. Dodson posts an informative video for the consumer about hip replacement surgery.
• Cracked, Broken or Irregular Sidewalk Causing a Fall   
  Description: What you need to understand if you or someone you know is injured from a broken or defective sidewalk, pot hole, bad ramp, or uneven walkway and what is required to hold the property owner liable.

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Frequent Questions for Florida Slip | Trip | Fall Accidents and Unsafe Premises:

• Which bone fractures commonly require Open Reduction Internal Fixation?
• What is an ankle fracture?
• I was hurt on a crushed sidewalk at my apartment complex. What steps do I need to take?

Case Results for Florida Slip | Trip | Fall Accidents and Unsafe Premises:

• St. Petersburg Slip and Fall Lawyer | Recovers Against Local Sports Arena

Videos about Florida Slip | Trip | Fall Accidents and Unsafe Premises:

• Must Have Guide to Slip and Fall Injuries in Florida | Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
• Comparative Fault in a Fall Case | Florida Slip Trip and Fall Attorney Jim Dodson
• Four Requirements a Fall Case Must Have | Florida Slip Trip and Fall Lawyer Jim Dodson
• Fall Injury Statistics in Florida | Clearwater Florida Fall Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson
• Role Of an Expert in a Fall Case | Florida Fall Attorney | Clearwater
• Things To Avoid in Your Fall Case | Slip and Fall Injury Education Lawyer | What To Do
• Slip and Fall Injury on Steps | Step Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer | Florida
• Slip and Fall Injury in a Parking Lot | Florida Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
• Injured in a Fall in Florida | What To Do | Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
• What You Need to Do to Hold the Grocery Store Responsible If You Fall

Web Resources for Florida Slip | Trip | Fall Accidents and Unsafe Premises:

• Falls Among Seniors | Leading Cause of Injury Deaths

  Description: Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of deaths. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma, according to information published by the CDC.

• Dangerous Trips to Avoid in Your Fall Case

  Description: Florida injury lawyer Jim Dodson has represented clients injured in all types of fall accidents for over twenty years. In his free consumer guide, "Dangerous Trips to Avoid in Your Fall Case" he provides essential information you need to understand if you've suffered an injury in a slip, trip or fall accident, including: eight things to avoid which will hurt your claim, four things every fall claim must have, things you may not know about lawyer advertising, how to find a qualified injury lawyer, and common myths you have heard about fall cases.

• Walking Surfaces | Leading Cause of Slip-Trip and Fall Accidents | Slip-Trip and Fall Accident Lawyer

  Description: The National Floor Safety Institute published a chart showing walking surfaces to be the leading cause of slip-trip and fall accidents.

• Safety Measures to Reduce Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents in Schools

  Description: Factors which contribute to a high risk of slip, trip and fall accidents in schools are listed: liquid spills,slick surfaces from custodial mops, weather related floor conditions from mud, snow, rain. Recommendations are made including: installation of slip resistant flooring, staff identification of safety hazards and proper floor maintenance.

• Plan to Improve Building Site Safety in New York

  Description: A New York Times editorial defining some of the problems and possible remedies of the required site safety programs (plans), suggesting site safety programs can be made more effective, leading to a reduction in fatalities and accidents.

• University of Florida Study | Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips and Falls | Clearwater Slip and Fall Lawyer

  Description: A University of Florida study analyzes the causes as well as the costs of slip, trip and fall accidents and offers recommendations for preventitive measures to reduce the number of injuries and deaths due to slips, trips and falls.

• Building Managers | 5 Steps to Reduce the Chances of Slip and Fall Accidents | Slip & Fall Accident Attorney | Florida

  Description: A Five Step Slip and Fall Prevention program for building managers by the PDCA: Painting and Decorating Contractors of America

• Prevention of Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries | Clearwater | St. Petersburg Slip, Trip and Fall Injury Attorney

  Description: Second only to motor vehicle accidents; slips, trips and falls are the most frequent accidents leading to personal injury. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the major cause of accidental deaths and injuries in America are slip-and-fall accidents. Most injuries are ligament sprains or muscle strains, but a significant percentage of falls result in fractures to the hip or wrist.

• Safe Steps Reduce Falls | Fall Injury Lawyer | Florida

  Description: The Home Safety Council provides steps to identify potential slipping, tripping and falling hazards in the home. Millions of Americans are only a step away from becoming victims of the leading cause of unintentional home injuries –falls. Adults over age 60 rank highest for injuries and deaths resulting from falls, however, every age group is affected. According to the Home Safety Council, 5.1 million injuries resulted from slips and falls on average each year, with falls accounting for
  more than one-third of all unintentional home injury deaths.

• New Stair Nosings Provide Safe Footing and Reduce Slips & Falls | Clearwater | Florida Slip and Fall Lawyer

  Description: According the National Safety Council, "over one million people experienced a significant slip or fall in 2008, accounting for the number two cause of accidental death and disability behind automobile accidents." Often times, the front edge of a stair can be the most unsafe. These stair nosings provide maximum non slip protection over the front of the step ensuring solid footing.

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