Why Your Shoes are the Key to a Slip and Fall Accident
Each day in the United States 25,000 people are victims to slip and fall accidents, according to the National Safety Council. The community of the Treasure Coast sees its fair share of slip and fall accidents and surprisingly, they are more common than you think in the counties of Saint Lucie and Martin.
Slip and Falls in Saint Lucie and Martin Counties
The 2017 Florida Department of Health profile shows Saint Lucie County accounts for 9,587 emergency department visits as a result of a fall, including slips and falls. Martin County’s emergency department visits accounts for 4,081.
What Do My Shoes Have to Do with My Slip and Fall Accident?
A number of reasons may be a factor in a slip and fall accident but none other plays a major role in a slip and fall accident than a pair of shoes.
Your shoes have everything to do with your slip and fall accident. Shoes are often at the center of slip and fall accidents due to the direct contact and connection with the ground.
Shoes help tell the story of your slip and fall accident.
If you file a claim or lawsuit for encountering a slip and fall accident while shopping at the store, working on the job or any other public place, your shoes will be the first items up for discussion on the agenda by the insurance company and the attorneys handling the matter – even your personal injury attorney. The subjects that may be the topic of discussion are:
- The style of shoes
- Whether the shoes have a heel
- The height of the heel
- The sole of the shoe
- Whether the shoes have laces
- The condition of the shoes
What Should I Do with My Shoes After My Slip and Fall Accident?
Do not wear the shoes after your slip and fall accident.
Some people make the mistake of wearing their shoes right after experiencing a slip and fall accident because they do not think about filing a claim or lawsuit until some time has passed.
In addition to not wearing the shoes, here’s more information on what you can do with your shoes after your slip and fall accident:
- Take plenty of photos of the shoe.
Doing so helps to preserve the shoes as evidence in the event they are destroyed.
- Put the shoes away.
Store the shoes in a bag, a box, or some sort of storage device. Your shoes may be examined.
Your Shoes Can Make or Break Your Personal Injury Case
When you file a lawsuit or claim for personal injury due to a slip and fall accident, the other side will do everything they can to show that you contributed to your injury. They will claim that your shoes are defective, that your heels are too high, and that the sole of your shoes do not have grip or are not slip resistant.
All kinds of techniques and strategies will be used to place the blame on you – the slip and fall accident victim. This is why your shoes could be the difference between you losing your case or winning your case.
When You’re Ready to Take Legal Action for Your Slip and Fall Accident, Contact Your Fort Pierce Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re the victim of a slip and fall accident within the Fort Pierce community and are ready to file a personal injury claim, contact Sholtes Law, PLLC. Andrew Sholtes is a knowledgeable Fort Pierce personal injury lawyer serving St. Lucie and Martin County who will work diligently to advocate for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Call 855-534-2509 for a free consultation.
Resource:
flhealthcharts.com/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=ChartsProfiles.NonFatalEDVisitsProfileDASHBOARD
https://www.saintlucielawyer.com/types-of-um-insurance-coverage-for-treasure-coast-drivers/
