As a pedestrian, you may be on your highest alert when you cross a major traffic intersection. However, you should practice an equal amount of caution when you are walking on sidewalks. There may be potholes, uneven surfaces, weather-related debris, foliage obstructions, or hazardous materials that litter the sidewalk and ultimately prompt you to slip, trip, and fall. With that being said, please follow along to find out the possible injuries you can get from slipping and falling on a sidewalk and how a proficient Panama City sidewalk accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you take the right steps afterwards.

What Injuries Can I Get From Slipping And Falling On A Sidewalk in Panama City?

Sidewalk accidents most commonly cause injuries like concussions, broken and fractured bones, spinal cord damage, and soft tissue injuries. The severity of the injury will depend on how your body impacts the ground.

You may incur different types of injuries depending on how your body lands on a sidewalk after your slip, trip, and fall. These injuries may range from minor to critical. For example, if you instinctively try to catch yourself, you may fracture your wrists or hyperextend your ankles, knees, or back in the process. On the flip side, if everything happens so fast and you are unable to break your fall, you may hit your head on the concrete and, unfortunately, receive a concussion or traumatic brain injury. If you slam onto your back, you may have a herniated disc or spinal compression fracture. Hopefully, in the best-case scenario, you can walk away with surface-level cuts and minor bruises.

Common Injuries From Sidewalk Accidents

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), including concussions from head impacts
  • Fractured or broken bones, especially in the arms, hips, wrists, and ankles
  • Sprains and strains affecting the ankles, knees, and back
  • Spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs and compression fractures
  • Soft tissue damage, like bruises, cuts, and ligament injuries

Why Sidewalk Falls Often Cause Severe Injuries

  • Hard concrete surfaces increase impact force
  • Lack of reaction time prevents bracing during falls
  • Older adults are more susceptible to complications from falls and fractures
  • Falls can occur when the body is in an awkward position, increasing injury severity

What Are the Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents in Florida?

In Florida, sidewalk accidents frequently occur as a result of hazardous and unsafe conditions that property owners or municipalities responsible for maintenance fail to address. In Florida, including Panama City and throughout Bay County, both private property owners and government entities are responsible for ensuring the sidewalks adjacent to their premises are in a safe condition for pedestrians.

These accidents are generally considered premises liability claims, as negligence in maintaining safe walking conditions can lead to preventable pedestrian injuries.

Most Frequent Sidewalk Hazards

  • Uneven or cracked pavement
  • Slippery substances and hazardous materials
  • Loose debris, like leaves, gravel, or trash, resulting in a slip and fall risk
  • Weather-related hazards
  • Potholes or surface deterioration
  • Standing water obstructs defects and hazards

Who Can Face Liability for a Sidewalk Accident

  • Private property owners responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks
  • Cities or municipalities responsible for ensuring the safe conditions of public walkways
  • Contractors performing sidewalk repairs
  • Businesses that create hazardous conditions on walkways near building entrances

What Should I Do After a Sidewalk Accident?

Taking the correct steps following a sidewalk accident is critical. Though you may be in pain and disoriented, it’s imperative to remain as calm as possible, as the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of an accident can have a significant impact on not only your ability to file a claim but also your health and well-being.

Key Steps to Protect Your Claim

  • Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay or if your injuries seem minor
  • Take photos and videos of the hazard and the surrounding area
  • Report the incident to the property owner or local authority
  • Collect witness names and contact information
  • Keep all medical records and billing statements
  • Do not make any statements that may be construed as assuming responsibility

What If I Slip And Fall On A Public Sidewalk In Florida?

Without a doubt, you may know that you want to file a slip and fall accident claim to hopefully recover from your incurred injuries and damages. However, if your accident took place on a public sidewalk, you may have to follow a slightly different procedure than you initially anticipated. That is, you should first report the incident to the relevant city or state authority, such as the Department of Public Works or the Department of Transportation. In this report, you should detail the exact date, time, and location of your slip and fall, along with other applicable circumstances surrounding the incident. You may even go as far as to supply photos of the hazardous sidewalk you encountered, the accident report conducted at the scene, and other tangible proof.

Then, before you sue this government entity, you must fill out and submit a Notice of Claim. As the name suggests, this essentially informs the entity that you intend to pursue legal action against them to collect financial compensation. In the state of Florida, the entity must respond to your notice within 180 days, during which you must wait before filing your lawsuit. However, if they respond by denying your claim or they fail to respond within this timeframe, then you may seize your opportunity to act.

Important Deadlines and Rules

  • Filing a Notice of Claim is required prior to suing a government entity
  • 180-day waiting period prior to filing a lawsuit
  • Strict documentation for evidence is critical
  • Shorter deadlines may apply when compared to private claims

Contact a Panama City Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you were injured in a sidewalk accident in Panama City, Bay County, or the surrounding Northwest Florida area, working with an experienced, local Panama City slip & fall accident attorney is in your best interests. At Manuel & Thompson, PA, our dedicated team understands the impact an accident caused by the negligent actions of another person can cause, which is why we are here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you during these difficult times.