Slip And Fall Cases In Florida
A slip and fall is no laughing matter. A victim can suffer a variety of catastrophic injuries that require costly treatment. In fact, in the US, there are thousands of reported deaths from slip and falls every year.
It’s a good idea to stay safe and avoid these accidents. If you do suffer a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, the property or business owner may be at fault. That’s why it’s always a good idea to contact a lawyer and understand your legal rights.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are typically caused by the following:
- Wet/uneven floors. These account for most slip and fall accidents. Spilled liquids, waxed floors, cluttered floors, loose rugs and mats, loose floorboards, potholes in parking lots, and defective sidewalks can all cause a person to slip and fall. Proper signage can help alert people and prevent these incidents.
- Winter weather conditions, such as rain, ice, and snow, can cause slippery conditions. Property owners must do their part to prevent accidents by shoveling sidewalks, salting walkways, and plowing streets. Grocery stores and retail establishments should also be aware of customers tracking water and snow into the store. This can cause water to puddle inside the store and lead to slippery conditions.
- It’s also important to wear the right footwear when working or walking outdoors. While sandals and high heels are not the best for slippery conditions, wearing tennis shoes or boots is still not enough. The shoes you pick must have proper traction. This can be determined by looking at the tread on the bottom of your shoes. You must choose the right shoes for the conditions.
Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident
Under Section 768.0755, Florida Statutes, if a person slips and falls due to a transitory foreign substance in a business establishment, the victim must prove that the business had real or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. Constructive knowledge is based on circumstantial evidence that either the condition was there for a long time and the business should have known about it, or the condition happened on a regular basis and was foreseeable.
When the slip and fall incident happens on someone else’s property, the property owner can be held liable if one of the following is true:
- The property owner should have known about the danger and acted as a “reasonable person” by taking steps to prevent an accident.
- The property owner knew about the danger but did not remedy it.
- The property owner created the dangerous condition and it caused an accident.
Contact a Bradenton Personal Injury Lawyer Today
A slip and fall may seem funny to some people, but these incidents can lead to serious injuries. A person can suffer head trauma, broken bones, neck and back injuries, and even death.
If you were injured in a slip and fall case, you may be able to hold the property owner liable. Contact the Bradenton slip and fall lawyer at The Cahall Law Firm and come get justice. We can help you file a claim and obtain full and fair compensation. Schedule a free consultation by calling (941) 281-2019 or by filling out the online form.