April 9, 2025
On March 10, 2025, an EF-2 tornado struck Seminole County, Florida, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and local infrastructure. The tornado, with winds reaching 120 mph, left a path of destruction across several neighborhoods, including near the FOX 35 Orlando TV station. The storm uprooted trees, tore off roofs, and scattered debris, leaving a dangerous environment for residents and visitors in its wake.
In the aftermath of a disaster like this, it’s understandable that homeowners and businesses are overwhelmed by the urgent need for repairs and cleanup. However, while the focus is on getting back to normal, it’s crucial to keep in mind the potential for accidents that can happen during the clean-up efforts, especially when hazards remain unaddressed.
Tornado Damage Can Lead To Fall Accidents
After a major storm, the scene can be chaotic, with fallen branches, broken glass, and other debris covering walkways and driveways. In addition to the obvious dangers from the storm’s force, these hazards can remain for days or even weeks as clean-up efforts unfold.
During this time, it’s easy for property owners to miss dangerous conditions that could lead to slip and fall injuries. A patch of wet ground, an uneven surface, or even broken sidewalks can create serious risks for anyone trying to navigate the area.
Premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for maintaining a safe environment, even after a disaster. This means that if an injury occurs due to hazardous conditions that were neglected during clean-up efforts, the property owner could be held liable. Whether you’re dealing with fallen debris or an unsafe surface, the property owner may be legally obligated to make sure the area is safe or clearly marked as hazardous.
What Property Owners Should Do During Clean-Up
In the aftermath of a tornado, it may not be possible to completely clear a property of all hazards immediately. However, there are steps that property owners can take to minimize risks:
- Prioritize Safety: If it’s safe to do so, take quick action to remove debris from walkways and entrances. If that’s not possible right away, clearly mark any dangerous areas to prevent others from accidentally stumbling into them.
- Secure Damaged Structures: If your roof, windows, or walls have been damaged, take steps to prevent further injury from falling debris or broken glass. This may involve securing the area or cordoning off spaces until repairs can be made.
- Seek Professional Help: If the damage is extensive, don’t hesitate to call in professionals who specialize in post-storm clean-up. They can help safely remove hazardous debris and restore the property to a safe condition more quickly.
If you’ve been injured as a result of these unsafe conditions, it’s essential to know that you may have a legal claim. Our Melbourne, FL slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process of holding the responsible party accountable.
How Our Firm Can Support You
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we recognize the stress and difficulty that comes with cleaning up after a natural disaster. It’s easy to overlook hazards or not be able to immediately address them due to the scope of damage. However, property owners still have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to minimize the risk of injury to those aiding in the clean-up efforts.
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury after a tornado, you may be wondering how the law applies in this context. Premises liability laws are designed to protect people from harm in situations like this, and property owners are required to make sure their property is safe for others, even during the clean-up phase. If you’ve been injured, our team is here to help you understand whether the property owner could be held responsible for not addressing dangerous conditions quickly enough.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. We’re ready to support you and guide you through this process.
