Slip-And-Fall Accidents Are A Type Of Premises Liability Case
As their name implies, a slip-and-fall accident occurs when someone slips, trips or falls and suffers an injury. These accidents are sometimes treated dismissively, as if they are not capable of causing serious injuries, but falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the U.S., and when they result from negligence, our attorneys at Tuttle Law, P.A., work aggressively to hold those negligent parties accountable.
Who is responsible when someone falls at a business?
When you are injured in slip and fall or trip and fall accident, a property owner is only responsible under Florida law if the injured party can prove that the property owner was negligent. Generally, the injured party must prove that there was a dangerous condition that caused the fall and that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition prior to the fall.
What are the common causes of slip and fall and trip and fall accidents?
Slip and fall accidents are often caused by liquid on the floor of a business. It can be very difficult for a customer to detect the presence of a clear liquid on the floor of a store. Trip and fall accidents are often caused by uneven or poorly maintained walkways. After these incidents occur, business owners often try to blame the injured party.
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall or trip and fall accident?
You should take photos of the dangerous condition that caused you to fall. Once a spill is cleaned, defendants will often try to deny that a dangerous condition ever existed. Also, it is important to get the names of witnesses. Many clients tell us that other customers came to their aid after a fall and that the other customers commented about the dangerous condition. Do not count on the store to get the names of these witnesses.
How long do I have to pursue a slip and fall claim?
Generally, the statute of limitation in Florida for a slip and fall case is four years. That means that a lawsuit must be filed within four years of the date of the accident or you will lose the right to seek compensation. If the defendant is a government entity, there is an additional requirement that the injured party put the government entity on notice of the claim within three years.
Contact Us Today If You Have Injuries
If you were injured in a store, restaurant or another business, our lawyers can help. Call our Vero Beach office to make an appointment at 772-563-0032 or use our online contact form.