A slip and fall accident occurs when someone is caused to slip, slide or skid on a walking surface due to a dangerous flooring condition. For example, a person may walk through an aisle at a store and be caused to slip and fall due to a puddle of water in the aisle. Slip and fall accident claims are also known as premises liability claims.
If you are injured due to a slip and fall accident as a result of another person’s carelessness, negligence or recklessness, you have the legal right to seek monetary compensation from the responsible party.
LIABLE RESPONSIBLE PARTY = OWNER OF PROPERTY
In accordance with Florida Law, the owner of a property is legally responsible to ensure that their property is safe for individuals who lawfully enter the property. A property owner can be held responsible in a slip and fall claim if they had or should have known about the dangerous and hazardous condition and did nothing to rectify or remedy the condition.
DETERMINING LIABILITY IN SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS
To determine who is responsible for a slip and fall injury, several key factors must be evaluated:
- Length of time the dangerous and hazardous condition was present prior to accident (This will help demonstrate that the responsible party have plenty of time to correct the problem)
- Failure to post warnings/signs
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident make sure to inform a property manager. It is also helpful to document the accident. Take notes of the following:
- Where the accident took place (exact location)
- When the accident took place (date and time)
- What injuries were sustained
- Where there any witnesses to the accident
- The cause of the slip and fall
Following a slip and fall accident, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Thereafter you should contact the Law Offices of Randy C. Botwinick for a free and immediate consultation.
