In most cases, the property owner or manager is liable for slip and fall accidents in Florida. Under premises liability, property owners are generally responsible for injuries that guests sustain while on their properties.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you need a West Palm Beach slip and fall accident lawyer from GOLDLAW to assess your case. A lawyer can help you explore options for financial compensation.
Where Can Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Florida?
Slip and fall accidents can happen virtually anywhere but are most common in places that receive heavy foot traffic and where there are pedestrian obstructions. Common locations for slip and fall accidents include the following:
- Grocery stores and retail outlets
- Private homes or apartment complexes
- Restaurants and bars
- Sidewalks and parking lots
- Swimming pools and resorts
- Worksites and offices
Falling accidents in these places can be a result of spilled liquids, wet walkways, uneven floorings, lack of handrails, snow/ice, oils, and carpets. No matter where your accident happened, a lawyer from GOLDLAW can investigate to identify the root cause and which parties are liable.
For a free legal consultation, call 561-222-2222
Liable Parties for Slip and Fall Accidents
Below are some of the most likely parties who would bear liability for a slip and fall accident. If you are unsure whether you have a case on your hands, you can talk to the team at GOLDLAW for guidance and strategy.
Property and Business Owners
In most cases, the property or business owner is the one responsible for slip and fall accidents. This is the case for falls that happen in private homes and businesses, like a corner store or grocery store. Property and business owners have a duty to inspect properties for hazards that can cause harm and fix them or post warnings to others.
Property Management Companies
Property management companies can also bear liability for slip and fall accidents. This is often the case in apartment complexes, where a larger company is tasked with the operation and maintenance of the building. Property owners in Florida are generally not able to delegate their responsibilities to other entities, so both owners and management can be liable.
Contractors and Third-Parties
Any other third party whose negligence contributed to the slip and fall accident can be liable for injuries to guests. For example, if a third-party contractor created a slipping hazard at your workplace and you fell, you could potentially file a lawsuit against them.
Government Entities
For slip and fall accidents on public property, government entities can be liable. Common types of public property where falling accidents can happen include publicly accessible sidewalks, parking lots, courthouses, and public parks. Keep in mind that there are special rules for suing government entities that differ from those for suing private owners and managers.
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Visitor Status and Duty of Care
According to the rules of premises liability, property owners, managers, and their representatives have a duty of care to guests and must make efforts to reduce the risk of injury on their properties. However, the exact effort they must expend depends on the visitor’s legal status.
- Invitees. Invitees are guests lawfully on the property for commercial purposes, such as a customer. Owners have a high duty of care to invitees and must inspect properties for hidden defects that could cause injuries.
- Licensees. Licensees are guests on the property for non-commercial purposes, such as a houseguest. Property owners must post warnings for licensees, but they don’t necessarily have to inspect for hidden defects.
There are also trespassers—i.e., visitors who are unlawfully on the property without legal permission. Property owners don’t have a specific duty of care to trespassers, but they can’t create conditions to intentionally harm them (i.e., booby traps).
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How to Prove Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident
In order to prove that a property owner is liable for a slip and fall accident, you need to prove that the owner knew about the hazard and failed to take action. In some cases, it can be sufficient to show that the owner would have known about the hazard if they were reasonably diligent.
A team member from GOLDLAW can use several types of evidence to prove liability in a slip and fall accident:
- Photos showing the presence of the hazard
- Surveillance footage and video recordings
- Accident and incident reports
- Maintenance requests and logs
- Prior injuries
- Communications with property owners (e.g., texts, emails, etc.)
- Medical documentation of your injuries
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GOLDLAW: Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Florida
Do you have more questions about liability for slip and fall accidents in Florida? If so, contact GOLDLAW online or call us today to speak to a Florida slip and fall accident lawyer.
We have more than 200 years of combined legal experience and have recovered more than $1 billion for injured clients. Let us show you why thousands have chosen us for legal representation. Get GOLDLAW and get the help you need and the compensation you deserve.
