The term Slip-and-Fall covers a multitude of different accidents such as:
- Slip-and-Fall – When a person slips on an object or liquid.
- Trip-and-Fall – When a person trips over an object or uneven surface.
- Step-and-Fall – When a person falls because of a hole or indentation in the ground.
When you enter into a business establishment, you are a guest on the commercial or business property. It is the duty of property owners and managers to provide their customers with a “reasonably safe” environment free of dangerous conditions. What constitutes a “reasonably safe” environment will typically vary from case to case. Since 2010, Florida law has put the burden on the victim to prove that the business establishment or premise owner had “actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition and should have taken action to remedy it.”
What to do in a Slip-and-Fall:
- Inform management or property owner immediately to document the accident.
- Obtain medical treatment right away.
- Take photos or videos of accident area and the cause of the fall.
- Obtain any witnesses names and phone numbers. (Ask to photograph driver license or I.D.)
- Do NOT sign anything.
Florida Slip-and-Fall victims may recover damages for economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses may include ambulance, hospital, surgery, anesthesiology, doctors visits, physical therapy, medical equipment, loss of wages, and the ability to earn income in the future. Non-economic losses may include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, physical scarring and disability.
Damages may be reduced if it is shown that the person injured was not acting in a reasonable manner. This is called Contributory Negligence. For example, if a jury found you 30% responsible for a Slip-and-Fall because a video camera shows you reading your cell phone when you slipped on a napkin, then a $10,000 award would be reduced by 30% to $7,000.
Florida Slip-and-Fall laws are complex, very tricky to navigate and require an attorney with the skill, experience and knowledge to establish the elements of a successful case. You deserve to be compensated fully for the injuries you have suffered because of the negligence of another. Bidner Injury Law has the experience and knowledge to fight for what you rightfully deserve.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Slip-and-Fall Attorney Mark Bidner or another Bidner Injury Law firm attorney, call 786-765-4120
