Slip & Fall
Accidents

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Slip & Fall Accidents

When people walk through stores, hospitals, office buildings, or any other structure, they are typically there for a reason. Often, they may be trying to find a person, an address, or another person. They may not be focused on what is the ground right in front of them. This can result in a slip and fall accident if they do not see the spilled liquid, or if there is another substance on the floor that is not wet but can still cause a slip and fall accident. Florida does have laws that help protect individuals that slip and fall on someone else’s property, but these laws are extremely complex to navigate. It is extremely important that accident victims speak to a slip and fall lawyer that can help them understand what the law says, and what damages they are entitled to.

Proving Liability in a Slip and Fall Claim

Florida law outlines what accident victims are required to prove in slip and fall claims. Plaintiffs must prove that property owners did not act reasonably in the maintaining their property, and that the property owner also knew of a dangerous condition. In these claims, knowledge is either actual or constructive.

Actual knowledge refers to when a property owner has seen or noticed a hazard, while constructive knowledge refers to the fact that the property owner should have known because the location of the accident is a frequent place for hazards to occur. Constructive knowledge can also refer to the fact that the property owner should have known about the hazard because it had been present for a certain period of time and should have been detected.

What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents may sound minor, but you will likely be in shock afterwards and not know what to do. The most important steps to take after a slip and fall accident include:

Locate the accident scene: This may sound obvious, but it is important to determine exactly where you fell before you leave the property. You typically only have one opportunity to identify the location, so it is important that you are correct when doing so.
Take pictures: It is unlikely that the property owner will provide you with pictures or copies of their video surveillance, so it is important to take as many photos of the area and what caused your slip as you can.
Obtain witness information: Witnesses can provide important evidence about how an accident happened and their statements carry great weight. If anyone saw your accident, ask them for their name and contact information.
File a report: If your accident occurred in a store, restaurant, or another commercial area, file a report with management and ask them for a copy of it.
Keep your clothes: Damaged clothes and shoes also serve as valuable evidence. Keep them, do not wash or repair or them, and do not wear them again.
Seek medical attention: Seeing a doctor will not only help ensure that your injuries do not become worse, but it will also document your injuries, which will help prove your claim. Make sure that you tell the doctor exactly what happened, and remain honest about whether you have ever sustained this type of injury before.

There are a number of ways in which nursing home staff may abuse the residents in their care. The most common of these include:

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident, call Aventis Law Firm for a free consultation. We will work with you to learn about the facts of your case and let you know how we may be able to help you get compensation for your injuries.

Slip & Fall
Accidents