We have all seen those yellow signs in malls and offices warning visitors about wet floors. To some, they might be redundant, but they are there for a good reason. Slip and fall accidents are a type of premises liability case. This means that if you slip and fall at a mall, you might be entitled to compensation.
However, winning a slip and fall injury claim is not always as easy as many believe. Dan Zohar is a leading slip and fall attorney in Tampa, Florida. Today, he is sharing everything you need to know about slip and fall accidents and what you need to prove to win your claim.
What is premises liability?
In all states, including Florida, the property owners are required by law to make a reasonable effort to maintain a safe environment for visitors or at least display an adequate sign warning visitors about the danger, be it wet floor, uneven or missing tiles, poorly maintained sidewalks, or exposed wiring.
What you need to prove to win a slip and fall injury claim
If you were involved in a slip and fall accident, there are three things you need to prove in order to win your claim.
You have to prove that your accident was due to someone else’s negligence. Even if the property owner does not create the hazardous situation deliberately, they are obligated to fix it within a reasonable time period. If they fail to do it and someone trips and falls as a result, the plaintiff might be able to get compensated for their expenses.
If you slipped and fell, make sure to file a report to the property owner and ask for a copy. Also, take photos of the place where you fell and the surrounding area. This might be useful later on when proving liability. Check if there were witnesses around at the time of your accident. Write down their name and contact details. If you are lucky, there might be security cameras around which will provide video footage of your accident and the events leading up to it.
You also need to prove that it directly caused your injuries. This is why seeking medical attention might prove to be crucial for proving your injuries. The injury might not immediately be obvious, especially while you are in a state of shock, and a medical professional will be able to discover injuries early on.
Your safest bet
Proving on your own that the owner knew about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it, or that the owner’s carelessness caused the dangerous condition can be difficult for a layperson. This is why it is best advised to consult a Tampa personal injury lawyer who specializes in slip and fall accidents.
Dan Zohar is a Tampa personal injury attorney with more than thirty years of professional experience in ensuring slip and fall accident victims are fairly compensated for their medical bills, missed wages, and pain and suffering in Tampa, FL. Do not delay! Call (800) 963-3311 toll-free and schedule your free consultation today to discuss the circumstances of your case and your next steps.