A slip and fall accident could be a sudden and painful event, and an individual who slips and falls on private or commercial property may sustain a serious injury from the fall. If a property owner’s negligence caused the injury, the injured individual may be entitled to compensation.
While insurance companies may attempt to settle a claim for less than it is actually worth, a Holiday slip and fall lawyer could help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries in such a situation. If a property owner’s negligence caused you to sustain an injury in a slip and fall accident, you may wish to consult with a diligent personal injury attorney for an evaluation of your claim and assistance in the fight for fair financial restitution.
Filing Slip and Fall Cases
The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit in the State of Florida. Typically, a slip and fall lawsuit involves an allegation of negligence, and in Florida, injured individuals have four years in which to file a lawsuit based on negligence. While many slip and fall cases can be resolved by settlement, it is still prudent to allow sufficient time for filing a lawsuit in case it becomes necessary.
If a person who sustained an injury in a slip and fall accident fails to file the lawsuit within four years, their case could be dismissed by the court, meaning they may not be able to seek any recovery at all. A slip and fall attorney in Holiday could help ensure an injured individual file their lawsuit in a timely manner.
Assigning Fault for a Slip and Fall
In a nutshell, slip and fall cases typically occur after property owners fail to maintain safe premises. Spilled liquid or debris on the floor or walkways may be dangerous for customers or guests who enter a property. Property owners who fail to inspect, fix, or warn of such dangerous conditions may be held liable for personal injuries.
The property owner’s liability for a slip and fall depends on the status of the individual who sustains the injury. The purpose for which the individual entered the property determines their status.
Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. An example of an invitee is a customer or patron in a store. A lesser but similar duty of care applies to licensees, who enter the property for social reasons.
A person who enters a property unlawfully and/or without the owner’s permission or consent may be classified as a trespasser. Property owners must only refrain from intentionally causing injuries to a trespasser.
Potential Damages to be Recovered
Damages from a successful slip and fall case in Holiday may vary based on the circumstances surrounding the incident. An individual who sustains an injury in such an accident may be able to recover damages for:
- Past medical costs
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Documentation is important to prove medical expenses, loss of income, and the nature and extent of the injury. A Holiday slip and fall lawyer could help an injured individual assemble relevant documents in support of their trip and fall claim.
Contacting a Holiday Slip and Fall Attorney
If you sustained an injury after slipping or tripping and falling on someone else’s property, do not delay in pursuing a personal injury claim against the responsible party. The statute of limitations is a firm deadline, and it is beneficial to get an attorney to start building your case as soon as possible. Contact a Holiday slip and fall lawyer at your earliest convenience if a property owner’s negligence caused you to sustain an injury in an accident.
