A slip/trip and fall is the single most cause for emergency room visits in the United States. The Center for Disease Control estimates that over one million Americans suffer from a slip and fall injury each year. Out of that number, it is estimated that 20%-30% will suffer moderate to severe injuries such as serious bruising, hip fractures, or a head injury. Slip and falls are the number two cause of death and disability, following behind automobile accidents. Over 17,000 people die each year from slipping and falling.
Under Florida law, property and business owners are accountable for maintaining safe conditions on their property or premises so that visitors, patrons, and customers do not slip, trip, or fall on the property. An owner or operator of property or a business is legally responsible for another person’s injuries if they either:
(1) created a dangerous condition on their property or knew about the dangerous condition but did not repair it in a timely manner; or (2) failed to properly inspect the property which could have revealed the dangerous condition so that such condition could be fixed before an accident occurred. Additionally, a property owner or business owner must warn visitors, patrons, or customers if an unsafe condition exists on the premises. Failure to do so can be grounds for a slip/trip and fall claim or lawsuit.
A person injured from a slip/trip and fall caused by a negligent property owner is entitled to recover money damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you are involved in a slip or trip and fall, contact an attorney to make sure your legal rights are protected.
For more information on the content of this article or any other questions you may have, please contact the Zweben Law Group.