Many slip-and-fall accidents take place on property that is owned by another party. In the event that a Florida property owner failed to maintain the property on which the accident occurred, the owner may be held liable for the slip-and-fall injuries via civil action.
Neglected property may lead to perilous conditions, including wet floors, uneven surfaces and debris-filled walkways or staircases. People who slip and fall on property evincing these conditions may not know that they can seek civil remedies for the damages associated with their injuries. Authorities say that there are certain steps these people may take following the accident.
The first step should be to document as many details as possible regarding the circumstances and environment of the incident. Victims ought to take particular note of any dangerous conditions existing on the property where the accident occurred, such as poor lighting. Moreover, authorities say that victims should take note of whether any warning signs are posted in the area.
Fall victims should also seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is critical not just for reasons of health but also in case the accident is to give rise to civil action in the future. A personal injury lawyer representing fall victims may proffer medical records as corroborating evidence in a lawsuit.
In fact, authorities suggest that accident victims should seek the counsel of a personal injury lawyer during the immediate aftermath of the fall. The lawyer may advise victims what documentation they ought to obtain and assist with collecting the evidence necessary to build a personal injury claim.
Property owners may be held liable for slip-and-fall injuries when a preponderance of evidence indicates that the accident could have been avoided if not for their negligence. In that case, injured victims may recover medical expenses, lost wages and other costs related to their injuries.
Source: Findlaw, “Slip and Fall Accidents Overview“, October 08, 2014
