Your Rights After a Slip and Fall
When you go for a run on your city’s bike path or shop at the store, you expect the environment to be relatively safe. It may not be perfect; to be sure, there may be cracks in the pavement or crumbs on the ground, but nothing that could cause you harm. However, your expectations of safety may be disappointed if property owners fail to take care of their property. If a municipality, business, or individual fails to inspect and maintain its property and you get hurt in a slip and fall, then you may be able to hold them responsible for your injuries. Call the experienced premises liability attorneys at our office to discuss your options.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
Slip and falls are one of the most well-known premises liability claims, along with trip and falls. These accidents can occur because of a number of different conditions, including:
- Liquid spills
- Standing water
- Ice
- Condensation buildup
- Grease
- Recently waxed floors
- Ripped or loose carpet
- Loose floorboards
- Uneven surfaces
- Potholes
- Unsecured cords
- Clutter on the floor
Who is Responsible for a Slip and Fall?
If you were injured after slipping or tripping and falling on another party’s property, then the next questions are 1) what was your status on the property, 2) who was responsible for the property , and 3) and is the property owner liable for compensating you?
Property owners are responsible for the safety of their visitors. However, their exact duty depends on the status of the visitor. Were you an invitee, licensee, or trespasser?
Invitees are on the property due to an implied or explicit invitation, such as business customers. Florida property owners are expected to offer the most protection to invitees. They must maintain their property in reasonably safe condition for invitees, which means inspecting the property, fixing hazards, or warning guests about potential dangers.
Licensees are on the property by implied consent, but not necessarily an explicit invitation, such as utility workers and social guests. Licensees are afforded the next level of protection. A property owner’s duty to licensees is less than for invitees, but more than for trespassers.
Trespassers do not have permission to be on the property, and a property owner does not owe any duty to trespassers.
If you had permission to be where you were when you got hurt, you were either an invitee or licensee. You should speak with an experienced lawyer to verify your status, which could affect your right to compensation.
Open and Obvious Dangers
Whether you were an invitee or licensee, your right to compensation may be barred or limited if you were injured because of an open and obvious hazard. If you slipped or tripped and fell because of a condition that a reasonable person would have been aware of, then you may not have the right to pursue compensation from the property owner.
For instance, if a bright red liquid had been spilled in a grocery store aisle, which had a white tile floor, then you may be held responsible for walking into and slipping on this liquid. However, if there was water on the white tile floor, which was difficult to see, then the grocery store owner may be responsible.
Call a Kissimmee Premises Liability Lawyer for Help
If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident, or a trip and fall, do not hesitate to learn more about your legal rights and options. If the property owner allowed a dangerous condition to continue and you were not a trespasser, then Salazar & Kelly Law Group, P.A. will help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact our Kissimmee office for help today.
