A slip and fall accident occurs when a person is injured in a fall after slipping or tripping due to a dangerous condition. It could be a pothole or other defect in the pavement, a slippery substance on a store floor, or loose carpeting in an office building.
Slip and fall victims can often pursue property owners for their injuries. In order to be successful, you must be able to show that your fall was caused by a dangerous condition.
The second (and more difficult element) you must prove is that the property owner knew or should have known about the condition and taken steps to remedy it within a reasonable time. Since many premises liability also focuses on the conduct of the victim, you may also have to prove that you were using due care, i.e. paying attention to where you were going, when the fall occurred.
To help prove liability in a Florida slip and fall case, it is important to take prompt action. Below are some helpful tips for what to do first:
- Seek medical attention: If you have suffered serious injuries, it is imperative to call an ambulance or seek treatment in the emergency room. This not only ensures the best chance of recovery but will also serve to document the injuries you suffered.
- Record the names and phone numbers of witnesses: Be sure to write down the names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone who witnesses your fall. If the fall occurred at a business, this includes employees who witnessed the fall or any managers or supervisors who spoke to you after the fall.
- Take pictures of the defect or condition that caused the fall: If your cell phone takes pictures, be sure to immediately take pictures of what caused your fall, such as a broken stair, uneven pavement, or spill. If you don’t have a camera readily available, be sure to make a written description of the defect.
- Retain all receipts: Make sure to keep any documents that will show the time and date of your fall.
The Dellutri Law Group is focused on making bad situations better and putting lives back together. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more about your legal options, contact our experienced Florida injury attorneys for a free consultation.
