A slip and fall out in public may just be an inconvenience, but in some circumstances, you might suffer serious injuries that may result in significant financial expenses. Even worse, a hard impact against your head, neck, or spine could have dire physical consequences that last long beyond the days immediately following an accident, potentially restricting your ability to live independently for the rest of your life.
If you fell and were hurt on someone else’s property, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you hold the proprietor liable for your injuries and expenses. A Kenneth City slip and fall lawyer could review your situation to determine what legal options may be available to you.
Proving Liability for a Slip, Trip, or Fall
Despite the specificity of the legal term, a “slip and fall” accident could actually be any kind of incident where someone loses their footing and is hurt as a result. This includes tripping accidents and missed steps. Regardless of the exact nature of the incident, an injured person must prove liability on the part of a property owner or manager in order to recover compensation.
Under Florida state law, a property owner may be liable for a visitor’s injury if they fail to fulfill their duty of reasonable care, requiring them to maintain their property so it is free of unaddressed hazards. If someone suffers harm as a direct result of a hazard that a property owner either knew about or reasonably should have known about, the injured party may have the right to file a lawsuit alleging negligence.
It is important to note that, depending on the circumstances, different parties could bear liability for a slip and fall. If someone slipped on an unsalted patch of ice in a parking lot might need to file suit against a single store responsible for overseeing that lot, the owner of the shopping complex, or the owner of that specific lot. A slip and fall attorney in Kenneth City could work with an individual plaintiff to identify the liable party or parties in their case and pursue legal action.
What Kinds of Damages Might Be Available?
In the short term, an injury sustained from a slip and fall in Kenneth City could leave someone with medical bills and lost wages from missed work during recuperation. Whether an injured person only needs a quick visit to their primary care provider or a trip to the emergency room, any and all medical costs associated with the accident may be recoverable through a civil lawsuit.
After a particularly severe accident, non-economic damages may be available as well. A knowledgeable trip and fall lawyer in Kenneth City could help victims seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of opportunity, loss of consortium with family members, and more.
However, a plaintiff may be unable to recover any compensation at all if they do not file suit within a certain period of time. According to Florida Statutes §95.11(3), any civil case that is not filed within four years of the accident date may be time-barred by a civil court.
Speak with a Kenneth City Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Proving civil liability, taking stock of all your recoverable damages, and accurately valuating your case can be extremely difficult without professional assistance, especially if you are still dealing with the effects of a severe personal injury. If you need help recovering financially after a slip, trip, or fall, seeking dedicated legal counsel should be a priority. Call today to talk to a Kenneth City slip and fall lawyer about your case.
