When a person enters someone else’s premises, such as a grocery store or a parking lot, they are generally entitled to a reasonable expectation they will not be hurt. Unfortunately, many landowners in Florida fail to safely maintain their property and instead leave dangerous conditions untreated and unmonitored.
If you or a loved one suffered injury from a fall while legally on someone else’s property, a Pinellas County slip and fall lawyer might be able to help. Recovering restitution for your damages might prove essential to protecting your rights and future well-being, and an experienced personal injury attorney could work with you to build a persuasive claim for compensation.
Common Trip and Fall Scenarios
There are numerous kinds of dangerous condition on someone’s property that might lead to a slip and fall injury. Some of the most common situations include:
- Icy or otherwise unsafe parking lots
- Poorly-maintained sidewalks
- Dangerous and unkept stairs
- Hidden sinkholes or ditches
- Swimming pool hazards
Any of these conditions may result in serious injuries, including cuts and bruises, fractures, head trauma, or even severe spinal damage. Regardless of the specific circumstances, a Pinellas County slip and fall attorney could help a claimant understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
How Does Comparative Negligence Work?
Like many injury cases, slip and fall claims often involve intense debates about who was at-fault for damages. Often, the premises owner or manager will argue that the injured plaintiff’s own actions caused their damages. Furthermore, a landowner might argue that they took reasonable steps to negate the hazard and/or that this hazard was readily apparent.
If a claimant is found to be partially at fault, any damages they recover would be scaled proportionately to match this percentage of fault. So, if a plaintiff were found to be 40 percent liable for their injuries, they could only recover for 60 percent of their total damages.
However, depending on the relationship between the claimant and the premises owner, the owner might have had extensive legal obligations to keep any visitor safe. For example, while trespassers are not particularly protected by Florida law, those who are on premises for the owner’s benefit generally have extensive rights and should expect a safe environment.
The Time Limit to File a Claim in Pinellas County
A plaintiff seeking compensation for a trip and fall injury should be aware of the statute of limitations in Florida. Pursuant to Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a), a claim should be filed within four years of the incident which resulted in an injury.
It is advisable that a claimant takes legal action within this timeframe to make sure their case is not dismissed. A proactive lawyer could help an injured person in Pinellas County file a claim regarding a trip and fall injury that satisfies the statute of limitations.
Schedule a Consultation with a Pinellas County Slip and Fall Attorney
After suffering a trip and fall injury, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. If your injuries were due to the negligence of a property manager or landowner, you have a legal right to seek compensation. However, building a claim for compensation alone might prove difficult if you are underprepared or underrepresented.
A Pinellas County slip and fall lawyer could help you gather evidence of negligence and build a persuasive claim to request the compensation you deserve. For more information about how you could protect your financial well-being, call a determined injury attorney today.