Personal Injury

Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident can cause very serious injuries and have long lasting effects.  The National Safety Council cites falling as the leading cause of non-fatal injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms.  Nearly 8 million people were treated for fall related injuries in 2001, and in 2002, 14,500 people died from these falls.   In a slip and fall accident, Florida law states that the owner or tenant of the property where the accident occurred may be held responsible. 

Who is liable?

Slip and fall accidents can occur in businesses, on public property, or private residences.  Property owners are legally responsible to keep their property safe.  However, they can often act negligently in failing to maintain properly their property and this can result in unsafe conditions. A few causes of slip and fall accidents are  unmarked wet spots, uneven flooring, holes, inadequate lighting, and insufficient handrails.  These things are all-important in determining who the responsible party is in a slip and fall accident. 
 
Often times, it is difficult to assess the seriousness of a slip and fall accident immediately after it has happened.  Serious injuries can arise weeks or months after the accident.  Even permanent injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal injuries can result from a slip and fall.   Because there are so many factors used in determining liability in a slip and fall case, it is important to consult an attorney.