Slip and fall accidents are a major source of premises liability lawsuits in Florida, with 75,750 hospitalizations reported in 2022. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe, but when they fail to do so and someone gets injured, they can be held financially liable. For victims, these accidents often lead to serious injuries and lost income. For property owners, a slip and fall lawsuit can be extremely costly if negligence is proven.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
There are many reasons slip and fall accidents occur on someone else’s property in Florida. Some of the most common causes include:
- Wet or greasy floors that are not properly cleaned.
- Uneven floor surfaces or changes in flooring types.
- Poor lighting conditions that obscure tripping hazards.
- Clutter or debris left in walkways.
- Damaged flooring or carpeting that creates a tripping risk.
- Lack of railings on stairs or ramps.
- Hazards that are not adequately marked with warnings.
Proving Liability
To successfully win compensation in a Florida slip and fall case, an injury victim must prove:
- The property owner acted negligently by failing to provide reasonably safe premises.
- The hazardous condition was known or should have been known to the property owner.
- The negligence directly caused the victim’s injuries and damages.
This burden of proof requires evidence like photos of the hazard, documentation of inadequate maintenance, and testimony from witnesses.
Damages in Slip and Fall Cases
If negligence is established, the victim can recover both economic and non-economic slip and fall damages. These may include:
- Medical expenses from injury treatment.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Cost of rehabilitation services and assistive equipment.
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Settlements & Verdicts
Most Florida slip and fall claims settle out of court, but larger cases can go to trial where juries sometimes award substantial verdicts. Settlements are often fairly modest, in the region of $50,000, but when injuries are extensive and life-changing, they can be much higher to reflect the additional pain and suffering. Florida juries are often sympathetic to injury victims, which can lead to high rewards if the case goes to trial.
Reducing Liability
Property owners should take proactive steps to identify and eliminate slip and fall hazards. Having clear policies, procedures, and training for employees regarding safety and maintenance issues is critical. When accidents do occur, a prompt and thorough incident investigation along with corrective actions can also help demonstrate reasonable care.
Slip and fall accidents frequently lead to costly injury claims against Florida businesses. By keeping their premises reasonably safe, property owners can reduce their liability exposure and avoid the expense of negligence lawsuits. But if an accident does happen, seeking qualified legal counsel from Monge & Associates early on is essential. An experienced attorney from our firm can protect the rights of all parties involved.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Florida, Nebraska, and Colorado. Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if you’ve slipped and fallen due to someone else’s negligence.