Determining who is at fault in a slip-and-fall accident

Unfortunately, slip-and-fall accidents are all too common in Florida. A wet floor, ice or even inadequate lighting are all it might take for someone to fall. Seeking compensation for the injury begins with proving the property owner was at fault.

A person who has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident will generally need to be able to prove fault one of three ways. One way a property owner may be at fault is if he or she should have known about the dangerous conditions. This includes if an employee should have noticed the situation was unsafe. An example of this situation would be if it were raining and no one put out a wet floor sign. Another way a property owner could be at fault is if a worker did know that there was a dangerous situation and failed to fix it. The third way is if the property owner or an employee caused the situation in the first place. An example might be a spill caused by an employee or damaged flooring.

The first situation (property owner should have known about the danger) is the most common, but it is also the most difficult to prove. Whether the property owner should have known about the situation is relatively subjective and relies on the injured person’s evidence and arguments. The judge or jury will have to decide if the arguments are in favor of the property owner or the injured party.

In short, there are many ways a property owner may be held liable for an injury related to a slip-and-fall accident. An attorney with experience in premises liability claims could help an injured person seek compensation for the accident. Compensation may cover medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages.