If you have slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you may be wondering about your legal rights and options. So, we thought we would answer them right here.
I’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident, what do I do next?
Slip and falls can occur anywhere and at any moment, regardless of age or ability. So, what should you do?
First and foremost, if you’re hurt, don’t move, ask for help and wait until help arrives. If you’re not sure how badly you’re hurt, play it safe and get immediate medical attention, ideally from Fire Rescue or Paramedics who are properly training to evaluate you.
Second, if you can, take photographs of the scene as soon as possible to preserve any evidence including uneven flooring, holes, spilled liquids, loose carpeting, etc. If you’re with someone when you fall, it is best to ask them to do this so you can concentrate on getting proper medical care.
If you did not call Fire Rescue or if you declined to be transported to an Emergency Department, be sure to seek needed medical attention as soon as possible. Proper medical evaluation can avoid making an injury worse and it will document the nature, extent and cause of your injury for a claim.
Lastly, it’s important to let the owner of the property know what happened. This does not mean you must provide an “official” or “legal” statement, but you should absolutely inform them of the incident. This will encourage the owner to fix the problem that cause your fall, and it will document the date, time, location, and cause of your fall.
What can lead to a slip and fall accident? There are a multitude of reasons and scenarios that can lead to a slip and fall, but a few of most common include:
- Inadequate lighting
- Slippery surfaces
- Holes
- Water or other liquids on pathways
- Grease on surfaces
- Uneven surfaces
While this does not cover every possibility for a slip and fall, these are major factors a property owner should take care of with regular maintenance and safety inspections to provide a safe and secure environment for its patrons.
Can I bring a claim if I slip and fall at someone’s private house?
Yes, slip and fall claims apply to commercial property, and private property. When you are invited into someone’s home, you are considered a social guest of that individual. Depending on the circumstances, social guests may be able to obtain compensation from the host’s insurance company if they’re injured in a slip and fall accident.
Who is held legally responsible for slip and fall injuries?
When a slip and fall occurs, there may be several individuals, or entities, held legally liable. These may include the property owner, the person leasing the property, cleaning companies, and others who may be responsible for the dangerous condition that caused your fall.
At Weinstein & Cohen, we have more than 50 years of combined experience fighting for accident victim’s rights. Our experienced Miami and Naples accident attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen will put your priorities first. If you or someone you care about has been injured or involved in an accident across South Florida or Southwest Florida, contact the Miami and Naples personal injury lawyers at Weinstein & Cohen at 305-374-1011 or 239-793-3331, or visit fairnessforall.com for an absolutely free legal consultation to learn more about your options.
