Slip and fall accidents can lead to painful and lasting injuries that can turn your life upside down. In such a situation, it is easy to feel hopeless and give up on your chances of a full recovery. However, there are ways to obtain compensation and get your life back on track.
To schedule a free consultation with our Boca Raton slip and fall injury lawyer, contact Accident Attorneys Boca Raton today.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries in Boca Raton, Florida
Slips and falls are common. These dangerous accidents can happen in many different settings and are caused by many different things. Compared to a tragic, severe incident such as a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, slip and fall accidents may seem harmless. However, a slip and fall can lead to severe injuries that last forever. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slips and falls are the second most common cause of accidental deaths in the U.S.
Many times, slip and fall accidents happen on another person’s property. Common causes of unintentional slip and falls in Boca Raton include:
Liquid Spills
Spilled liquids are arguably one of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. Many unsuspecting individuals suffer injuries after slipping on fluids such as oil, water, and floor wax. Many times, these accidents happen in stores, supermarkets, or on another person’s premises. Property owners have the responsibility to keep their premises safe from hazards. If they fail to do so, they could be liable for any injuries you sustain while on their property.
Debris
Debris is another cause of slip and fall accidents. You may visit a location with the debris all over the place, and while you may try to avoid slipping or tripping over scattered objects, sometimes an accident cannot be avoided. If you suffered an injury on another person’s property because of debris on the ground, you may be able to file a claim against him or her for your losses.
Uneven Surfaces
Surfaces are supposed to be flat and level in order to prevent an accident. The owner of a property with uneven floors must therefore provide adequate warning to visitors. Uneven flooring can lead to a slip, trip, or fall, which could cause severe injuries.
Suing a Boca Raton Property Owner for a Slip, Trip, or Fall
As mentioned before, owners are responsible for keeping their property safe. People who get injured on another person’s property can seek compensation by filing what is known as a “premises liability claim.” Typically, you need to show a series of elements to justify compensation in the form of “damages” during one of these lawsuits. The three factors that you need to prove in a premise liability case include:
- Showing that the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous, hazardous condition on their premises.
- Showing that the property owner did not repair the issue or provide an appropriate warning
- Showing that you suffered injuries because of the dangerous condition
If you can successfully prove these elements with the court, you may receive compensation. This compensation can help you with things such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is always prudent to retain the services of a skilled, dedicated Boca Raton slip and fall injury attorney who understands how the process works.
Property Owner Responsibilities in Boca Raton, FL
While a property owner owes a duty of care to all people visiting their property, there are circumstances where a landowner owes different levels of care depending on the visitor. There are three categories of visitors to which a property owner owes a duty of care:
Licensees
Licensees are those people who visit your property for non-business social activities. People who fall under this category include family members, friends, and co-workers, among other guests. Property owners must make reasonable efforts to keep their premises free from any potential dangers that may cause an accident to befall licensees.
Invitees
In contrast to licensees, invitees visit your property to do business. Property owners under this category include department stores, grocery stores, cinemas, gas stations, and other locations where business is typically conducted. These property owners owe the highest duty of care to those visiting their premises. They must make sure to correct any potential issues that may put their invitees in danger.
Trespassers
Trespassers are people who enter your property without your express permission. While property owners owe the lowest duty of care to trespassers, they still need to make reasonable efforts to prevent a trespasser from suffering an accident. This includes warning about any dangers to potential intruders.
Boca Raton Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall accident while on another person’s property, we can help. Thanks to our many years of experience handling premises liability claims in Florida, we are able to provide you with high-quality legal representation. Our Boca Raton slip and fall accident attorneys can help you hold the liable parties accountable for your injuries. To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, contact us today.