Floridians need to be aware of their surroundings and avoid these hazards when possible, but they also rely on others to ensure that there are not safety hazards in locations where they do not expect them. However, there are times when property owners and their employees do not properly care for the property and ensure that their customers and visitors will be safe.
For instance, property owners should be responsible for addressing slip and trip hazards. Slip-and-fall injuries can be very severe and can be devastating for the victims.
Property owners may be liable for the damages that result from these injuries and may need to compensate the victims for the damages they suffer as a result. However, to hold a property owner liable for a slip and fall injury, the victim needs to prove certain elements.
Elements of a slip and fall accident
To be liable under Florida statues, the store owner or their employees need to have actual knowledge of the hazard and not do anything to correct it. Alternatively, they may have constructive knowledge, which means that the hazard was around long enough or common enough that they should have known about the hazard.
Accidents can occur anywhere in Florida. When the accidents are caused by the negligence of others, the victims may be entitled to compensation. This can be the case when people suffer slip-and-fall accidents in stores.
These can be complicated matters, and it is important that people are able to prove the elements they need to prove. Consulting with experienced attorneys could be beneficial.