Slip-and-fall accidents are no joke and can lead to significant injuries and costs. The National Floor Safety Institute estimates that over a million emergency room visits result from these incidents. If you’ve been in a slip-and-fall accident in Florida, you may wonder how to seek compensation from the liable party.
However, it’s essential to recognize that many challenges can limit your chances of success.
Challenging Aspects of Filing a Slip-and-Fall Claim
Filing a claim for a slip-and-fall accident in Florida can be overwhelming, as you may encounter various challenges. A significant obstacle is providing sufficient evidence to prove that the accident caused your injuries.
In Florida, the law requires you to present evidence supporting your claim and showing that the business or its staff were in the best position to know or prevent the incident, even if the business owner or operator disputes the claim. However, it’s unlikely that the business or employees will admit to knowing or ignoring a spill on the floor. Therefore, injured parties need proof that the substance had been on the floor long enough for employees to notice and fix the issue. Without proper documentation, the defense team can easily weaken your case, making receiving the compensation you deserve challenging. Therefore, having an experienced attorney on your side to guide you through the legal processes and laws is crucial.
Factors that can Complicate a Slip-and-Fall Claim
Various factors can complicate a slip-and-fall claim including the location where the accident occurred and who was responsible. For example, if you slipped and fell on commercial property like a grocery store, the store owner, manager, or even a third-party vendor may be liable for your injuries. Similarly, if the accident occurred on government-owned property, it may be challenging to file a claim against the responsible government agency.
Another factor is time. Florida has a strict statute of limitations for slip-and-fall accident claims. The statute of limitations sets a specific period within which an injured party must file a lawsuit after the accident occurs. In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is four years from the accident date. Failing to meet this deadline can result in your claim being barred forever, and you may lose your right to seek compensation.
To successfully navigate through these challenges, it’s essential to have a skilled injury attorney who understands the complexities of Florida’s legal system. They can determine who is at fault for the accident, establish that their negligence caused your injuries, offer legal advice, protect your rights, and calculate the precise value of your total damages to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Importance of Working with an Experienced Attorney
If you have suffered injuries in a slip-and-fall accident, contact the Law Offices of Leonard J. Valdes. We understand the challenges that may come, and we can assist you along the way. Our attorneys have a proven track record of fighting for the rights of the injured and securing compensation for our clients. To schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our legal team, call us today at 305-567-0910.