According to research, falls send over 8 million people to the hospital annually, making them one of the leading causes of emergency room visits. While many slip-and-fall accidents are minor, hurting nothing but your pride, some can lead to devastating injuries. Generally, walking is not considered a particularly dangerous activity. Still, the unfortunate reality is that a person can suffer severe injuries in a slip-and-fall accident if a property is insufficiently maintained. Property owners are required to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition. Therefore, in this situation, you may have grounds for a legal claim to seek monetary compensation for the damages you have wrongfully endured. Please continue reading to learn the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents in Florida and why connecting with our skilled Manatee County Slip and Fall Lawyers is in your best interest.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, at any time. However, these accidents are more likely when property owners fail to systematically inspect their premises and fix dangerous conditions. The following include but are not limited to some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in Florida:
- Wet or uneven surfaces
- Debris or cluttered walkways
- Defective sidewalk
- Holes in pavement and parking lots
- Poor lighting
- Broken or missing handrails
- Exposed wires or tripping hazards
- A lack of training
What is the Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims in Florida?
Under Florida law, injured parties generally have two years from the accident date to file a premises liability claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you don’t file your claim within this time frame, you will face the absolute bar of recovery. Missing the deadline means you forfeit your rights to pursue legal action against another party. Nevertheless, some exceptions may shorten or extend this period, such as in cases involving an injury that wasn’t immediately discovered, involving minors, or involving government property. That said, it’s in your best interest to contact a determined Manatee County slip and fall lawyer as soon after your accident as possible to safeguard your legal rights.
At Becker & Lindauer, LLC, we understand how complex these matters can be. While you are not required to hire legal counsel when you file a claim, there are various benefits. Proving someone’s negligence can be challenging. Additionally, insurance companies will use deceptive tactics to deny you your rightful compensation. As such, you should contact a dedicated Manatee County slip and fall lawyer who can fight for the funds you deserve. Allow our firm to represent your interests today.
