In Florida, every property owner has the responsibility to maintain an environment that’s reasonably safe for visitors. This is a part of Florida’s personal injury law called premises liability. To prove that a property owner was responsible for causing your injuries in a slip and fall accident, you must show that they failed to meet their requirements.
At Madalon Law, here’s how we go about helping you prove liability in a Coconut Creek slip and fall case:
Duty of Care
In Coconut Creek slip and fall cases, proving liability starts with establishing the property owner’s duty of care. Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises safely. This duty includes regular inspections, timely repairs, and clear warnings of potential hazards. For example, a store owner must ensure that spills are cleaned up promptly and that warning signs are placed around wet areas.
Breach of Duty
A breach of duty occurs when the property owner fails to meet their responsibilities. This can happen in various ways, such as neglecting to repair broken stairs, ignoring a spill, or failing to provide adequate lighting. For instance, if a grocery store manager knows about a spill but doesn’t clean it up or place a warning sign, they have breached their duty of care.
Proof of Damages
To claim compensation, you must prove that you suffered damages from the accident. This includes medical records documenting your injuries, bills for medical treatment, and any other related expenses. Witness statements and photographs of the accident scene can also support your claim. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor and have medical bills for a broken wrist, these documents prove the damages you suffered.
Linking Negligence to Damages
Also called causation, this is the step taken to connect the property owner’s breach of duty to your injuries. To hold them liable, you must prove to the court that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your accident and injuries. For example, if you slipped on an unmarked wet floor and broke your leg, you need to prove that the property owner’s failure to clean the spill or provide a warning was the direct cause of your injury. Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and expert testimony can help establish this link.
By proving duty of care, breach of duty, proof of damages, and causation, you can build a strong case for compensation in your Coconut Creek slip and fall accident.