Common Causes of Indoor Slip and Fall Accidents

When you visit a grocery store, movie theater, or even a neighbor's house, the owner of that property has a responsibility to provide a safe environment. Unfortunately, when people act negligently, perhaps by not repairing a broken guardrail or failing to post a warning about a freshly washed or waxed floor, serious indoor slip and fall accidents can result.

If you or a loved one has been seriously or permanently injured as a result of a Florida slip and fall accident where a property owner was negligent, you (or the victim) may be entitled to damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and other related accident expenses. Speaking to an experienced St. Petersburg premises liability attorney can give you a better perspective on your legal options after a Florida slip and fall accident.

Premises Liability and Indoor Slip and Fall Accidents

The term premises liability refers to the responsibility of a property owner to maintain a safe environment for the people visiting their property. Stores, businesses, and even private homes you are invited to are all subject to premises liability if someone is injured on the property because of neglect. This negligence can include:

• Failing to maintain a safe environment by not fixing hazards on the property;
• Failing to post warnings that can area is dangerous; or
• Failing to properly inspect their property for hazards.

When dealing with indoor slip and fall accidents (as well as outdoor slip and falls), trespassing is an issue that must be addressed. If you are visiting a store during their open hours, you have been invited and encouraged to come inside. If you are trespassing on property, liability can be much harder to prove, but there are always exceptions and you should consult a St. Petersburg premises liability attorney about the viability of your potential personal injury claim.

Common Causes of Indoor Slip and Fall Accidents

While accidents sometimes happen, indoor slip and fall accidents are routinely caused by some form of negligence on the part of the property owner to safely maintain their property. Examples of common indoor slip and fall accidents include:

• Slippery floors (because of water, spills, fresh wax, etc.);
• Too much/uneven polish on floors/stairways;
• Uneven flooring;
• Torn or bulging carpet on floors or stairways;
• Worn, rounded, uneven, or poorly lit stairs;
• Broken or missing handrails for stairways; and
• Malfunctioning equipment such as elevators and escalators.

Even seemingly minor indoor slip and fall accident injuries should be examined immediately by a doctor. Common injuries such as head trauma may not show up immediately after a slip and fall accident, but can have serious or fatal consequences.

If you have been seriously injured in a Florida slip and fall accident, you do have legal options, including seeking compensation from the property owner responsible for maintaining a safe environment, even if that person is a neighbor and not a business.

To consult with a St. Petersburg premises liability attorney about your Florida slip and fall accident, contact the Law Offices of William K Saron at 727-345-4566 or 866-836-4947.