Slip and fall injuries can lead to significant setbacks for individuals. This can include pain and suffering caused by the injuries themselves as well as massive medical bills. Here, we want to discuss when a landlord could be held liable for a slip and fall injury that occurs on their property. It is important to understand how these particular premises liability lawsuits work if you have sustained a slip and fall injury.
Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney right away.
Premises Liability Claims and Landlords
Under premises liability law in Florida, property owners have a duty to ensure the safety of individuals who have a right to be on their premises. Obviously, tenants have a right to be on a landlord’s premises. However, landlords typically do not have day-to-day operational control of the inside of a house, apartment, or condo that they rent an individual. So, when will they be held liable for slip and fall injuries?
The first thing an individual has to show after their injury occurs is that the injury was caused by the negligent actions of the landlord. Simply sustaining a slip and fall injury will not mean that the landlord is liable. In order for a premises liability lawsuit to be successful, the individual will have to show that the landlord either caused or failed to prevent the condition that led to the slip and fall incident. Additionally, the injury victim has to show that the landlord knew or reasonably should have known that the dangerous condition existed.
Exterior Slip and Fall Injuries
On the outside of a rental property, there are other conditions that have to be met in order to hold the landlord responsible for a slip and fall injury. If an individual slips and falls, the injury victim has to show that the cause of the slip and fall was present because the landlord failed to take steps to remedy the situation. For example, if there is a “common area” in an apartment complex with stairs that have been in disrepair for a substantial amount of time, it may be possible to hold the landlord responsible if a slip and fall incident occurs as a result of the faulty stairs.
However, if an individual slips and falls on a spill caused by the actions of another tenant in an apartment complex, it may not be possible to hold the landlord responsible, particularly if they had no way of knowing about the spill.
Documenting Your Injuries
It is crucial for slip and fall victims to keep track of everything related to the injury. If possible, this includes taking photographs of the accident scene and the causes of the slip and fall. This can also include keeping any clothing an individual was wearing when the incident occurred and thoroughly documenting the injuries. It is crucial for slip and fall victims to seek medical care, even if their injuries seem relatively minor.
Working With an Attorney
If you or somebody you love has been injured as a result of the negligent accidents of a landlord in Florida, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. A premises liability lawyer can use their resources to conduct a complete investigation into the incident. They will gather the evidence needed to prove liability and handle all negotiations with insurance carriers and legal teams to recover fair compensation for their client.
Contact the LaBovick Law Group today.
