While visiting your favorite hardware store, you abruptly slip and fall while walking in an aisle. You fear the worst, and it so happens that you have broken your leg. Your life can now expect a series of disruptions, including the temporary inability to work, medical bills and rehabilitation.
This makes you wonder: What exactly was the business’s responsibility in your slip and fall injury? Well, the business was negligent and must be held accountable. In Florida, property owners – including commercial businesses — owe a reasonable duty of care to visitors. Customers must receive protection related to negligence laws.
The duty of care
That duty of care specifically means that store owners must maintain the conditions of their properties so as not to cause injury to people who visit. People “invited” to their premises are legally protected. (However, such protection does not extend to trespassers.)
A slip and fall injury victim must prove that the business owner knew that the dangerous conditions existed or at least should have been aware that such danger was present.
Slip and fall hazards
Among the hazards would include:
- Wet and slippery floors: Slips caused by indoor spills may lead to serious injuries.
- Tripping hazards: Sources may include careless placement of cords, clutter as well as unsecured carpets and rugs.
- Floors and sidewalks in disrepair: Potholes and defective pavement are potentially dangerous.
- Neglected stairways: They may have missing steps or no handrails.
- Poor lighting: Aisles, hallways and stairwells need proper lighting.
- Weather-related hazards: Rain may lead to potential dangers on pavements.
Businesses must be held accountable for causing injuries to patrons. The duty of care clearly rests on their shoulders.
Responsibility lies with the business
When you arrive a local business, you expect a routine visit. You do not expect an injury from a slip and fall incident. Businesses have the legal duty to care for visitors such as customers. If they do not, they can expect serious legal consequences from a premises liability case.