Sidewalk Slip And Fall Accidents
Sidewalks, especially those set away from busy alleys or speeding vehicles, are meant to keep you safe. However, the reality is that injury-causing accidents are quite common on sidewalks. One common way people suffer injuries on sidewalks is through slip and fall accidents. Unfortunately, a sidewalk slip and fall accident can lead to severe injuries, which can be expensive to treat. A sidewalk slip and fall accident can also lead to injuries that can result in you not being able to work, thus not being able to earn an income.
Some of the injuries caused by falls on sidewalks include, among many others, the following;
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Wrist and elbow injuries
- Broken ankles
- Hip injuries
- Knee injuries
- Cuts and bruises
Fortunately, if you suffer severe injuries in a sidewalk slip and fall accident in Florida, you may be eligible for compensation. But who is liable for a sidewalk slip and fall accident in Florida? Keep reading to find out.
Common Conditions That Can Lead to Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accidents
Some sidewalks go unmaintained for months or even years. Many times, this is because of budgetary limitations. If a sidewalk is unmaintained for months or years, there are bound to be dangers on the sidewalk that can result in slip and fall accidents. Unfortunately, if a hazard on a sidewalk causes you to slip, the chances are, you won’t be able to catch yourself in time to avoid hitting the ground and suffering an injury.
So, what sidewalk hazards can result in a slip and fall accident? Below are some of the common causes of slip and falls on sidewalks;
- Cracks
- Debris including gravel, fallen leaves, children’s toys, construction materials, and other items
- Potholes
- Missing pavement slabs
- Slippery walking surfaces
- Snow and ice
Liability for Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accidents
As already mentioned, if you suffer severe injuries in a Florida sidewalk slip and fall accident, you may be eligible for compensation. However, you must first establish who is liable for your accident before you can recover compensation. Generally, this means that you have to determine whose negligence caused your slip and fall accident and thus your injuries.
When a sidewalk slip and fall accident occurs, it is generally the person or entity responsible for maintaining the sidewalk that is responsible for the accident and resulting injuries. Typically, in Florida, cities, and municipalities are tasked with the responsibility of maintaining public sidewalks. Cities and municipalities have the duty to, among other things, keep public sidewalks free of debris. Therefore, if your injuries resulted from a slip and fall accident on a public sidewalk, THE chances are, the city or municipality is liable. However, it is crucial to note that some cities require homeowners associations (HOAs) to maintain public sidewalks in their neighborhoods.
When it comes to sidewalks on private property, homeowners may be tasked with the duty to maintain sidewalks on their property. Also, sometimes, cities and municipalities allow homeowners to share responsibility with the city or municipality to help cover the costs of maintaining sidewalks on private property. Therefore, this means that, when it comes to slip and fall accidents that happen on sidewalks on private property, a homeowner, or the city/municipality, or both a homeowner and the city/municipality, may be considered responsible.
As it pertains to businesses, business owners may be required to maintain sidewalks on their property, although the city or municipality may have different rules depending on the location.
What To Do if You Have Been Injured in a Florida Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accident
If you were injured in a Florida sidewalk slip and fall accident, you need to seek medical attention if you still haven’t. Seeking medical attention is vital for both your health and personal injury case. It is also crucial that you hire a skilled personal injury attorney if you were injured in a sidewalk slip and fall accident. As you probably have noticed, determining liability after a sidewalk slip and fall accident is not an easy or straightforward thing. Usually, determining liability after a sidewalk slip and fall accident requires investigation. Because of this, if you suffered injuries in a Florida sidewalk slip and fall accident, ensure you retain an experienced attorney who can help you conduct an investigation and determine liability. Also, pursuing a personal injury claim against the state has special rules that differ from those that apply to other personal injury cases. An attorney understands these rules.
Contact a Naples Slip & Fall Accident Attorney
If you suffered injuries in a Florida sidewalk slip and fall accident, contact a compassionate and talented Naples slip & fall accident attorney at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., today to schedule a free consultation. We can help you hold whoever is liable for your injuries responsible and recover the compensation you deserve.
