Who Is Liable For a Slip and Fall Accident in Ocala, FL?

Bill Allen | January 8, 2024 | Slip & Fall Accidents

Who Is Liable For a Slip and Fall Accident in Ocala, FL?

Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere and anytime. Ocala is no exception. When slips and falls happen, the first question is, naturally, “Who is liable for the accident?” You will need to understand the nuances of premises liability law to answer this question. An Ocala slip and fall accident lawyer can help you hold liable parties responsible for your injuries.

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in Ocala, FL

Slips and falls can cause serious injuries, from broken bones to concussions. Falls alone were the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in 2021, according to the National Safety Council.

A slip and fall accident occurs when a person slips or trips on someone else’s property due to a hazardous condition. Many hazards can cause these falls. Common examples include wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting. The type of hazard plays a significant role in determining slip and fall liability.

Determining Liability for Ocala Slip and Fall Accidents

Liability for an Ocala slip and fall accident revolves around negligence. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors and guests. 

For someone to be liable for your slip and fall injuries, you must prove the following:

  • The property owner owed you a duty of care to keep the premises safe;
  • The property owner breached their duty of care to you; and
  • The breach directly caused your slip and fall and injuries.

Proving negligence is a difficult process that requires investigating your fall and collecting evidence. An Ocala slip and fall accident attorney can help with this process.

Examples of Potentially Liable Parties in an Ocala Slip and Fall Accident Case

Understanding who may be held liable in an Ocala slip and fall accident claim is important for victims. Slip and fall liability, in any case, will depend on the circumstances of the accident and where it occurred. Property owners, lessors, lessees, and even local governments may be responsible.

Here are some examples of potentially liable parties:

  • Retail Store Owners: Retail store owners may be liable if you slip and fall on a wet floor, uneven surface, or other hazard in their store. Retailers must ensure that their premises are safe for customers, which includes promptly addressing hazards.
  • Property Managers: Property management companies, like apartment complexes, may be liable if your slip and fall was caused by their failure to maintain safe conditions, like repairing broken stairs.
  • Homeowners: A homeowner may be liable if you slip and fall in their home. Homeowners are responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe for visitors.
  • Schools: A school may be liable if you slip and fall on school property. Educational institutions must maintain safe premises for their students and visitors.
  • Landlords: A landlord may be liable if a tenant or visitor to the property slips and falls due to a hazard the landlord failed to fix or warn them about, like a loose handrail.
  • Construction Companies: A construction company may be liable if a person slips at a construction site due to unsafe conditions, like misplaced tools, equipment, or materials.

Each slip and fall case is unique. Liability can only be determined after carefully examining your case’s facts. For this reason, be sure to contact an Ocala personal injury lawyer if you have been involved in a fall.

Contact an Experienced Ocala Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer For Help Proving Liability

Navigating the complexities of a slip and fall accident case can be challenging, especially when determining liability. An Ocala slip and fall lawyer can help you investigate your fall, identify the liable parties, and hold them accountable for compensation.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a slip and fall accident, consult a skilled Ocala personal injury attorney for a free consultation.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652