Slip and fall cases are hard to prove because there are multiple legitimate defenses. For instance, if an accident occurs due to a hazardous but temporary condition, the property owner may argue that the spill occurred soon enough before the incident and, therefore, it was unpreventable. If a slip and fall attorney in Fort Myers, FL, with Parvey & Cavenago Attorneys, P.A. can prove that the victim was partly responsible for the injuries, the claim may be reduced or denied.
What Should a Property Owner do when Someone Falls?
If a person falls on someone else’s property, that person should notify their insurer. Most policies require notification of claims within a short period after the incident. If the property owner feels that the victim was careless, they should take names and contact info of any witnesses, and they should document the condition of the property as soon as possible after the incident.
If a slip and fall happens because of a permanent issue on the property, the issue should be rectified quickly. From the moment the incident occurs, the property owner is on notice of a potential danger. If someone else is hurt because of the condition, the owner is more likely to be deemed responsible for the person’s injuries.
Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries
Every property owner can decrease or eliminate the chances of such an accident by regularly monitoring their premises for hazardous conditions. Snow, ice and water cause many slip and fall injuries, and property owners should take prompt action to minimize related dangers. If there are other defects that could potentially cause an accident, they should be repaired quickly. Regular maintenance is a solid defense that can block many claims brought against property owners.
Some insurance companies provide consultations to help property owners reduce risks on their premises, and asking a contractor to evaluate the property can provide valuable insight. Owners should not ignore minor incidents or professional advice because these things offer notice of a potential danger. Knowing of a risk and disregarding it can leave the property owner vulnerable to liability in slip and fall cases.
Slip and fall cases are very hard for a plaintiff to win, but if they are successful, it can be very costly for property owners. A slip and fall attorney can provide a property owner with a solid defense, and they can help them through the complex legal process. Visit Parvey & Cavenago Attorneys, P.A. for further details.
