Sidewalks are virtually everywhere in Florida, whether you’re living in the suburbs or in a more urban area of the state. Since sidewalks are, obviously, for walking, they should be perfectly safe for all pedestrians, at all times. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Sidewalks are very often plagued with safety hazards, and these hazards often result in serious injuries. If you or somebody you know has been injured due to a dangerous sidewalk, read on and reach out to a seasoned Pasco County, FL premises liability lawyer to learn more about sidewalk accidents and how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What are the most frequent causes of sidewalk accidents in Florida?
In the state of Florida, property owners are responsible for keeping the sidewalk adjacent to their property reasonably hazard-free. Unfortunately, they often fail to do so, and people are injured as a result. Some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents are as follows:
- Dangerous unattended substances
- Poor weather conditions
- Loose debris
- Surface problems, such as uneven pavement, cracks, protruding tree roots and potholes
- Poor lighting
- Standing water
How can I satisfy the burden of proof in a sidewalk slip-and-fall accident?
To win a personal injury claim of any kind, you’ll have to gather and present sufficient evidence to prove that you were injured as a direct result of another party’s negligence. This is known as satisfying the burden of proof.
First, after your accident, you should call the police, especially if you think you need immediate medical care. You should then take pictures of the unsafe property conditions that caused you to trip or slip and fall. You should also look around and see if there are any witnesses who would be willing to verify your claim. Additionally, if you can, you should try to retrieve security camera footage of the incident occurring.
Once you receive medical care, your physician should provide you with medical documentation detailing the origin and extent of your injuries. Once you’re in stable condition, you should schedule an initial consultation with a competent attorney and bring all this information to your first meeting.
How long will I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
In the state of Florida, most accident victims will only have two years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury claim, in accordance with the state’s recently-updated statute of limitations. Waiting longer than two years will most likely result in you permanently losing your right to sue. Ultimately, the sooner you bring your claim to our firm’s attention, the better off you will be. For additional questions or if you believe you have a valid personal injury claim, simply contact the Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A. today.