Who Might Be Liable for My Damages Following a Slip & Fall?
From bruises and lacerations to fractures and internal bleeding, falls can leave devastating injuries in their wake. If you’re recovering from any such injuries, it’s only natural to fret about your financial security. Between medical bills and lost wages, the associated damages can add up fast.
Thankfully, those who slip and fall through no fault of their own are usually entitled to compensation for the losses they incur. Before they can seek a payout, though, they must determine who was to blame for the accident.
While every slip and fall scenario is unique, liability almost always falls on at least one of the following parties:
1. The Property Owner
Property owners must maintain their premises to a reasonably safe standard for both invitees and licenses. Invitees are generally those who are there for the benefit of the owner—e.g., customers—while licensees are on the premises for their own benefit, like utility workers.
If the owner fails to address slip, trip, or fall hazards that he or she knew about—or should have known about—in a timely fashion, those who end up getting hurt as a result may take action.
2. The Occupier
It’s not uncommon for businesses to rent the space out of which they operate. Since the obligation to maintain the premises extends to occupiers, companies that occupy buildings could be deemed liable for slip and fall accidents that occur, even if they don’t technically own the property.
3. The Property Management Company
Sometimes, owners delegate the management of their properties to third parties. In doing so, they shift at least some liability off themselves and onto others. If you slipped and fell because the property manager failed to perform their duties, you may have grounds for a claim against the management company.
4. The Janitorial Contractor
If you were hurt because the cleaning company left debris in a high-traffic area or failed to post “Wet Floor” warnings, they’re likely responsible. In such a scenario, you should be able to file a third-party claim with their insurance carrier.
5. The Construction Contractor
Whenever a construction team works on a building that’s still in use, they must exercise extra care to keep the premises free of slip, trip, and fall hazards. If you were hurt because the crew failed to do just that—and you weren’t walking in a clearly marked “out of bounds” area at the time—you may have grounds for a claim against the contractor.
Call 561-299-3999 to Discuss Your Case with a West Palm Beach Premises Liability Attorney
If you fell on someone else’s property, turn to Donaldson & Weston for strategic legal guidance. We will give your case the attention it deserves from the moment you call our office to the day your claim is resolved.
Our tireless team has helped hundreds of clients navigate personal injury and wrongful death cases. Call 561-299-3999 or complete the Contact Form on our website to schedule a free case review with a premises liability lawyer in West Palm Beach.
