Walking along Duval Street, visiting a local resort, or shopping in Mallory Square should be relaxing. Unfortunately, hazardous property conditions can turn a pleasant day in Key West into a painful ordeal. If you were hurt because a property owner failed to maintain safe premises, Altman Law Firm is here to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
From bustling tourist spots to residential areas, Monroe County properties see heavy foot traffic. Wet floors in resort lobbies, uneven sidewalks near historic buildings, poor lighting in parking garages, and cluttered walkways in local restaurants frequently lead to serious falls. Property owners and business operators have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe and to warn visitors of hidden dangers.
Under Florida law, property owners can be held accountable when negligence causes a visitor to suffer injuries. However, navigating these claims requires proving that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. Additionally, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney helps protect your rights against opposing insurance companies.
Your health and safety come first after any accident. Seek immediate medical attention at a local facility such as Lower Keys Medical Center. If possible, document the scene by taking photos of the hazard, gathering contact information from witnesses, and reporting the incident to the property manager. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with legal counsel.
Led by attorney Jeffrey S. Altman, our Miami-based firm represents injured individuals throughout Florida, including Monroe County. We investigate the circumstances of your fall, gather critical evidence, consult with safety experts, and handle all negotiations with insurance companies so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.
Generally, under Florida law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation, so it is important to act promptly.
Florida applies a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is 50 percent or less, though your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the property owner, a business tenant, a management company, or a maintenance contractor responsible for upkeeping the premises.
It is generally advised not to give a recorded statement or accept an early settlement offer from an insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney first, as these tactics are often used to minimize your claim.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any upfront attorney fees or costs unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Contact Altman Law Firm today for a confidential consultation regarding your Key West slip and fall incident. Call (305) 373-3730.