An unexpected fall while running errands at local shopping centers or walking through a medical facility can result in serious injuries. At Altman Law Firm, we represent individuals in Pembroke Pines who have been harmed due to the negligence of property owners. We understand the challenges you face and are here to provide the guidance you need during this difficult time.
Under Florida Statute 768.0755, if you slip and fall on a transitory foreign substance in a business establishment, you must prove that the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. This often involves showing that the condition existed for a length of time that the owner should have known about it, or that the condition occurred regularly. Our firm works to gather the evidence necessary to establish these facts, from reviewing surveillance footage to interviewing witnesses who may have seen the hazard before your accident.
Pembroke Pines is a bustling city with high-traffic areas like Pines Boulevard and Flamingo Road. From large retail centers near the Shops at Pembroke Gardens to residential apartment complexes and professional offices, property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Common hazards we see include liquid spills in grocery aisles, poorly maintained sidewalks, inadequate lighting in parking structures, and loose floor mats. When maintenance standards are ignored, the resulting injuries can range from fractured bones to severe soft tissue damage.
Florida recently updated its statutes to follow a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found partially responsible for your fall—perhaps for not seeing an obvious hazard—your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages under state law. It is crucial to have a legal team that understands how to counter arguments that attempt to shift an unfair amount of blame onto the injured party.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including slip and falls, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this legal timeframe typically results in losing your right to seek compensation through the court system.
If you are able, report the incident to the property manager and request a copy of the incident report. Take photographs of the hazard that caused your fall and the surrounding area. Most importantly, seek medical attention immediately, as some injuries may not be apparent right away but require documentation for a potential claim.
Constructive knowledge is a legal concept where a property owner is deemed to have known about a hazard because it existed for such a length of time that they should have discovered it through reasonable care, or because the hazard occurred with regular frequency and was therefore foreseeable.
Yes. While the presence of a sign can be a defense used by the property owner, the absence of one can be a key piece of evidence showing they failed to warn visitors of a known danger. Each case depends on the specific circumstances of the environment and the nature of the hazard.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall, contact Altman Law Firm to speak with a dedicated legal professional about your options. Call (305) 373-3730.