Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
Florida law recently changed how slip and fall cases are handled, impacting victims of fall accidents in Lakeland and across the state. These changes could make it harder for an injured party to recover compensation from a property owner after a slip and fall accident on commercial property or someone else’s property.
If you’ve suffered slip and fall injuries due to unsafe conditions like wet floors, poor lighting, or inadequate warning signs, it’s important to understand how the new Florida premises liability laws affect your ability to seek compensation.
How Florida’s Premises Liability Laws Have Changed
Recent changes to Florida law have made premises liability cases more challenging for victims of fall incidents by:
- Placing a greater burden of proof on the injured party – Victims must now provide stronger evidence that the property owner’s negligence directly caused their fall injury.
- Reducing the statute of limitations for personal injury cases – Previously, victims had four years to file a slip and fall claim, but the new law shortens this to just two years.
- Applying modified comparative negligence – If a victim is found more than 50% responsible for their own fall accident, they cannot recover compensation from the negligent property owner.
These changes mean that hiring experienced fall lawyers or a slip and fall attorney is more important than ever when pursuing a premises liability claim.
What This Means for Lakeland Slip-and-Fall Cases
Harder to hold a property owner accountable
Under the new liability laws, victims must now prove that the property owner failed to maintain safe conditions or provide adequate warning about unsafe conditions like wet floors or poor lighting. Simply showing that an accident occurred is no longer enough to hold a property owner accountable.
Shorter timeframe to file a fall claim
The new law reduces the statute of limitations for slip and fall cases, meaning that victims of fall accidents in Lakeland now have only two years to file a fall lawsuit instead of four. This change makes it crucial to contact personal injury lawyers or a fall attorney as soon as possible after an injury.
Increased defense from insurance companies
Insurance companies representing negligent property owners now have more legal backing to deny claims. If they argue that the victim was more than 50% responsible for their fall case, the victim may lose the ability to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Greater need for strong evidence
To win a slip and fall lawsuit, victims must provide clear proof that a commercial property or property owner’s negligence directly led to their injuries. Evidence that can strengthen a premises liability claim includes:
- Photos or videos of unsafe conditions, such as wet floors, poor lighting, or broken stairs
- Medical records and medical bills documenting the severity of accident injuries
- Witness statements from other customers or employees who saw the fall accident
- Security camera footage showing how the injury occurred
Because insurance companies now have stronger defenses, victims must work with slip and fall lawyers who understand how to build a strong case.
What Compensation Can Victims Still Seek?
Despite the changes to Florida premises liability laws, victims of fall injuries can still seek compensation for:
- Medical treatment and ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death in cases where a fall accident leads to fatal injuries
Working with a slip and fall lawyer can help victims fight for fair compensation and ensure they are not unfairly blamed for their injuries.
Contact a Lakeland Law Firm for a Free Initial Consultation
If you were injured in a Lakeland slip and fall accident, the new Florida premises liability laws may impact your ability to file a fall claim. A legal team with experience handling fall lawsuits can help you navigate these changes and hold the responsible property owner accountable.
Learn more about how new Florida premises liability laws could affect your case. Call Lopez & Humphries, P.A. at (863) 709-8500 to schedule your free initial consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
FAQ
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit under the new Florida law?
The new law reduces the time to file a slip and fall claim from four years to two years. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
What if I am partially at fault for my fall accident?
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, if you are found more than 50% responsible for your fall injury, you cannot recover compensation. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What types of injuries are common in slip and fall cases?
Slip and fall injuries can include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, and severe injuries that result in permanent disability.
How can I prove a property owner’s negligence?
You must show that the property owner failed to maintain safe conditions, did not provide adequate warning of hazards, or ignored known safety risks. Evidence such as photos, medical records, and witness statements can help prove your claim.
Can I still seek compensation if my accident occurred on commercial property?
Yes, commercial property owners are required to maintain safe conditions for visitors. If their negligence led to your injuries, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
