Is a Store Owner Liable If I Was Injured on Their Property?

Why You Need an Attorney If You Are Injured at a Store

You may assume that a store owner is automatically liable if you are injured while on their property. Unfortunately, holding a store owner legally responsible for your injuries can be challenging. Not all injuries result in liability. To determine whether you have a valid claim for damages, you need to speak with a qualified attorney.

At the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we represent individuals who have been injured due to another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. Our lawyers fight hard to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation allowed by law. If you have been injured at a store, contact our office at 800-555-4011 for a free case evaluation.

Holding a Store Owner Accountable for Your Injuries

In general, a store owner is required to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition. They also have a duty to warn customers of a dangerous condition that they knew or should have known about. In some cases, proving a store owner’s liability can be relatively straightforward, but in others, it may be difficult to prove.

For instance, if you slip and fall on a spilled liquid at a grocery store, you must show that the owner had actual or constructive knowledge of the condition and failed to remedy it.

What Is Actual or Constructive Knowledge?

According to Florida law, actual knowledge would be if someone had notified an employee of the spill or an employee had witnessed it. Constructive knowledge would be if the spill remained there for so long that in the “exercise of ordinary care,” the store should have known about it. A store owner may also be held legally responsible for a dangerous condition that occurs regularly and is therefore foreseeable.

Therefore, if a spill happened only moments before you slipped and fell, it may be hard to show that the store had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. While these cases may be complicated, it is still in your best interest to contact a slip and fall attorney. A lawyer can help determine whether you have a valid case and who can be held liable for your damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Case?

The Florida Statutes limit the amount of time you have to bring a lawsuit against a negligent store owner. You must bring a cause of action within four (4) years, or your claim for compensation may be denied.

What to Do If You Are Injured at a Store

If you are injured at a store, you need to act fast. While four years may seem like an ample amount of time to file a lawsuit, it will take time to investigate the case and gather evidence. By contacting an attorney immediately after your accident, you can ensure that all legal requirements are met and that your case is filed within the statute of limitations.

In addition to retaining an attorney, you should always seek medical attention for any injuries you sustained. Failure to seek treatment can directly affect your right to receive compensation. Keep detailed records of all of your losses, including your medical bills, police report, and wage information. These documents may help to prove your damages down the road.

Hiring a Slip and Fall Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

Were you or a loved one injured at a store in Fort Lauderdale? Contact our office at 800-555-4011 to schedule a free consultation. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Call now to speak with an attorney.