Who Should Be Held Responsible for Dangerous Sidewalk Conditions in Florida?

Though it is assumed that most accidents occur on the road, they can also occur on foot and due to hazards on another’s property. That is, if you sustained injuries and damages due to dangerous sidewalk conditions, read on to learn how a seasoned Broward County slip and fall lawyer at The Finizio Law Group can assist you in approaching a premises liability claim.

Who is the responsible party for dangerous sidewalk conditions?

The property owner is the responsible party for dangerous sidewalk conditions, not the government or municipality. This is because, by Florida law, a property owner must ensure that they upkeep their premises and make them free of any safety hazards. Examples of dangerous sidewalk conditions that are considered safety hazards read as follows:

• Weather-related hazards, such as snow and/or ice, were left uncleared.
• Spills or liquids were left uncleared.
• Debris was left uncleared.
• Exposed tree roots and/or tree roots that raised pavement.
• Potholes or uneven pavement.

What approach should I take after encountering dangerous sidewalk conditions?

If you require financial compensation for the injuries and damages your sustained in a sidewalk accident, you should file a premises liability claim. To satisfy the burden of proof for this claim, you must collect enough evidence that proves the following:

• The property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the dangerous sidewalk conditions.
• The property owner neglected to fix the dangerous sidewalk conditions.
• These dangerous sidewalk conditions led you to sustain injuries, economic damages, and non-economic damages.

And to collect the appropriate evidence, you must do the following:

1. Call 911: the police will call for medical attention and conduct an accident report. You should collect this report later on.
2. Capture the scene: take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and hazards that contributed to your accident.
3. Collect witness contact information: you should ask if they have any photos and videos, and also ask them to provide witness testimony later on.
4. Seek medical treatment: do so at the scene and afterward. You should collect all medical documentation and bills later on.
5. Contact our firm: reach out to a competent Broward County personal injury attorney. We will collect any other necessary evidence, such as surveillance footage.

What is the statute of limitations in the state of Florida?

An important deadline to note is Florida’s statute of limitations for premises liability claims. This is typically four years from the date of your accident. However, our firm recommends that you bring your claim to us as soon as possible, for the longer you wait, the more difficult it will become to prove your claim.

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