Slip and Fall Injury in Petco
It is not often that people slip and fall in a Petco store. Well, it allegedly happened in the summer of 2012 when a patron slipped and fell while shopping in one of the premises of the pet store. This might not have been a big deal for the company until early 2014 when the said woman decided to sue the pet store.
The plaintiff, a Philadelphia woman, initiated the suit on February 11, 2014, naming Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. as the only defendant. According to the victim, she was browsing the aisles when she purportedly stepped into a pool of liquid, which caused her to slip and fall. She further asserted that she sustained serious hip, head, and back injury as a result of the accident.
The plaintiff (and victim in this case) is accusing Petco of negligence. According to her petition, the pet store allowed the dangerous condition to exist on their premises. This is a negligence suit and the victim is asking for an unknown amount as compensation. In the matter, she claims that the accident caused her physical pain and financial loss. Considering that she must have lost some wages and spent a good sum of money to treat the injuries she allegedly sustained, the suit is in order.
While we can’t go into details of how the entire case will play out, it is important to examine the substance of the case. Businesses have a duty to keep customers, workers, guests, and others safe when they are in their premises. If a business allows a dangerous condition to exist in its premises and anyone gets hurt, such business can be held for negligence. This can easily lead to premises liability suits. How does this apply in Florida and how can a Florida personal injury attorney help? We will delve right into that.
Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida
Slip and fall accidents are not too common but they happen in Florida just like everywhere else in the country. If you or someone you love slips and falls and gets hurt on someone else’s property, it is understandable that you will want to get some sort of compensation from the property owner. Whether you are going to take up the case with the insurer of the property owner or take the matter to court through a Florida personal injury lawyer, there are two major laws to keep in mind: the ‘statute of limitation’ for filing a slip and fall accident lawsuit and comparative negligence (shared fault rule). We will explain both laws:
The Slip and Fall Statute of Limitation in Florida
Just like in other states, Florida puts a time limit on your right to have a lawsuit about slip and fall accidents in the state civil court system. In the state, you have an incredible four years period to file your lawsuit against the property owner in a slip and fall matter. With such a generous timeframe, it is unlikely that you will miss the deadline. If you do miss it, your case will surely be dismissed except in rare cases where you can enjoy an exception. (You will definitely need an experienced lawyer to stand a chance of getting the extension). Whether you are filing for personal injury or a property loss as a result of the slip and fall accident, the statute of limitations applies to all.
Comparative Negligence in Florida Slip and Fall Cases
In most cases of slip and fall accidents, property owners try the best to absolve themselves from blame. The Florida law is fair to everyone and will let everyone defend themselves. The property owner will normally argue that the victim bears some amount of blame for the accident. If they succeed, a significant portion of whatever you are awarded for the claim will be taken away. A finding of shared fault will always reduce what you will get even when you settle out of court.
Making Successful Premises Liability Claims
Succeeding in slip and fall accident claims and other premises liabilities cases can be very tough. Slipping cases are quite hard to prove, unfortunately, and businesses are always eager to put up a fight to protect their images. It can be very difficult to get a result and near impossible when you try to go the road alone.
To stand any real chance of winning and getting the right compensation for a pet store slip and fall accident and related premises liability case, you need to retain legal assistance. When you are suing a business in the state of Florida, you will need a tough and experienced Florida personal injury attorney who will go with you every step of the way to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
When you are working with an experienced slip and fall accident attorney, you can make claims for such damages as lost wages, medical bills, as well as pain and suffering. In cases where the behavior of the defendant was especially poor or considered outrageous, you may even be awarded punitive damages to serve as a deterrent to the business/individual and others.
Pet store slip and fall accidents may not be too common but they happen from time to time. If you or your loved one has been affected, it is imperative that you get adequately compensated. Slip and fall accidents and other premises liability matters can be a little too difficult, which is why you need to retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney. An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help you every step of the way till you get everything you deserve.
Choose Us for Your Slip and Fall Injury in Petco
Do you need expert representation in your slip and fall injury case? Contact us today at The Injury Firm - Galsterer & Abramowitz, P.A. to speak with any of our attorneys. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers will be available to speak with you. We will represent you vigorously in your case and ensure that you get substantial compensation. An amazing experience awaits you.
