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Myths Circulating About Common Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are, unfortunately, common occurrences on both private and public property. While several of these accidents are not really anyone’s fault, some often end up as the result of serious negligence by another party.

However, it is important to weed through some common myths and misconceptions and get to the truth regarding some of the more common slip and fall accidents.

What Exactly Is A Slip And Fall?


Slip and falls are considered premise liability claims and are a type of personal injury case based on a person slipping and falling on the premises and suffering from injuries as a result. They can often be challenging to prove at times because the injured party needs to provide adequate proof showing liability, negligence, responsibility, and fault.

Property owners should have duty of care policies in place to ensure everyone’s safety within the property. If they were negligent in performing their duty of care and it resulted in a slip and fall incident, they may be liable for injuries sustained on their property.

Shiny Floors Equal Slippery Floors


Rarely does a shiny floor ultimately mean that it is going to be slippery. Instead of the sheen, a slip and fall accident would be determined by the care and maintenance of the floor overall as well as the surrounding area.

Buffed Floors Are Slippery


This is also not necessarily true. If you buff the floors, you are actually working to make them more slip-resistant and not the opposite. That’s why floor buffing can help prevent common slip and fall accidents in many cases.

Significant Slip Resistance Is Best


Even the most slip-resistance flooring can still cause a slip and fall incident. Over time, debris and other dirt can accumulate on the floor, and this can ultimately lead to higher costs for care and maintenance. So even the most slip-resistant flooring is still prone to slip and falls when not cleaned and looked after regularly.

If You Are At Fault, You Can't Collect Damages


Some people choose not to file a slip and fall case because they feel as though they were partially responsible for the accident. However, Florida is a pure comparative fault state, which means you can recover damages even if you were 51 percent at fault at the time of the slip and fall accident. The damages you end up receiving will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.

No Damages For A Slip And Fall Accident On Public Property


It is easy to place the fault when slipping and falling at a store. However, what if you were injured on a public sidewalk or at a public park? In most cases, you will find that private entities own these parks and areas. If not, they are owned by the government.

The Only Compensation Given Is For Physical Injuries


This is another myth. In Florida, you can recover damages for lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages. All of these are in addition to the medical expenses you have incurred as a result of the slip and fall accident.

If you are still unsure if you have a case, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you determine your percentage of fault and help you file a claim to recover damages and receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.

A seasoned personal injury attorney can also dispel other common myths and misconceptions that circulate about these very complex cases.