When you are walking outdoors, your mind is probably not on the various things that could cause you harm. You may simply be walking to your vehicle in a parking lot, going to work or exercising, and the next thing you know, you could find yourself on the ground, injured. Dealing with a trip-and-fall injury can be overwhelming, and you may be unsure of what you should do next.
You may assume that your accident was your own fault or was the result of your own clumsiness somehow. In reality, another party may be to blame for what happened to you. If you are not sure the factors that caused your injuries or you think legal action may be appropriate, it is in your interests to learn about the options available to you as soon as possible after an accident.
Who or what is to blame?
There could be many factors to blame for what happened to you. In some places, snow and ice can lead to dangerous property conditions, increasing the chance of someone falling and suffering injuries. In Florida, cold weather hazards are not a concern. However, that does not mean that you may not find yourself the victim of other things that are out of your control. Hazards that could potentially cause you harm include:
- Dangerous parking lots – There can be a host of issues that can cause a person harm in a parking lot. Poor lighting, cracks and holes can also increase the chance of a fall. Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe premises.
- Sidewalks – Uneven sidewalks, standing water and various types of tripping hazards can lead to accidents. City or another local government is responsible for maintaining safe property conditions.
- Inadequate lighting – Parking lots, sidewalks and other public places should have adequate lighting in order to keep visitors safe. Inadequate lighting can also increase the chance of crime, which is also a threat to public safety.
If you tripped and fell or something caused you to fall while you were in public, you may not be to blame for what happened to you. An assessment of your case can help you understand what legal options may be available.
A premises liability claim may be an appropriate course of action. Through a civil claim, you may be able to recoup your financial losses and hold liable parties accountable for what happened to you. These cases are time sensitive, and you will find it beneficial to take quick action to move forward with a lawsuit.