Legal Question in Personal Injury in Florida
slip & fall
I have a question regarding slip & fall. On Sunday afternoon, leaving a grocery store (located in a shopping center), I slipped and fell. It was directly in front of their store on the cart ramp. Since it had just rained, the concrete was extremely slippery. There were no signs to warn that the concrete gets slipperier than ice when wet and even though I was walking pretty slow, I fell. And in fact, most of the cart/wheel chair ramps Ive ever seen either have ridges or grip layer to prevent people from slipping. At the time I did not think my fall was as bad as it was since I only thought I had scraped my foot. It wasnt until the next day that I saw my injuries were much worse and went to go see a doctor. Now my question is, after what time period is it too late to take legal action on this? Is there even anything I can do. I suffered a severly bruised and swolen shin, my toes are badly bruised and scraped open, and seem to have twisted my knee. I would appreciate if someone could help me out with this.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: slip & fall
Your ability to sue for your injuries and be appropriately compensated is limited by what is called the statute of limitations. If this happened on Sunday, your period of limitations has yet to run as it is usually more than a year, that is, assuming you have a cause of action to begin with.
Re: slip & fall
You should see a lawyer. Generally, you have 4 years after your fall to pursue your case. Get leagal advise, though, about the specific facts of your case. Seldom is there a benefit in delay.
Re: slip & fall
NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.
You are well within a reasonable period of time in which to take action. Unfortunately, while you believe you have a good case, there may only be some minimal worth to this incident, if any. The injuries you described are far from serious. A "severly bruised and swolen shin, toes badly bruised and scraped open, and seem to have twisted my knee" are basically scrapes and nothing you have described approached a permanent injury. The supermarket might offer you a token amount to cover your doctor bill and perhaps a few more dollars but that is about it, if that much as a result of your fall. Obviously you knew that had rained and that the ground would be wet. You have a personal obligation to be careful and would have to show some negligence of the grocery store or the shopping center's owner in order for them to have any liability or responsibility.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.
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