New Florida Slip and Fall Bill Changes Burden of Injury Victim
The laws governing slip and fall cases in Florida will soon be changing. The new law which was pushed through Florida's Legislature with the support of both the business and insurance lobbies will make it more difficult to pursue claims for injuries as a result of slip and fall accidents in the state of Florida.
Historically, Florida courts required that the victim/plaintiff in slip and fall accidents prove the owner of the business knew about a hazard and did not do anything to correct the problem. But then in 2001the Supreme Court of Florida in the Owens v. Publix case, held that the presence of a liquid or unsafe substance on a floor showed that the owner of the establishment did not keep the premises safe for customers.
The new slip and fall law in Florida will in effect overturn the Owens v. Publix case and put the burden on slip and fall victims to show that the defendant knew or should have known of the unsafe material on the floor and should have corrected the problem. The bill gives two ways to prove knowledge: the length of time the substance was present or a regular re-occurrence of the condition.
In light of Florida's new slip and fall laws victims of slip and fall accidents in Florida should consult with a Florida attorney experienced in this area of the law. An experienced slip and fall attorney will help the injury victim overcome this more difficult burden. The attorneys at Payer Law Group have over 20 years experience representing victims of slip and fall accidents. Call 877-854-4442 today for your free consultation.
