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Florida’s rainy season is here. Thunderstorms in the afternoon often result in wet sidewalks and floors in the evening, which can lead to an increased risk of injuries from slips and falls. As Fort Myers injury lawyers, we are well aware of the risks during the rainy season—we routinely hear from people who have questions about seeking proper compensation for their injuries.

If you suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident during Florida’s rainy season, are you entitled to compensation? Answering this question requires a clear understanding of why your accident happened and who (or what company) is responsible. With this in mind, there are some important steps you should try to take right away. Below, we discuss what you need to know about determining and protecting your legal rights:

When Can You Seek Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida?

Suffering injuries in a slip and fall accident does not automatically entitle you to compensation. To file a claim, you need proof that your accident could—and should—have been prevented.

Slip and fall accidents are governed by Florida’s premises liability laws. Under these laws, accident victims must be able to prove negligence to recover just compensation. In cases involving rainy weather, negligence can take many forms, including (but by no means limited to):

• Failing to Adequately Maintain Sidewalks and Parking Lots – Sidewalks and parking lots can become slippery when wet, especially if they are not properly maintained. If you slipped and fell on a sidewalk or parking lot at a business, apartment or condo development, you may have a claim for negligence.
• Failing to Address Slippery Interior Walking Surfaces – Tiles, wood flooring, and other interior walking surfaces can also become extremely slippery when people track in water during rainy weather. If a business fails to place non-skid floor mats, dry up rainwater, or at least place warning signs in slippery areas, this can also give rise to a claim for negligence.
• Inadequate Maintenance of Public Spaces – From public parks to marinas, public spaces also require adequate maintenance—both before and during rainy weather—to mitigate the risk of injuries from slip and fall accidents. If you slipped and fell in any public space during Florida’s rainy season, you are encouraged to speak to one of our Fort Myers injury lawyers about your legal rights.

Again, these are just examples. If you slipped and fell under any circumstances during Florida’s rainy season and have reason to believe that your fall was not your fault (or was not entirely your fault), you owe it to yourself to find out if you have a claim. If you do, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation—including compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida?

If you have a claim for a slip and fall accident during Florida’s rainy season, there are important steps you should take to protect your legal rights. For example, all of the following steps are important to take as soon as possible:

1. Report Your Slip and Fall Accident

When you get injured in a slip and fall accident during Florida’s rainy season, it is best to report your accident right away. Many businesses have incident reporting forms, and if you receive one of these forms, you should fill it out as accurately and thoroughly as possible. You should also be sure to keep a copy (or take a photo) for your records.

If you did not report your slip and fall accident right away and are now at home (or in the hospital) recovering, our Fort Myers injury lawyers can report your accident for you. As we discuss below, once you hire a lawyer to represent you, there are also several other important steps that he or she will take to protect your legal rights.

2. Preserve as Much Evidence as Possible

Evidence is the key to proving negligence after a slip and fall accident. With this in mind, you should try to preserve as much evidence as possible. For example, our injury attorneys may be able to use all of the following to help prove your right to compensation:

• Photos or videos you took with your phone
• Your stained clothing or damaged personal items
• Contact information, photos, or videos you received from any eyewitnesses
• Your copy of the incident report (if you filed one)

3. Write Down as Many Details as You Can Remember

In addition to preserving any evidence you have in your possession, you should also write down as many details as you can remember. Where exactly did you fall? How long had it been raining? Was anyone else having trouble staying on their feet? How did the property owner respond to your accident (if at all)? The more details you can provide to our injury lawyers, the better.

4. Get Treatment for Your Injuries (and Follow Your Doctor’s Advice)

Getting treatment promptly after a slip and fall accident is extremely important. Not only will this help to minimize the risk of long-term complications, but it will also help with proving that your injuries resulted from the accident. Once you see a doctor, you should continue to follow your doctor’s advice throughout the recovery process (or seek a second opinion, if necessary).

5. Talk to an Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible

If you have a slip and fall accident claim from Florida’s rainy season, you will need an experienced injury lawyer on your side. From investigating and gathering evidence of negligence to negotiating for a favorable settlement on your behalf, there are many ways an experienced injury lawyer will be able to help you. Hiring an injury lawyer costs nothing out-of-pocket, and it is essential for maximizing your chances of recovering the financial compensation you deserve. 

Discuss Your Slip and Fall Accident with Our Fort Myers Injury Lawyers for Free

Were you injured in a slip and fall accident during Florida’s rainy season? If so, we encourage you to contact Fort Myers injury lawyer Randall L. Spivey promptly for more information. Call Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. at 239-337-7483 or statewide at 888-477-4839 or request a free consultation online at SpiveyLaw.com to speak with one of our attorneys today.