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One of the most horrifying experiences for a business owner is to have a case filed against them due to a slip and fall accident. This can not only damage the reputation of the business but it can also lead to several financial obligations that could cause damage to the business’ growth. Florida is one of many states to put in place regulations that will make it harder for individuals to file and win cases where there is no proof.
Disagreement with the New Law
This has created a problem for victims of slip and fall accidents because they must now gather evidence to prove their side of the story whereas before the victim only needed to prove that there was a substance there that was not meant to be there. Paul Jess, who is on the general counsel of the FRF, Florida Retail Federation, stands in defense for the victims commenting that when an accident occurs, the victim’s only interest is seeking medical attention, making the pain stop, and getting back to full functioning status. With this new law, the victim must also snap pictures, collect evidence, and prove why the substance was there at the proceedings.
Why the New Law?
There have been several cases in the central Florida area where slip and fall accidents could have been prevented. Such cases have involved negligence on the establishment’s part. In May of 2014, an invitee to a local Country Club slipped on a substance on the dance floor. This substance was later cleaned up by employees. However, the victim claimed that it smelt like alcohol. This particular establishment has a rule about beverages on the dance floor. Guests and workers both admitted to the rule not being enforced. Cases like this caused Florida to rethink their policies regarding slip and fall incidents.
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents
Other cases that involved slip and fall victims have been thrown out of the courtroom due to the lack of evidence. Generally in cases like this, witnesses play a major role in accounting whether or not the business is at fault. The most common way for a business to be at fault is when they lack preventative measures. These can include the use of signs when floors are wet or including a safety plan in the event there are spills. Many facilities have installed floor mats throughout their businesses, at the entrance, in the kitchen, bathrooms, and possibly the hallways. These implementations have proven to help prevent the chance of a customer slipping and falling.