Who Is Responsible for Sidewalks in Front of Stores in Florida?

Florida is the perfect state for taking leisurely walks on bright sunny days, and Tampa has much to offer. But, when that leisurely walk turns into a nightmare because of a fall on a damaged sidewalk, who is at fault? Are the sidewalks in front of Florida stores the responsibility of the store, the city, or the state?

Sidewalk Maintenance

Unfortunately, it is not always clear who has responsibility for maintaining sidewalks in front of stores. In some communities, the store owner is responsible for maintenance. In other communities, it may be the local government. In many situations, the matter needs to be sorted out with the help of a lawyer with expertise in this area of law.

Documenting Unsafe Conditions in Front of Stores

One of the most important things to remember if you are injured because of an unsafe sidewalk, is to document the incident. Take pictures of the unsafe conditions. If you are unable to do this yourself, ask someone to do it for you.

Sidewalk defects can include missing slabs, uneven surfaces, improper sidewalk repairs, retention of water due to improper slope, and broken or cracked slabs. Any of these can cause a person to slip, trip, or fall.

Seek Medical Care for Injuries

A defective sidewalk can cause a variety of serious injuries. Torn ligaments, broken bones, and concussions or head injuries can happen when a person falls because of a sidewalk problem. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may have an injury that is not symptomatic at first. Your doctor can determine the severity of any injuries you may have.

You also want to keep documentation of your medical treatment and expenses. If it happens that you may have a personal injury case against either the store or the local government, you will need all your documentation to build a solid case.

Premises Liability

As with most lawsuits, there is a time limitation on when you can file a lawsuit for a premises liability case. When you contact a lawyer, he or she will help determine who is responsible for the condition of the sidewalk and is liable for your injuries. Once premises liability has been determined, your lawyer will advise you on the best course of action.

The attorneys at Tison Law Group have worked extensively in many areas of law. We have expertise in personal injury and would be happy to help you with your case. Check out our website and contact us for a complimentary initial consultation. Our office is located in Tampa, FL, and we are here to help you in your time of need.