Florida’s busy season is officially here! With the arrival of snowbirds, family visitors, and holiday travelers, South Florida’s popular resorts, shopping centers, and businesses are experiencing a significant surge in foot traffic. While the beautiful weather and festive atmosphere are welcoming, this increased activity unfortunately comes with a higher risk of slip and fall accidents due to overlooked maintenance and common hazards.
The Higher Risk of High-Traffic Areas
During peak season, businesses and property owners face the challenge of managing constantly crowded spaces, which can lead to quick-developing dangers. A momentary lapse in attention by a staff member can result in a serious accident for a visitor.
As you navigate crowded spaces—from hotel lobbies and resort walkways to retail stores and restaurants—it is important to remember that property owners and resorts have a legal obligation to keep their grounds safe for all guests. This duty requires them to regularly inspect the premises, promptly fix any hazards, and provide adequate warning of dangers that cannot be immediately fixed.
Common Hazards to Watch For During Busy Season
Slip and fall accidents are often caused by preventable maintenance issues that become amplified during periods of heavy use. Be vigilant and watch for these common dangers:
- Wet Pool Decks and Entryways: Increased use means water is constantly tracked from pool areas, beaches, and the outdoors into indoor spaces, creating dangerously slick floors.
- Wind-Blown Debris or Clutter: High traffic can lead to trash, spilled items, or other temporary clutter that goes unnoticed by overwhelmed cleaning crews.
- Poor or Broken Lighting: Insufficient lighting in parking garages, stairwells, or outdoor walkways makes it difficult to see uneven surfaces or obstacles.
- Exposed Wires or Uneven Pavement: Damaged sidewalks, loose carpeting, exposed cables used for holiday displays, or poorly maintained parking lots are major tripping hazards.
Proving Negligence in a Slip & Fall Case
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, the owner may be held liable under premises liability law. The key to a successful claim is proving that the property owner’s negligence caused your injury. This often involves demonstrating one of the following:
- The property owner knew about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it.
- The property owner should have known about the condition because it existed for an unreasonable amount of time (known as “constructive knowledge”).
- The property owner created the hazard themselves (e.g., leaving a hose across a walkway).
Slip and fall cases are legally complex, and insurance companies aggressively defend against them. They often try to shift blame to the injured party, claiming distraction or carelessness.
Protect Your Rights Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a slip and fall accident at a resort, hotel, or business during Florida’s busy season, do not wait to seek legal guidance. You should be focused on your recovery, not fighting an insurance company. Let the experienced team at Willis Law, P.A. help you understand your rights, gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence, and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call us today for a free case review: 561-599-7300