A new Florida law, which took effect July 1st, will make plaintiffs' (victims) slip and fall cases harder to prove. The rule requires the plaintiff to prove that the venue either knew of, or should have know about whatever substance caused the fall and failed to do something about it.
Previously, one only had to prove that a substance that did not belong there caused the fall. The law, House Bill 689, is supposed to even the grounds for businesses and consumers in these cases.
Some attorneys are afraid of the consequences this law will have on the injured. Paul Jess of the Florida Justice Association says that it is tough for clients to figure out how long the foreign substance was on the floor when they are dealing with their actual injuries. Instead of encouraging companies to conduct investigations, this law encourages a lack of action, which makes it tougher for a victim to prove their case.
Slip and Fall accidents can leave you severely injured. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries from a fall, call an experienced St. Petersburg slip and fall lawyer at Beltz & Ruth. Dial 800-931-8106 to talk to an attorney today.