How a Building Code Violation Supports Your Florida Slip and Fall Claim
You expect owners of shops, restaurants, office buildings, apartment complexes, and other properties around Ocala to keep the premises safe, so it may come as a surprise to learn that injury-causing accidents are a common occurrence. Many victims are hurt in such incidents every year, often due to the property owner’s failure to comply with the Marion County building code, as well as other state and local regulations. Unfortunately, though officials may levy a fine and other penalties, this punishment does little to cover the losses you sustain as a victim.
However, you should note that you do have other legal remedies after being hurt in a slip and fall incident. An Ocala, FL premises liability attorney can explain your options and tell you how a building code violation works within the process. Some information on the basics may also be helpful.
Common Building Code Violations: Marion County and City of Ocala building regulations are extensive, and there are additional rules imposed by the State of Florida. These provisions cover everything from the design and construction of a new building to renovations and ongoing maintenance. The objective of these regulations is to ensure that members of the public are safe when visiting these properties, heading to work at an office complex, or going home to an apartment building.
Noncompliance with the building code rules can cause serious harm if you are unaware of a dangerous condition that results from a violation. Property owners who skirt the laws may allow hazards to persist, such as:
- Insufficient lighting;
- Structural defects;
- Unstable staircases, balconies, and railings;
- Loose wiring or electrical components; and,
- Many more.
Building Code Violations as Evidence: If you are the victim of a premises liability accident, you have strong evidentiary support by showing that the property owner or other party in control over the premises received a citation for a building code violation. Still, your right to compensation is not automatic. In a slip and fall case, you must prove that noncompliance was the direct cause of the accident in which you were injured. In other words, you need to establish that you would not have been hurt but for the violation.
In addition, you should note that there are two key legal concepts that may affect your rights:
- Regardless of a building code violation, you cannot recover compensation if you were trespassing when injured; and,
- If your own negligence was a factor, your monetary damages will be reduced. Florida’s law on comparative fault applies, so your compensation is decreased proportionately to the amount of fault attributed to your actions.
Speak to an Ocala, FL Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer About Your Options
If you were hurt because of a building code violation or other negligence by a property owner, please contact the Ocala premises liability attorneys at the Musleh Law Firm to learn more about your remedies. You can schedule a no-cost case assessment at our office by calling 352-732-0600 or visiting our website. Once we review your circumstances, we can advise you on your rights.
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