Homestead Plaza Accident Lawyer
If you've been gravely injured while shopping or dining at Homestead Plaza, it's essential to understand your legal rights – especially when the accident was not your fault. Property owners may sometimes be held responsible for accidents if they are negligent in providing a safe environment for invited guests. People hurt at Homestead Plaza, or any other shopping center may be entitled to compensation for the damage suffered, such as medical bills and lost wages.
If you've experienced a serious injury, it's a good idea to speak with a Homestead Plaza accident lawyer as soon as possible. Don't hesitate to seek professional help and take the necessary steps to protect your rights. You can call the Homestead personal injury lawyers at Wolfson & Leon with any questions at 305-285-1115.
Common Causes of Homestead Plaza Shopping Center AccidentsHomestead Plaza is located at 208 Campbell Drive in Homestead, FL 33030. This popular strip mall offers a diverse mix of 20 retail stores and restaurants, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences. Notable tenants include Presidente Supermarket, Bealls Outlet, Boost Mobile, Rent-A-Center, Checkers, and other businesses such as Dollar Tree, Metro by T-Mobile, and Firestone. Whether you're looking for groceries, clothing, mobile services, or a quick bite, Homestead Plaza provides a convenient and accessible shopping destination in the heart of Homestead.
With the wide range of stores and the large volume of customers visiting these businesses, it's clear how accidents can occur. Here are some of the most common causes of accidents at shopping centers like Homestead Plaza.
Slippery Walking Surfaces: One of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents in shopping centers is wet floors. Whether it’s a spilled drink in a supermarket, rainwater tracked in through the entrances of restaurants, or mopping that occurs without proper warning signs, wet floors create hazardous conditions.
Shoppers could slip if they step on mats or rugs without the appropriate non-slip materials. Other slipping hazards include polished tile floors that become slippery when wet or excessive wax is used.
Uneven Surfaces: Uneven or broken walking surfaces can cause customer accidents in shopping centers. Cracks in sidewalks, bunched-up carpeting, and loose floor tiles can cause someone to trip and fall. These surface issues can be particularly dangerous for individuals carrying items, pushing strollers, or walking with a cane. A trip-and-fall accident can result in serious injuries, including fractures and head trauma.
Insufficient Lighting: Poor lighting is another serious hazard, often overlooked until an accident occurs. Insufficient lighting makes it difficult for customers to see uneven surfaces, obstacles, or potential hazards, increasing the likelihood of trips and falls.
In low-light conditions, spotting uneven surfaces or obstacles is difficult, leading to falls, especially among the elderly. This is particularly concerning for those with mobility impairments.
Parking Lots: Parking lots are common places for accidents in shopping centers, especially in busy locations like Homestead Plaza. Dangers in these areas include poorly lit spaces, overgrown foliage, and uneven or cracked pavement.
Customers could also slip and fall on the paint used to mark parking spaces, crosswalks, and loading zones if it doesn’t contain the proper non-slip adhesive materials. Customers could also trip on speed bumps, ramps, or other changes in elevation if they aren't clearly marked.
Lack of Security: Businesses should ensure that parking lots are well-lit, regularly maintained, and free of obstructions. Additionally, adequate security measures should be in place to deter criminal activity and keep pedestrians and drivers safe.
Common injuries resulting from shopping mall accidents include sprains, fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries. In more severe cases, falls can even lead to long-term disabilities.
What is Premises Liability in a Homestead Plaza Accident?Under Florida's premises liability laws, property owners and operators are responsible for ensuring their properties are reasonably safe for visitors. This includes maintaining the premises, addressing potential hazards, and warning customers of possible dangers.
Even if you've been gravely hurt, you must demonstrate that the property's owner or operator was negligent in order to hold the business accountable for an accident. This includes demonstrating that:
- The business had a duty to maintain safe conditions.
- They failed to address a hazard or provide adequate warnings.
- The hazard directly caused the accident, and the injuries sustained.
The injured party may sometimes share partial blame for the accident. Under Florida's comparative negligence rule, a person's compensation may be reduced if they are partially responsible for their own injury.
Why Professional Legal Representation is CriticalProving a property owner or operator was negligent can be challenging under Florida’s premises liability laws. Businesses and insurance companies may deny responsibility or argue that the victim was careless. Additionally, multiple parties could share blame for an accident.
When you seek help from a Homestead shopping center accident lawyer, they can assist you by gathering evidence, calculating damages, and negotiating with insurance companies. Seeking legal help can be crucial if you need to recover compensation for medical expenses or lost wages.
In addition, time is of the essence when you've been badly hurt in a Homestead shopping center accident. Under Florida law, you may have only two years from the date of the accident to take legal action, depending on the circumstances. Prompt action is essential to preserve your legal rights.
Why Call a Homestead Plaza Accident Law Firm?Accidents at shopping centers like Homestead Plaza are more frequent than many realize. Hazardous conditions like wet floors, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, and unsafe parking lots can easily lead to injuries.
If you've been badly injured while shopping in Homestead, seeking legal help to protect your rights is essential. At Wolfson & Leon, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Don't hesitate to reach out if you've suffered a significant injury in a shopping center accident. Our Homestead Plaza accident lawyers are available to answer questions about compensation or assess your case. Contact Wolfson & Leon today at 305-285-1115 for a free today.
Wolfson & Leon represents clients throughout Miami-Dade County, including such neighborhoods as Homestead, Sweetwater, Grand Lakes, Goulds, Tamiami, Palmetto Bay, West Perrine, South Miami, Cutler Ridge, The Hammocks, Cutler Bay, Florida City, Princeton, and Naranja.