Halloween is a holiday that will be celebrated with children going door-to-door to trick-or-treat. As a parent and/or homeowner, you must take the proper precautions to ensure that your child is safe when doing so. If not, a slip and fall accident may arise. Read on to discover what safety tips you should remember this Halloween and how a seasoned Tampa slip and fall lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you in the event of a slip and fall.
What safety tips should I remember to follow this Halloween?
A homeowner has the responsibility to keep up with the conditions of their property. And if there are any potential hazards present, they must fix them within a reasonable timeframe. If not, a slip and fall accident may occur. This is why it is important that you remember the following safety tips this Halloween:
- Be sure your front yard, walkway, and steps have adequate lighting: this means replacing burned-out bulbs in your exterior lights and/or adding additional exterior lights to inadequately lighted spaces.
- Be sure to indicate if you are not home: this means turning off all exterior and interior lights to dissuade trick-or-treaters from entering your property.
- Be sure your property is clear of any clutter: this means having your Halloween decorations or other items securely placed or otherwise a safe distance away from your walkways and steps.
- Be sure your jack-o-lanterns are a safe distance away: if not, instead of candles, use a battery-powered source or light sticks that will not pose a fire hazard.
- Be sure your pets remain inside your home: this means placing your pets in a kennel so they do not run into traffic or bite a trick-or-treater.
What should I do in the event of a slip and fall this Halloween?
In the event that your child suffers from a slip and fall accident this Halloween, you may be eligible to file a claim. For this, you must collect enough evidence that proves that your child’s accident was directly due to the negligence of a homeowner. Such evidence may include, but may not be limited to, the following:
- The police report conducted by a law enforcement officer at the scene.
- Any photos and videos of your child’s injuries, damages, and hazards that contributed to the accident.
- The contact information of the homeowner.
- The contact information of any witnesses.
- Medical bills and associated expenses.
- Medical documents that note the origin and severity of your child’s injuries.
What is the statute of limitations for a slip and fall injury claim?
In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for a slip and fall injury claim is generally four years from the date of your child’s accident. If you miss this deadline, then you will be permanently barred from suing. This is why you must not hesitate in contacting a competent Hillsborough County personal injury lawyer today.
