Can I Sue Multiple Defendants for a Slip-and-Fall in Tampa?

If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you might decide to sue the property owner. But what if you can sue other defendants as well? This is a question worth asking, as naming multiple defendants in a lawsuit is generally a positive strategy. Consider speaking with a Tampa slip-and-fall attorney to determine whether this might be possible.

Multiple Defendants Can Share Fault in a Slip-and-Fall Case 

If multiple parties were responsible for your accident, you can name them all in your slip-and-fall claim. When you do this, it becomes necessary to determine the degree to which each defendant contributed to your accident. For example, two defendants might be equally responsible for your fall, and each might have a “fault level” of 50%. Alternatively, one might be much more blameworthy than the other, potentially shouldering 90% of the blame.

Examples of Slip-and-Fall Cases Involving Multiple Defendants 

Slip-and-fall cases often involve third-party companies and contractors that operate on private premises. For example, a delivery company might bring fruit into a grocery store. However, the delivery person might leave a trail of squashed grapes on the floor, thereby creating a slipping hazard. In this situation, a victim who slips on the squashed grapes could potentially sue both the grocery store owner and the delivery company.

Another case might involve a malfunctioning freezer that leaks water onto the floor. If a customer slips on the puddle of water, they might decide to sue both the grocery store owner and the freezer manufacturer. This could become both a premises liability case and a product liability case.

These are just two examples of when a slip-and-fall case could involve multiple defendants, and there are many other possibilities. If you believe that multiple parties were responsible for your slip and fall, you’re probably right. Discuss the details with a lawyer for further guidance.

Is It Really Necessary to Name Multiple Defendants in My Slip-and-Fall Case? 

It is usually necessary to name multiple defendants in your slip-and-fall lawsuit if multiple parties genuinely contributed to your accident. If you name only one defendant (such as the property owner), they might try to avoid liability by claiming that someone else was responsible. A lawyer can help you predict how the property owner might try to shift blame onto someone else and name that defendant in your initial claim.

If you name multiple defendants, you might also receive more compensation. This is because insurance policies have limits. If you name just one defendant, their policy might only be capable of paying out a certain amount of money. If you name multiple defendants, you can pursue compensation from multiple policies and insurers, effectively increasing the policy limits that apply to your case.

Can a Tampa Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Help Me?

A Tampa slip-and-fall lawyer may be able to help you consider your options after an injury. If multiple people may be responsible for your accident, your lawyer can assess their shared liability and gather appropriate evidence. Take the next step by contacting Anderson & Anderson today.

Source: 

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html