Law Offices of Robert Dixon Home
Gas Station and Convenience Store Liability
Slip and Fall Lawyers Serving Residents of Miami
Visits to gas stations and convenience stores are weekly occurrences for many residents of South Florida. Whether we are stopping to fill a tank or grab a needed item, we expect these places to be free from hazards. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and slip or trip and falls are widespread in these locations. The Miami premises liability attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are experienced in representing people throughout South Florida who have been injured due to a negligent property owner’s failure to protect the safety of its guests.
Holding a Gas Station or Convenience Store Liable for DamagesNationwide, there are over 160,000 gas stations, of which 92 percent also operate convenience stores. Inevitably, with so many of these locations, accidents are bound to happen. Situations in which injuries may occur include:
- Gasoline burns, if a pump handle or hose has a leak;
- Collisions between vehicles, when the pumps are inadequately placed or barriers missing to allow multiple cars to enter and exit; or
- Slip or trip and falls that occur if gasoline or oil is not properly cleaned up, uneven pavement is present, or interior areas including bathrooms and storefronts are not adequately maintained.
State and federal regulations provide operating standards for gas stations and convenience stores. However, when a customer is injured, he or she must still provide evidence that the owner or operator of the location was at fault.
Gas stations and convenience stores must take care to maintain safe environments for their customers. If an accident occurs due to a property owner’s failure to adequately fix dangerous conditions or warn its customers of these hazards, it usually can be held liable in a premises liability action. Business owners owe customers, as invitees, the highest degree of care among any visitors to property. This means that owners must conduct regular inspections of their premises, fix any issues that can be resolved, and warn their customers of potential dangers.
To prevail in a premises liability claim, an injured customer must show that he or she was harmed by a dangerous condition of which the property owner knew or reasonably should have known. For instance, if a customer is burned because a pump’s hose has leaked, and it is shown that a reasonable gas station owner would have taken adequate measures to fix that issue, he or she likely could recover damages. Forms of compensation may include past and future medical costs, loss of income and earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Since these claims often involve suing many different parties, gathering detailed evidence, and enlisting expert witnesses, it is important to consult a knowledgeable attorney who can ensure that the proper steps are taken following an accident.
Contact a Miami Attorney after a Slip and FallPeople who have been hurt during a visit to a gas station or convenience store can consult the Miami slip and falls at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon. We can assist you in pursuing proper compensation. Our firm wants to ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable, and we can fight for your legal rights as you focus on recovery. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We also represent injured individuals in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
