Liability for Mall Accidents
Visitors to a Florida mall witnessed a gruesome accident over the holiday, when a man plunged 30 feet to his death. NBC news outlets are reporting that a recreational activity inside the mall went terribly wrong, leading to the tragic death of a patron on Christmas Eve. When these types of accidents occur, victims and family members are left with the physical, emotional and financial consequences. An experienced lawyer can assist in determining liability and securing compensation from the responsible party.
Affiliate WESH in Orlando is reporting that a 52-year-old man was visiting the mall, when he took part in a ropes obstacle course. His harness came undone, causing him to plummet to his death. Emergency responders arrived at the mall, giving him CPR and other life saving techniques. They quickly transferred him to the local hospital, but the victim was reportedly announced dead upon arrival. Witnesses to the accident report that a relative was accompanying the gentleman and had just exited the course prior to his starting it. According to reports, she was heard screaming as she watched his body fall to the floor.
The Sky Trail rope course is a recreational activity that consists of numerous zip lines. They are arranged in an obstacle course along the roof of the mall. At its highest point, the course reaches 30 feet high. For safety reasons, participants are locked into a harness as they traverse the course. According to the article, employees assert that the harness was attached, but malfunctioned at some point. Mall officials issued a written statement expressing their condolences for the tragedy. The company that owns the mall, in addition to the owners of the obstacle course are reportedly participating in the official police investigation. Findings will be shared with the state licensing board to determine if and/or when the attraction will reopen.
Florida Shopping Center Insurance
Mall owners are responsible for the safety and security of their shopping malls. They must ensure that visitors are safe from seen and unseen dangers. From foreign substances on the floor to malfunctioning elevators, the parent company is potentially liable and must carry adequate liability insurance to cover injuries that result. When a separate company offers a recreational activity within the mall, like the rope course, that company must also maintain liability insurance separate and apart from that of the shopping center.
Mall accidents require quick and thorough investigation to identify all relevant insurance policies or other possible means of financial compensation. With the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer, a victim or victim’s family may pursue remuneration from the mall owner, the attraction owner or other entities. The maker of the attraction may also prove liable due to design or manufacturing defects. This is included in a legal theory called premises liability.
If you or a loved one was injured while taking part in a shopping center attraction, contact the legal team of Pita Weber Del Prado for knowledgeable and skillful representation. Call the office today at 305-670-2889 for a free consultation.
