Almost ninety years ago, the Florida Supreme Court adopted what is known as the "Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine". This legal concept is still in effect today, and has significant consequences for a vehicle owner who may allow his or her vehicle to be driven by someone else.

Briefly stated, this law imposes liability upon the owner of a vehicle who, either by express or implied consent, authorizes another person to operate the vehicle. Therefore, if a friend asks to borrow your car and that friend causes an accident, you are generally liable for the injuries and property damage caused by the friend's negligent operation of your vehicle. This concept also applies in parent / child situations where the parent owns a vehicle driven by his or her child.

 

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  We frequently receive inquiries from people who have suffered a fall on property owned by another. Many times, these falls occur on commercial premises such as shopping centers, parking lots, restaurants and other public facilities. Other calls are received from persons injured at a private home or some other private facility. Regardless of where the slip and fall took place, each person has one underlying question: do I have a valid case under Florida law?