Slip and fall accidents can happen in an instant but leave lasting physical and financial consequences. Whether you slipped on a wet grocery store floor, tripped over uneven pavement at a shopping center, or fell due to poor lighting in a parking garage, you may be entitled to compensation under Florida premises liability law.

At Boatman Ricci, we help injured clients hold negligent property owners accountable for unsafe conditions. If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, we can evaluate your case and fight to protect your rights.

Understanding Premises Liability in Florida

Under Florida law, property owners and operators have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. This includes:

  • Regularly inspecting the premises
  • Fixing known hazards and
  • Providing adequate warnings of dangerous conditions

This duty varies depending on the injured person’s legal status. Most slip and fall claims involve “business invitees”—people lawfully on the property for business purposes, such as shoppers, tenants, or delivery drivers. Business owners owe these individuals the highest duty of care.

Proving Liability in Slip & Fall Cases

To succeed in a slip and fall claim, you must prove more than just that you fell. You must show:

  • A dangerous condition existed on the property;
  • The property owner was aware of or should have been aware of the condition;
  • The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn you; and
  • That failure directly caused your injury.

Florida Statute § 768.0755 requires proof that the business establishment had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. Constructive knowledge can be established by showing:

  • The hazard existed for a length of time that the business should have discovered it, or
  • The condition occurred regularly and was therefore foreseeable.

Why Evidence Matters

Slip and fall cases often turn on the strength of your evidence. Key steps to take after a fall include:

  • Photographs: Take clear photos of the hazard and surrounding area before it is cleaned or repaired.
  • Incident Reports: If the fall occurs at a business, ask for a formal report and obtain a copy, if possible.
  • Medical Records: Seek treatment immediately, even if injuries seem minor. A gap in care can weaken your case.
  • Witnesses: Get names and contact information for anyone who saw the fall or the condition that caused it.
  • Surveillance Footage: Businesses may have security cameras. Footage is often deleted quickly, so it’s critical to act fast.

Preserving this evidence strengthens your case and increases your chances of recovering damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

How Our Firm Can Help

Slip and fall claims can be complex, especially when businesses deny liability or claim the hazard was “open and obvious.” Our experienced attorneys understand how to:

  • Investigate the cause of the fall; 
  • Secure time-sensitive evidence like video footage and cleaning logs;
  • Communicate with insurance adjusters; and
  • Negotiate a fair settlement or file a lawsuit when necessary.

We handle your case with attention and urgency—allowing you to focus on your recovery while we pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Locations for Slip and Fall Injuries

  • Grocery stores and supermarkets
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Shopping malls and retail outlets
  • Apartment complexes
  • Parking lots and garages
  • Office buildings
  • Hotels and resorts

No matter where your fall occurred, you may have a valid legal claim.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations

In most Florida slip and fall cases, you have two (2) years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to compensation. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.

Slip & Fall FAQ

What if I was partially at fault for the fall?

Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found partially responsible for your own fall, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. However, you must be less than 51% at fault to recover damages.

Can I sue if there was no warning sign?

Yes. While the lack of a warning sign is not automatically negligence, it can be strong evidence that the property owner failed to warn visitors of a known hazard.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Generally, you must file your claim within two (2) years under Florida law. However, certain circumstances—such as government property claims—may involve shorter deadlines or additional requirements.

Talk to a Florida Slip and Fall Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to take legal action. At Boatman Ricci, we’re ready to investigate your case, preserve key evidence, and fight for the compensation you’re owed. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.