Helping Victims of Dangerous Property Conditions

Slips, trips, and falls may sound minor — but they are among the leading causes of serious injuries in Florida. A fall can result in broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and long-term disability. If your accident happened because a property owner failed to maintain safe conditions, you may have the right to compensation under Florida law.

At the Law Offices of Adam G. Hill, we represent victims of slip and fall and trip and fall accidents across Florida, holding negligent property owners accountable.

Florida Premises Liability Law

Slip and fall claims are a type of premises liability case. Under Florida law, property owners and businesses have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of known dangers.

Key statute: Florida Statutes §768.0755 (Premises liability for transitory foreign substances in a business establishment) requires that an injured person prove the business had:

• Actual knowledge of the dangerous condition, or 
• Constructive knowledge, meaning the condition existed for such a length of time that it should have been discovered, or it occurred regularly and was therefore foreseeable. 

Common Causes of Slip and Fall / Trip and Fall Accidents

• Wet or slippery floors (spills, recently mopped areas, leaks) 
• Uneven sidewalks or walkways 
• Torn or loose carpeting 
• Broken or missing handrails 
• Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots 
• Clutter or debris in walkways 
• Potholes or cracked pavement 

What To Do After a Slip or Trip and Fall in Florida

1. Report the incident immediately to the property owner, manager, or staff. 
2. Request a copy of the incident report (if prepared). 
3. Take photos and video of the hazardous condition before it is cleaned up or repaired. 
4. Get names and contact info of witnesses. 
5. Seek medical attention right away — even minor pain may be a sign of a serious injury. 
6. Do not sign anything from the property owner or their insurance company without legal advice. 
7. Contact an experienced attorney to protect your rights. 

Compensation Available in a Slip and Fall Case

If you are injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future) 
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity 
• Pain and suffering 
• Rehabilitation costs 
• Wrongful death damages if a fall results in fatal injuries (§768.21, Fla. Stat.) 

Statute of Limitations in Florida Slip and Fall Cases

• Personal injury claims: 2 years from the date of the accident (§95.11(4), Fla. Stat.). 
• Wrongful death claims: 2 years from the date of death (§95.11(4)(d), Fla. Stat.). 

It is critical to act quickly, as evidence (like surveillance video or witness testimony) can be lost over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip & Fall Claims in Florida

How do I prove the property owner was at fault?

Under §768.0755, Fla. Stat., you must show the business or property owner had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. This often requires evidence such as witness testimony, surveillance video, or proof the hazard existed for a long time.

What if I was distracted when I fell?

Florida uses modified comparative negligence (§768.81, Fla. Stat.). If you are partially at fault (for example, if you were looking at your phone), your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover compensation.

Can I sue a store if I slipped on a spill?

Yes, but you must prove the store knew or should have known about the spill and failed to clean it up in a reasonable time. Quick, unforeseeable spills may not always create liability unless the store had poor inspection or cleaning procedures.

What if I fell at a friend’s house?

Homeowners can be held liable if unsafe conditions caused your fall. Usually, their homeowners’ insurance policy provides coverage for these types of claims.

How long does a slip and fall case take?

Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more if litigation is necessary. The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, the strength of evidence, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate.

What if I was injured on government property?

Claims against government entities have special rules under §768.28, Fla. Stat.:

• You must provide written notice within 3 years (2 years for wrongful death). 
• The agency and the Department of Financial Services must be given 180 days to investigate. 
• Damages are capped at $200,000 per person, $300,000 per incident unless the legislature approves more. 

Why Choose Our Firm?

Slip and fall and trip and fall cases are often hard-fought — property owners and insurers may argue that you were careless or that the hazard was obvious. At the Law Offices of Adam G. Hill, we:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly 
• Preserve and obtain key evidence (incident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements) 
• Work with medical experts to prove the extent of your injuries 
• Negotiate aggressively with insurers 
• Take your case to court if necessary to maximize recovery 

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in Florida, you don’t have to face the property owner or their insurance company alone. Our experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation, or send a message through our Contact page and we’ll get in touch with you promptly.

Serving clients throughout Florida in slip and fall, trip and fall, premises liability, personal injury, and wrongful death claims.