Your Path to Healing from a Slip & Fall Starts Here

It can be embarrassing to fall when you’re at someone’s house or shopping in a store, but it can be downright frustrating when that fall leaves you injured, especially if it’s not your fault. Many times, when people are injured in a slip and fall accident, it is no fault of their own.

Common Slip & Fall Injuries

You might have gone to the grocery store and slipped in a puddle of something on the floor. You could have been in someone’s backyard and fallen on their patio stairs. And while you may not have a case if you trip over your own mess in your house, you might have a claim if you trip over the broken sidewalk on your street. The most common slip and fall injuries include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Contusions and concussions
• Slipped discs
• Spinal cord injury
• Knee injuries
• Neck or back injuries

How Slip & Fall Compensation Works

Effective March 24, 2023, H.B. 837 changed Florida from a pure comparative negligence state to a modified comparative negligence state. Under this new legislation, plaintiffs are still entitled to seek damages even if they are partially at fault, but they cannot recover damages if they are more than 50% at fault for the accident. In other words, you cannot seek compensation if your percentage of fault is greater than the defendant’s.

In a slip-and-fall lawsuit, damages are reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. For example, if you were injured in an accident involving $10,000 in damages and you are 10% at fault, you may only recover $9,000 in damages (90% of the total $50,000). At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we make it our job to prevent insurance companies from putting any fault on you for the slip-and-fall.

To learn more about slip and fall cases, download our free Slip & Fall Guide today!

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Choosing a Slip & Fall Attorney

It is very important you select a slip & fall attorney who knows slip & fall law in the state of Florida as it is very specific, and an attorney who has an investigator quickly at hand. Your attorney needs to know all the potential hiccups, loopholes, and the case law in order to be effective for your case, and they need to be able to hire an investigator to quickly talk to witnesses, survey the area, and preserve the evidence. In this video, Kathy explains more about what to look for when selecting a slip & fall lawyer.

Slip and Fall Accident FAQ

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your ability to pursue compensation. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek medical attention immediately – Even if your injuries seem minor, conditions like concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal damage may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
2. Document the scene – Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall, such as wet floors, broken stairs, uneven pavement, or poor lighting.
3. Collect witness information – If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name, phone number, and a brief statement about what they observed.
4. Report the incident – Notify the property owner, store manager, landlord, or relevant authority, and request a copy of any written report they create.
5. Avoid discussing fault with the property owner or their insurance company – Anything you say could be used to minimize your claim. It's best to consult an attorney first.
6. Preserve evidence – Keep any clothing or shoes worn at the time of the accident, as they may provide important forensic evidence if the insurance company tries to argue fault.
7. Consult an experienced slip and fall attorney – A lawyer can investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for the Fall?

Yes. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000 instead.

Insurance companies frequently try to blame victims by arguing they were distracted, wearing improper footwear, or ignoring warning signs. This is why having a strong legal advocate is critical. A skilled slip and fall lawyer can push back against these tactics and present evidence to minimize your fault and maximize your compensation.

What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Slip and Fall at Someone’s House?

If you were injured in a slip and fall at a friend’s, neighbor’s, or family member’s home, you may be reluctant to take legal action. However, homeowners’ insurance exists for exactly these situations and can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Filing a claim does not mean suing your friend or relative directly—it simply allows you to recover compensation through their insurance policy.

After the accident, seek medical treatment immediately and document the scene by taking photos of the hazard that caused the fall, such as a loose rug, broken step, or slippery surface. Notify the homeowner about the accident and ask if they have homeowners’ insurance that may cover your injuries. However, avoid making statements to their insurance company before speaking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters often try to undermine claims by suggesting the victim was at fault or that the injury wasn’t serious.

If the homeowner’s insurance refuses to cover your medical expenses or undervalues your claim, consult a slip and fall lawyer to explore your legal options. You should not have to bear the financial burden of an injury caused by someone else’s negligence.

What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Slip and Fall on City Property?

Slip and fall accidents on city property—such as sidewalks, parks, government buildings, or public transportation stations—are more complicated than private property cases. Florida’s sovereign immunity laws place strict limitations on lawsuits against government agencies, and you must follow specific procedures and deadlines to file a claim.

First, seek medical treatment and report the accident to the appropriate city agency, such as the Department of Public Works or the Parks and Recreation Department. Document the hazard that caused your fall by taking photos and videos of issues like cracked pavement, missing handrails, inadequate lighting, or uncleared debris.

Unlike private property claims, you must file a formal notice with the city or municipality before you can file a lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years to file a claim, but some local governments have even shorter deadlines. If you fail to meet the deadline or follow the required steps, you may lose your right to compensation.

Because claims against government entities are highly technical, it’s essential to consult an experienced slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can ensure you meet all filing deadlines, prove negligence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Slip and Fall Accident?

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses – Covers hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and prescription medications related to your injury.
• Lost Wages – If your injury prevented you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income as well as future lost earnings if your ability to work is permanently affected.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injury.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement – If the accident caused a long-term disability or scarring, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
• Wrongful Death Damages – If a loved one passed away due to a slip and fall accident, surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the degree of negligence involved. An experienced slip and fall attorney can assess your case and fight for the maximum compensation available under Florida law.

Schedule Your Slip & Fall Case Consultation with Tom or Eric Today

If you are looking for strong, dedicated, and experienced representation for your slip & fall case, please call our Jacksonville attorneys at (904) 295-1050 today to set up a free consultation today.