Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall in Florida?
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall in Florida?
A slip and fall can happen in an instant — a wet floor, uneven pavement, or poor lighting can turn an ordinary day into a painful and costly experience. These accidents often cause serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and back injuries that can take months or even years to heal.
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall in Florida, one of the most important questions to answer is: who is responsible?
At Blaise Law Office, P.A., Attorney McKinley Augustin helps injury victims in Pompano Beach and throughout South Florida identify the liable parties and pursue fair compensation for their injuries. With a clear understanding of Florida’s premises liability laws, our team works to ensure negligent property owners are held accountable.
📞 Call 954-388-5300 to schedule a consultation with a slip and fall attorney in Pompano Beach, Florida today.
What Is Premises Liability?
Slip and fall cases fall under an area of law called premises liability, which governs the legal responsibilities of property owners and managers.
In Florida, property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for anyone lawfully on their property. If they fail to correct dangerous conditions — or fail to warn people about them — they can be held financially responsible for resulting injuries.
This responsibility applies to:
- Homeowners and landlords
- Store owners and shopping centers
- Restaurants and bars
- Hotels, resorts, and apartment complexes
- Public buildings and offices
Essentially, anyone who owns or controls a property in Florida must take reasonable steps to prevent accidents.
When Is a Property Owner Liable?
A property owner or manager may be liable for your injuries if:
- They created a dangerous condition (for example, spilling liquid or leaving obstacles in a walkway).
- They knew about a hazard and failed to fix it within a reasonable time.
- They should have known about the condition through regular inspections and maintenance.
Examples include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks
- Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
- Loose rugs, cords, or broken tiles
- Failure to clear debris or hazards after storms
To prove liability, your attorney must demonstrate that the property owner was negligent — and that their negligence directly caused your injuries.
What If the Accident Happened on a Commercial Property?
Slip and fall accidents are especially common in businesses like grocery stores, restaurants, or hotels. In these cases, both the property owner and the business operator could share liability.
For example:
- A grocery store may be liable if employees ignored a spill.
- A hotel could be responsible for failing to repair loose railings or torn carpeting.
- A restaurant might face liability for wet floors without proper warning signs.
Attorney McKinley Augustin investigates every detail — from maintenance records to security footage — to identify who is responsible and hold them accountable.
Can You Be Partly at Fault in a Slip and Fall?
Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially responsible for your accident.
For instance, if you were distracted on your phone when you slipped, the court might assign a percentage of fault to you. However, you may still recover damages based on the other party’s share of responsibility.
Even if you believe you share some blame, it’s important to speak with an attorney before making assumptions. A skilled lawyer can evaluate the facts and advocate for the fairest outcome possible.
Proving Liability in a Slip and Fall Case
To successfully prove liability, your attorney will work to gather evidence such as:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Maintenance or inspection records
- Medical documentation of your injuries
- Expert testimony on safety standards or negligence
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of preserving this critical evidence and strengthening your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If a property owner or business is found liable for your slip and fall injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
At Blaise Law Office, we carefully evaluate both your immediate and long-term needs to ensure you’re seeking the full compensation you deserve.
How an Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help
Slip and fall cases can be complex, especially when businesses or insurance companies try to shift blame. Having an experienced attorney on your side makes all the difference.
Attorney McKinley Augustin provides:
- A detailed investigation of your case
- Skilled negotiation with insurance companies
- Clear communication about your rights and options
- The readiness to take your case to trial, if necessary
Our firm believes in talking to you, not above you — explaining every step in plain language and helping you make informed decisions about your case.
Get Help After a Slip and Fall in Pompano Beach
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Blaise Law Office, P.A. stands ready to protect your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.
