Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, even in sunny Florida. There are many conditions that may be present on someone else’s property that can cause a visitor to the property to slip and fall. When an accident happens, the injured victim may be entitled to pursue a slip and fall claim against the property owner, where the owner either caused or negligently failed to clean up the hazard. 

Here are some of the most common conditions that cause slip and fall accidents in Florida:

Indoor Slip and Fall Hazards

Slip and fall accidents in Florida are arguably more likely to occur indoors. Examples of indoor slip and fall hazards include:

• Wet floors, including recently mopped or waxed floors, floors that have spills of food or liquids, water leaks, or tracked-in rainwater or pool water
• Torn or loose carpeting or rugs, including frayed or bulging carpeting that can catch someone’s foot and cause them to trip and fall
• Broken staircases, including staircases with trash or debris, crumbling steps, or broken or missing handrails
• Lack of anti-skid/slip mats and materials, particularly on stairs or at entrances where people are most likely to slip and
• Lack of adequate lighting, which can make it harder for visitors to notice and avoid potential slipping or tripping hazards

Outdoor Slip and Fall Hazards

Of course, Florida has its share of outdoor slip and fall hazards, including:

• Broken and uneven pavement and walkways
• Slippery walkways due to the presence of moss, mildew, or decaying leaves, or other plant matter
• Potholes
• Ditches, divots, or uneven ground

Pursuing a Slip and Fall Claim

To pursue a slip and fall claim against a property owner, you will need to show that your fall occurred due to the negligence of the property owner. This typically requires proving that you slipped or tripped on a hazard that was caused or created by the property owner. If the hazard that you slipped or tripped on was caused by a third party – for example, a customer spilling product in the supermarket – you must show that the property owner negligently failed to clean up or fix the hazard. This requires proving that the property owner either knew of the existence of the hazard and failed to correct it despite having sufficient opportunity, or the property owner should have discovered and corrected the hazard but failed to do so due to a lack of reasonable diligence. 

In a slip and fall claim, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses and expenses, including for:

• Medical expenses, such as emergency care, surgery, doctor’s appointments, pain medication, mobility equipment (such as crutches or wheelchairs), or physical therapy
• Long-term care expenses if you end up suffering permanent disabilities because of your slip and fall injuries
• Loss of income after missing time from work due to your injuries
• Loss of future earnings and employment benefit when disabilities affect your ability to return to your job
• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of enjoyment and quality of life because of disabilities or visible scarring/disfigurement from your injuries

Contact a Lake Worth Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Slip and Fall Accident Case in Florida

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a slip and fall accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. represent clients injured because of slip and fall accidents in Miramar, Coral Springs, Davie, Boca Raton, and throughout Florida. Call (561) 533-0345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 813 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as offices in Pompano Beach.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.