Falls at stores, hotels, restaurants, apartments, parking areas and other properties can raise difficult questions about what the owner knew, what evidence exists, and what should happen next.
Start with the basics. Our team can follow up for the rest. No obligation.
The property type can affect what evidence exists, who may be responsible, and what records should be preserved.
Slip, trip and fall matters can involve a wide range of unsafe conditions. The important question is not just what caused the fall, but what evidence can show how long the condition existed and whether the responsible party knew or should have known about it.
Spills, leaks, recently cleaned floors, tracked-in water and other slippery surfaces.
Broken pavement, cracked flooring, uneven transitions, potholes and walkway defects.
Unsafe stairs, missing or loose handrails, broken steps and visibility problems.
Poor lighting, merchandise, cords, debris or other obstacles in expected walking paths.
Premises liability is not limited to grocery-store spills. A case may involve a business, landlord, property manager, maintenance company or another party responsible for the condition of the property.
For a slip and fall involving a transitory foreign substance in a business establishment, Florida law requires proof that the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition and should have acted to remedy it.
Read Florida Statute § 768.0755 →The available evidence varies from case to case. Preserving information early can be important because surveillance footage, store records, photographs and witness recollections may not remain available forever.
If you safely can, photograph the exact condition, surrounding area and anything relevant to the fall.
Ask the property or business to document the incident and keep a copy or reference number if available.
If you are hurt, seek medical attention appropriate for your symptoms and circumstances.
Keep photos, receipts, witness details, medical paperwork and communications related to the incident.
Cano Law Firm represents people navigating serious legal problems across Florida. In a premises-liability matter, our team can review the available facts, identify missing evidence, communicate with the client about next steps and evaluate whether the circumstances warrant further legal action.
No. Liability depends on the specific facts, including the condition involved, what the responsible party knew or should have known, causation, damages and the available evidence.
The presence or absence of a warning sign can be relevant, but it is only one fact. The full circumstances surrounding the condition and the incident should be reviewed.
A lack of photographs does not automatically determine the outcome. Other information may exist, including surveillance video, witness testimony, incident reports or business records.
Florida Statute § 95.11 currently provides a two-year limitations period for an action founded on negligence. Different facts or claims can affect deadlines, so a specific matter should be evaluated promptly.
Expect questions about where and when the incident occurred, what caused the fall, whether it was reported, available photos or witnesses, medical treatment and any communications with the property owner or insurer.
You do not need to know every legal detail before contacting us. Start with the basics and our team can follow up for additional information.