Injured in a Slip & Fall?

What is a Slip and Fall Accident (Personal Injury)?

A slip and fall accident occurs when a person is injured after slipping, tripping, or falling because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. These cases are a common type of premises liability claim and may arise when a property owner or occupier fails to maintain reasonably safe conditions or warn visitors about known hazards.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents

Slip and fall accidents often result from hazardous property conditions, including:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Spilled liquids
• Uneven sidewalks or walkways
• Broken stairs or handrails
• Torn carpeting or loose flooring
• Poor lighting
• Ice, snow, or standing water (where applicable)
• Potholes in parking lots
• Cluttered walkways
• Loose mats or rugs
• Exposed electrical cords
• Failure to clean or inspect the premises

Common locations

Slip and fall accidents frequently occur at:

• Grocery stores
• Retail stores
• Shopping centers
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Apartment complexes
• Office buildings
• Parking lots and garages
• Sidewalks
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Private residences

Common injuries

Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Concussions
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Hip fractures
• Broken wrists, arms, and legs
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Permanent disability

Who may be liable?

Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:

• Property owners
• Business owners
• Commercial tenants
• Property management companies
• Homeowners
• Landlords
• Maintenance companies
• Government entities responsible for public property

What must be proven?

To recover compensation, an injured person generally must establish:

1. Causation and Damages – The hazardous condition caused the injuries and resulting losses.

2. Duty of Care – The property owner or occupier owed a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises.

3. Dangerous Condition – A hazardous condition existed on the property.

4. Knowledge – The owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition through reasonable inspection.

5. Failure to Act – The owner failed to repair the hazard or provide adequate warning.

Compensation available

An injured victim may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation costs
• Permanent disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages (when applicable)

Evidence commonly used

Strong pedestrian accident claims often rely on:

• Police accident reports
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Dashcam videos
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Crosswalk and traffic signal evidence
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Cell phone records (when distracted driving is suspected)
• Accident reconstruction reports

Florida pedestrian accident claims

Florida law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and to yield the right of way in many situations, including marked crosswalks. However, pedestrians also have responsibilities under Florida traffic laws.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. If a pedestrian is found partially at fault — for example, by crossing outside a designated crosswalk when required — their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault. Even if a pedestrian shares some responsibility, they may still be entitled to recover damages depending on the circumstances.

Prompt medical treatment, preserving evidence, and obtaining witness information can significantly strengthen a pedestrian accident claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a pedestrian accident?

• Call 911 immediately.
• Seek emergency medical treatment.
• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries if possible.
• Obtain the driver’s contact and insurance information.
• Collect witness names and contact information.
• Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.

Can I recover compensation if I was not in a crosswalk?

Possibly. Being outside a crosswalk does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Liability depends on the specific facts of the accident and whether either party acted negligently.

What if the driver left the scene?

You may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage, applicable insurance policies, or by identifying the driver through surveillance footage or witness testimony.

We Put Your Recovery & Compensation First

Elle Rudisill Law Firm represents individuals and families who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Our practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law, allowing us to provide knowledgeable, strategic, and client-focused representation in matters including:

✔ Car Accidents

✔ Truck Accidents

✔ Bus Accidents

✔ DUI-Related Accidents

✔ Motorcycle Accidents

✔ Pedestrian Accidents

✔ Bicycle Accidents

✔ Slip and Fall Accidents

✔ Premises Liability

✔ Negligent Security

✔ Serious & Catastrophic Injuries

Each case is handled with personalized attention, a thorough investigation, and a results-driven approach to pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.

Free consultation. No win, no fee. We come to you.