Slip and Fall Attorneys Ready to Fight for Justice

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, leaving victims with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. 

When property owners neglect their duty to maintain safe premises, victims often seek experienced and trusted slip and fall attorneys to secure justice and compensation.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of slip and fall attorneys is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring our clients receive the support they deserve. For over 35 years, we have fought For the People and have recovered over $20 billion in compensation in the process. This compensation can be used by victims to get their lives back on track, meet their medical bills and expenses, and move forward with their lives.

What Causes a Slip and Fall?

Slip and fall accidents are caused by hazardous conditions that make walking surfaces unsafe. Common causes include:

• Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Spills, freshly mopped floors, or wet areas near entrances during rainy weather are frequent culprits.
• Uneven Flooring: Cracked sidewalks, uneven tiles, or loose floorboards can easily trip unsuspecting pedestrians.
• Cluttered Walkways: Items left in pathways, like boxes or cords, create obstacles that can cause falls.
• Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting can obscure hazards, making it difficult for people to see and avoid dangerous areas.
• Weather Conditions: Ice, snow, or rain can make outdoor walkways slippery. Property owners must address these risks by salting or shoveling affected areas.
• Defective Staircases: Missing handrails, uneven steps, or loose carpeting on stairs often lead to falls.
• Negligence in Maintenance: Failure to repair or mark hazards, such as a broken tile or a spilled drink, is a significant factor in many slip and fall incidents.

Understanding the cause of a slip and fall is crucial for determining liability and taking appropriate legal action. 

When Is a Slip and Fall Someone Else’s Fault?

Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe. If a hazardous condition—such as a spilled liquid in a grocery store aisle or a loose handrail on a staircase—goes unaddressed, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. The key is demonstrating negligence, which requires legal expertise to document and argue effectively.

Understanding Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall accidents fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners and managers responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors. Common hazards include wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or improperly maintained walkways. To succeed in a claim, the injured party must prove:

1. The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
2. They failed to take reasonable steps to address the danger.
3. The hazard directly caused the injury.

These cases require thorough investigation and evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness testimony, and maintenance records. This is where Morgan & Morgan’s legal expertise becomes invaluable.

Why Hire an Attorney for a Slip and Fall Claim?

Attempting to navigate a slip and fall claim without legal help can be overwhelming. There are complex laws surrounding premise liability, and property owners and insurance companies often deny liability or attempt to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney can:

• Investigate the Incident: Our team will uncover critical evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts to build a compelling case.
• Negotiate with Insurers: We counter tactics designed to reduce your compensation and fight for the maximum recovery you deserve.
• Handle the Legal Process: From filing paperwork to representing you in court, we ensure every detail is managed professionally and effectively—so that you can focus your energy on your recovery and moving forward with your life.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you experience a slip and fall accident, prioritize your health and safety first. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions like concussions or internal injuries might not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated. You should also request documentation of your medical evaluation and treatment to use as evidence in a potential claim.

Notify the property owner, manager, or another responsible party immediately. Request an incident report and ensure all details are recorded accurately. For businesses, insist on a copy of the report or take a photo of it.

If you are able, take clear photos or videos of the accident site, including the hazard that caused the fall (wet floor, broken tile, poor lighting). Note the date, time, and weather conditions if applicable. Gather contact information from any witnesses who can corroborate your account of the incident.

Keep the clothes and shoes worn during the accident, as they may serve as evidence. Save any receipts or documents that prove you were on the property when the accident occurred.

Refrain from making statements to the property owner or their insurance company that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Be cautious when describing the incident and stick to the facts.

Next, contact Morgan & Morgan. Our experienced slip and fall attorneys can guide you through the process, investigate the incident, and determine liability. A Morgan & Morgan lawyer can also handle communications with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Be aware of the statute of limitations for slip and fall claims in your state. Filing on time is crucial to preserving your legal rights. Your attorney can assist in filing the claim and gathering the necessary evidence to support your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine after a slip and fall accident?

Yes. Some injuries, like internal injuries or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms. Seeking medical attention ensures your health is protected and provides medical records that may support a future claim.

What details should I include when reporting the accident?

When reporting the slip and fall, clearly describe what happened and where it occurred. Note the specific hazard (wet floor, loose tile, etc.) that caused the fall, and ensure all the facts are accurate in the report.

An experienced slip and fall lawyer from Morgan & Morgan can assist you with filing your claim to make sure you file correctly and on time.

Why is it important to gather evidence?

Evidence supports your claim by documenting the conditions that led to your accident. Photos, witness accounts, and video footage can prove negligence, which is critical to winning a slip and fall lawsuit.

Can I file a lawsuit if I didn’t report the incident immediately?

While reporting immediately strengthens your case, it is still possible to file a lawsuit if the incident wasn’t reported right away. You will still need to act quickly and according to your state’s statute of limitations—the time limit set for how long a personal injury victim has to file a claim. Speak with an attorney at Morgan & Morgan to assess your specific circumstances.

What damages can I claim in a slip and fall lawsuit?

In a slip and fall lawsuit, you can typically claim a variety of damages based on the specifics of your injuries and losses. These damages fall into several categories:

Medical Expenses

• Costs of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, or follow-up treatments.
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation expenses.
• Prescription medications or medical equipment (e.g., crutches, braces).
• Future medical costs related to ongoing treatment or permanent injuries.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

• Lost Wages: If your injury caused you to miss work, you could recover compensation for the income you lost during your recovery.
• Diminished Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same level of income, you may be entitled to additional damages for future losses.

Pain and Suffering

• Compensation for physical pain endured as a result of your injuries.
• Damages for emotional or mental distress, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, caused by the accident and its aftermath.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries significantly impact your ability to enjoy activities you once loved—such as hobbies, sports, or social events—you may claim damages for diminished quality of life.

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

If the slip and fall results in permanent physical damage, such as scarring or loss of mobility, these factors can significantly increase the compensation you are entitled to.

Other Financial Losses

• Out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications needed to accommodate a disability.
• Costs for in-home care or assistance during recovery.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the property owner’s negligence was especially reckless or intentional, you may be able to pursue punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

What if the property owner claims I was at fault for my fall?

Property owners may argue contributory negligence, but an experienced lawyer can help refute this claim by presenting evidence that highlights the hazard and their failure to address it.

If a property owner claims you were at fault for your slip and fall, it doesn't necessarily bar you from recovering damages, but it does add complexity to your case. 

In many states, courts use a comparative negligence system to assign fault between parties. If you're found partially responsible for the accident, such as not paying attention or wearing unsafe footwear, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example:

• Modified Comparative Negligence: If you're more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages in some states.
• Pure Comparative Negligence: Even if you're 99% at fault, you could still recover 1% of the damages.

To counter their claim, you and your attorney will need to demonstrate:

• A Dangerous Condition Existed: The property had a hazard, such as a wet floor, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting.
• Failure to Warn: The property owner or manager did not take reasonable steps to warn or address the hazard, like placing warning signs or fixing the issue promptly.
• You Exercised Reasonable Care: You acted as a reasonable person would under the circumstances (not texting while walking or ignoring visible warnings).

Strong evidence can weaken the property owner’s argument:

• Photos/Videos: Show the hazardous condition that caused your fall.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from people who saw the accident or can verify the unsafe condition.
• Incident Reports: Any documentation filed with the property owner after the accident.
• Medical Records: Corroborate the timing and severity of your injuries.

An experienced slip and fall attorney can:

• Evaluate the property owner’s defense.
• Gather evidence to demonstrate their negligence.
• Negotiate with insurance companies or present your case in court.

Can I file a claim if the fall occurred on public property?

Yes, but claims involving public property may involve government entities, which often have specific procedures and shorter deadlines. Consult a lawyer at Morgan & Morgan immediately to learn more about your legal options.

Looking for Slip and Fall Attorneys? Get a Free Case Evaluation With Morgan & Morgan.

Morgan & Morgan is the nation's largest personal injury law firm, with decades of experience handling slip and fall cases. We’ve recovered over $20 billion in compensation, including significant settlements for slip and fall victims.

Slip and fall victims won’t need to worry about legal fees or upfront costs. We don’t charge a dime unless we win your case. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you get compensated.

With offices across the country, we combine national resources with local knowledge to build the strongest case possible. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to trial, our attorneys handle every aspect of your claim.

At Morgan & Morgan, we fight For the People, not the powerful. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side. Schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation today and take the first step toward justice and financial recovery.