What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida

If you slipped, fell, and got hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you need more than just an ice pack. You need a plan.

Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident in Florida could be the difference between getting stuck with medical bills or securing the compensation you deserve. At Maranatha Law, we’ve helped countless victims hold Florida property owners accountable.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Fall?

Slip and fall accidents can leave you dazed and in serious pain. However, the steps you take immediately after a fall are crucial. If you’re wondering what to do, here’s how to protect your health and your right to potential compensation after a slip and fall incident.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think you’re okay, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Immediate care also establishes a record that links your injuries directly to the accident, which is crucial in any future claim.

Report the Incident

Notify the property owner, store manager, or security staff as soon as possible. Ask that they document the incident in a written report, and request a copy if you can. This step provides an official record of your fall and the conditions under which it happened.

Document the Scene

Use your phone to take clear, timestamped photos of the area where you fell. Focus on any hazardous conditions like wet floors, broken tiles, damaged stairs, poor lighting, or debris. Also, photograph your injuries and any objects that contributed to the fall. These images can be powerful evidence.

Get Witness Information

If anyone saw your fall or the hazardous condition that caused it, ask for their name and contact information. Witnesses may be able to confirm what happened and back up your version of events.

Preserve Your Clothing and Footwear

Do not throw away or wash the clothes and shoes you wore during the accident. These items might contain important evidence, like traces of a spilled substance or damage from a dangerous surface.

Write Down What Happened

As soon as you can, jot down your account of what happened while it’s still fresh. Include the time, location, what you were doing, what you saw or heard, and how the fall occurred. These notes can be valuable if your memory fades or your case goes to trial.

Understand the Legal Basics of Slip and Fall Cases

Not every fall leads to a claim. In Florida, slip and fall claims fall under premises liability law. To pursue compensation, you must prove that a property owner was negligent in maintaining reasonably safe premises for visitors. That means showing:

• There was a dangerous condition on the property,
• The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard,
• They failed to fix or warn you about it in a reasonable time, and
• That failure caused your injuries.

Proving negligence is what makes slip and fall cases in Florida complex. Property owners often deny fault, and their insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying for your injuries.

Common Injuries in a Slip and Fall Incident

Injuries in slip and fall accidents can be severe, especially for older adults or individuals with preexisting conditions. Even a momentary loss of footing can lead to months of pain, limited mobility, or permanent disability. Here are some of the most common injuries we see in these accidents.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Falls are a leading cause of broken bones in older adults. Wrists, ankles, and hips are particularly at risk. A fractured hip may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, especially for elderly victims. These injuries can drastically limit mobility and quality of life.

Head and Brain Injuries

If your head strikes the ground or another object during the fall, you may suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms may include confusion, headaches, dizziness, memory issues, and even loss of consciousness. TBIs often require specialized treatment and ongoing care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Landing on your back or twisting awkwardly during a fall can injure the spinal cord or surrounding nerves. That may lead to chronic pain, herniated discs, or, in severe cases, partial or total paralysis. Spinal injuries are complex and frequently involve long-term treatment.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, bruising, and torn ligaments are common outcomes of a slip and fall accident. While these may not appear as severe as broken bones, soft tissue damage can be extremely painful and may require physical therapy to heal properly.

Facial Injuries and Lacerations

A fall may result in cuts, bruises, or dental damage, especially if you land face-first. These injuries may initially seem primarily cosmetic, but they can leave lasting scars or require reconstructive procedures.

If you’ve suffered any of these injuries after a slip and fall incident, it is crucial to speak with a Lakeland slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

How Florida Law Affects Your Case

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means your compensation could be reduced if you were partially at fault. For example, if you were texting and overlooked a marked hazard, a court might say you’re 30% responsible. You’d still be eligible for compensation, just reduced by 30%. However, if you’re more than 50% responsible, you can be barred from recovering damages.

The state also has a strict statute of limitations. In most cases, you have just two years to file a lawsuit from the accident date. Miss that deadline, and your claim is likely gone.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Slip and Fall Accident

Insurance companies are quick to take advantage of slip and fall victims. Here are some common mistakes insurers can use against you:

• Giving a recorded statement to an insurer before talking to a lawyer;
• Accepting a fast, lowball settlement;
• Posting about the incident on social media;
• Delaying medical treatment; and
• Failing to follow your doctor’s advice.

These missteps can severely damage your case. Don’t give the insurance company ammunition to use against you.

When to Call a Lakeland Slip and Fall Lawyer

The sooner, the better. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, preserve witness statements, calculate damages, and negotiate with the insurance company.

At Maranatha Law, we understand the tactics property owners and insurers use to downplay claims. We don’t back down.

Are you wondering what to do after a slip and fall accident? Contact our legal team. We deliver experienced legal representation backed by sharp strategy, real results, and bold action. Our lawyers serve Lakeland and surrounding Florida communities with tenacity and care.

We handle the hard legal work so you can focus on healing. Schedule your confidential consultation today to learn how a Lakeland slip and fall lawyer from Maranatha Law can help you regain control.

Resources:

• Florida Statute § 768.0755, link.