What if I Slip and Fall at a Business?

Slip and fall accidents happen quickly, but the consequences can last much longer. Whether it is a wet floor, uneven surface, poor lighting, or something left in a walkway, businesses have a responsibility to keep their property reasonably safe for customers.

If you are hurt in a fall, understanding the basics of liability and what to do next can make a significant difference in protecting your rights.

Who Is Responsible?

In Florida, businesses can be held responsible when they fail to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. This area of law is called premises liability.

For a business to be legally responsible, one of the following is generally true:

• The business knew about the dangerous condition and did not fix it

• The business should have known about it because it existed long enough that it should have been discovered

• The business created the dangerous condition

A common example is a spill on the floor. If an employee caused it or ignored it for an extended period of time without cleaning it up or putting out a warning sign, that can create liability.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall?

If you are physically able, take these steps as soon as possible:

1. Report the Incident
Notify a manager or employee right away. Ask for an incident report and request a copy if possible.

2. Take Photos and Video
Document the scene before anything changes. This includes:

• The hazard (liquid, debris, uneven surface)

• The surrounding area

• Lighting conditions

• Lack of warning signs

3. Get Witness Information
If anyone saw what happened, get their name and contact information. Independent witnesses can be very important.

4. Seek Medical Treatment
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out. Some injuries take time to fully appear, and medical records help connect the incident to your injuries.

5. Preserve What You Were Wearing
Shoes and clothing can become evidence. Do not wash or discard them.