WEST PALM BEACH SLIP AND FALL ATTORNEY

Not every fall leads to a valid claim, but many do. A slip and fall case typically depends on three key factors: whether you suffered actual damages, whether a property owner was negligent, and whether there is insurance coverage available to pursue compensation.

Damages may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or long-term mobility limitations. Negligence often involves a property owner failing to fix or warn about hazards they knew, or should have known, existed. Insurance coverage matters because most claims are resolved through liability insurance rather than directly against individuals.

If those elements are present, you may have a viable claim.

Your health should always come first. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor at the time. Slip and fall accidents commonly cause concussions, internal injuries, or soft-tissue damage that may not fully appear until hours or days later. Prompt medical care also creates important documentation linking your injuries to the fall.

If you are able, report the incident to the property owner, manager, or supervisor right away and ask for a written incident report. This creates an official record of what happened. Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition, the surrounding area, lighting, warning signs (or lack of them), and any visible injuries. If anyone witnessed the fall, collect their names and contact information before they leave.

Be cautious about what you say after the accident. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about how the fall happened, and do not give recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer. Preserve any physical evidence, including the shoes or clothing you were wearing at the time, and keep copies of medical bills, receipts, and other expenses related to your injury.

Taking these steps early can make a significant difference in protecting your health and your ability to pursue compensation later.

Slip and fall accidents are rarely random. In many cases, they are caused by unsafe conditions that property owners knew about, or should have addressed, but failed to fix or warn visitors about. These hazards can appear in grocery stores, apartment complexes, hotels, parking lots, offices, and even private residences.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors from spills, leaks, cleaning, or tracked-in rainwater without proper warning signs
• Uneven sidewalks or flooring, including cracked pavement, raised concrete, loose tiles, or warped floorboards
• Poor lighting that makes it difficult to see hazards in stairwells, hallways, parking garages, or entryways
• Loose rugs or mats that slide or bunch up underfoot
• Cluttered walkways, such as cords, merchandise, debris, or boxes left in walking paths
• Broken or unsafe staircases, including uneven steps or worn stair treads
• Missing, loose, or damaged handrails that fail to provide proper support
• Recently waxed or polished floors that are excessively slick

Weather-related hazards are also common in West Palm Beach. Rain-soaked entrances, slippery tile floors, and outdoor walkways that are not properly drained or maintained frequently lead to serious falls, especially when property owners fail to take reasonable precautions like placing mats, posting warnings, or addressing known drainage issues.

When these hazards go unaddressed, a simple walk can quickly turn into a serious injury.

Proving negligence requires showing that the property owner owed you a duty of care, failed to meet it, and caused your injuries as a result. Evidence often includes photographs or videos of the hazard, surveillance footage, witness statements, incident reports, maintenance logs, and medical records linking the injury to the fall.

Property owners don’t need actual notice of a hazard to be held liable; constructive notice applies if the condition existed long enough that it should have been discovered through reasonable inspections.

A slip and fall injury can affect far more than your immediate medical needs. Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may be available for both economic and non-economic losses tied to the accident and its long-term impact.

Recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, imaging, medication, physical therapy, and follow-up treatment
• Future medical care, such as ongoing rehabilitation, specialist visits, assistive devices, or long-term treatment needs
• Lost wages for time missed from work during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to return to your previous job or work at the same level
• Pain and suffering, addressing physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or trauma related to the fall
• Permanent disability or impairment resulting in lasting physical limitations
• Disfigurement or scarring that affects appearance or function
• Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries interfere with daily activities, hobbies, or independence

There is no true “average” settlement for a slip and fall case. The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, whether long-term care is required, available insurance coverage, and how the accident affects your daily life, ability to work, and overall well-being.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Your compensation may be reduced if you share some fault, but recovery is barred only if you are found more than 50% responsible.

Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a victim’s fault by pointing to distractions, footwear, or allegedly “obvious” hazards. Strong evidence helps counter these arguments and protect your recovery.

Yes. Claims typically proceed through homeowners’ or property insurance, not directly against the individual. Landlords and property managers may also be liable for unsafe common areas or code violations.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan in West Palm Beach are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation. Hiring one of our slip and fall lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

Slip and fall claims involving government-owned property are allowed, but they follow stricter rules than claims against private businesses or property owners. Sidewalks, public buildings, parking facilities, parks, and government offices may all fall under special legal requirements.

These cases typically involve shorter deadlines, mandatory notice-of-claim procedures, and specific filing requirements that must be followed before a lawsuit can move forward. Failing to meet even one of these requirements can result in your claim being dismissed, regardless of how serious the injury may be.

Government entities may also have limited liability protections, making these cases more procedurally complex from the start. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence, identify the correct agency responsible for the property, and ensure that all notices and filings are completed properly. Early legal guidance is especially important when a fall occurs on government property in West Palm Beach.

Florida law sets a limited window to file personal injury claims. While most deadlines begin on the date of injury, exceptions may apply in certain situations, such as when an injury is discovered later, the injured person is a minor, or the claim involves a government entity.

Acting early helps preserve evidence, secure footage, and protect your legal rights.

Some cases resolve in months through settlement, while others take longer if injuries are severe or liability is disputed. The goal isn’t speed alone; it’s securing compensation that reflects the full impact of the injury.

The strongest cases rely on timely documentation. Photos and videos of the hazard, surveillance footage, witness statements, incident reports, medical records, and proof of damages all play a critical role in establishing liability and value.

Yes, though delays can complicate a case. While immediate reporting creates a clear record, it is not always required to pursue a claim. Medical records, photographs, surveillance footage, and witness testimony can still help establish what happened and connect your injuries to the fall.

That said, waiting too long can give insurance companies room to question how and when the injury occurred. Reporting the incident as soon as possible generally strengthens credibility and makes it easier to preserve supporting evidence.

There are no upfront costs. Morgan & Morgan handles slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis; The Fee Is Free®. Attorney fees are paid only if compensation is recovered.

Local attorneys understand regional property conditions, local courts, and common defense tactics used by insurers and large retailers. Familiarity with West Palm Beach premises liability trends can make a meaningful difference in how a claim is handled.

Slip and fall claims often involve powerful insurance companies and corporate property owners. Morgan & Morgan has the resources to investigate thoroughly, challenge low settlement offers, and take cases to trial when necessary.

If you were injured in a slip and fall, you don’t have to carry the burden alone. A free case evaluation can help you understand your rights and next steps.