What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Slip-and-Fall Accident at a Store in Florida

Whether you’re visiting a grocery store, a department store, or a big-box retailer, you likely never expect to become injured while shopping. However, slip-and-fall accidents—often caused by hazards such as spills, uneven surfaces, or misplaced merchandise—are a common occurrence at stores and many other businesses. Unfortunately, these incidents may result in serious injuries, including broken or fractured bones or head injuries.

If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a store in Florida, it’s important to know that under the state’s premises liability laws, store owners are required to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of known hazards. If the store owners and managers fail to fulfill these duties, the store may be held liable for a visitor’s injuries.

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To maximize your chances of a successful lawsuit if you choose to pursue one, here are five crucial steps to take after a slip-and-fall accident:

1. Document the scene. If you can identify the hazard that caused you to fall, take a photo of it, as well as photos or videos of the surrounding area. If there were any witnesses, speak with them and ask for their contact information.
2. Seek medical attention. If you believe you may be seriously injured, call 911 or ask someone else to do so for you. Keep in mind that some injuries—including serious head injuries—may not be apparent at first, so even if you’re not taken to the emergency room, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
3. File a formal report with the store owner or manager. Many stores have procedures in place for filing a report when someone is injured on the premises, so you should speak to the store manager or owner and request that a report is filed promptly. If the store personnel are uncooperative or do not give you any forms to fill out, ask for the manager’s contact information and send an email as soon as possible detailing your injuries, when the accident happened, and what caused it.
4. Keep all documentation. This includes your photos of the incident scene, the store’s report and any other correspondence with them, medical records and bills, and records from your employer if you needed to take time off work due to your injuries.
5. Consult an attorney. By holding the store legally responsible for the hazard that caused your injury, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost income and more. The key is to act swiftly in getting in touch with a Florida attorney who is experienced in personal injury and premises liability cases.

At Leighton Panoff Law, one of our areas of expertise is representing victims of slip-and-fall accidents in Florida stores. Our attorneys have a long and successful track record of recovering substantial damages for those who were injured in these incidents, and we will guide you through each step of your case. Call us today at 888.988.1774 to schedule a consultation!