Top Tier Florida Slip And Fall Attorneys
Get expert legal help for your slip & fall / trip & fall accident.
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Were you Injured in a Slip & Fall or Trip & Fall accident? We can help You Get Back on Your feet.
A slip and fall accident can upend your life in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. If you were hurt on someone else’s property in Florida, it’s critical to contact an experienced Florida slip and fall attorney as soon as possible. The property owner’s insurance company will move quickly, trying to dispute your injuries, question the hazard, and even shift blame onto you.
That’s exactly why you should contact Avera & Smith. With over 70 years of experience and excellent peer-reviewed ratings, our attorneys have built a reputation for standing up to insurance companies and securing meaningful results for our clients—including million-dollar recoveries in slip and fall cases. From day one, we protect your rights, fight for fair treatment, and take the pressure off so you can focus on recovery.
When a Property Owner's Negligence Causes a Slip and Fall in Florida
Slip and fall accidents don't happen randomly. They’re often the result of unsafe property conditions and negligent maintenance.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents in Florida include:
- Wet or slippery floors with no warning signs
- Uneven sidewalks or flooring
- Poor lighting in walkways or stairwells
- Broken handrails or stairs
- Debris or obstacles left in walking areas
Florida law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for anyone who enters their property. If they fail to identify and address hazards in a timely manner, and you are injured as a result, they can be held legally responsible for the damages that follow, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The challenge is proving it. That's where we come in.
Why Insurance Companies Take Avera & Smith Seriously
When you hire Avera & Smith, you're not just hiring an attorney; you’re hiring a powerhouse firm backed by decades of experience, proven results, and a reputation for taking on insurance companies and winning. Property owners and their insurers know our reputation, and that reputation changes how your case is handled from day one.
70+ Years of Experience
Very few law firms can claim this level of experience. With over seven decades of fighting for injured Floridians, Avera & Smith has built a legacy of skill, resilience, and results. We’ve mastered Florida’s premises liability laws and our longevity is a testament to the trust our clients place in us.
Million-Dollar Results
Our firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for clients. Our attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction reserved for lawyers who have secured settlements and verdicts exceeding $1 million. We know what maximum compensation looks like and we know how to pursue it.
We Build Every Case Like It's Going to Trial
Most slip and fall cases settle, but not before insurance companies test how serious you are. If they think you’ll accept a quick, low offer, that’s exactly what they’ll give you. We send a strong message that we are prepared to fight and we will not accept anything below what our client deserves.
Board Certified in Florida
Three of our attorneys hold board certifications from The Florida Bar — a distinction held by only 5-7% of attorneys licensed in Florida. This isn't a participation award. It reflects a demonstrated mastery of the law and a commitment to the highest standards of legal practice.
We Know How the Other Side Thinks
More than one of our attorneys spent time working at insurance defense firms before dedicating their careers to representing injured victims. We know exactly how insurers evaluate claims, where they look for weaknesses, and how to build a case they can't easily dismiss.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle every slip and fall case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. If we don't recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Meet the Attorneys Who Fight for You
Behind every successful case is a team that knows how to take on insurance companies and deliver results. At Avera & Smith, our attorneys bring decades of experience, proven outcomes, and a reputation that demands respect.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida
Wet Or Slippery Floors
Spills, freshly mopped surfaces, and leaking refrigeration and air conditioning units in grocery stores and retail environments are among the leading causes of slip and fall injuries.
Uneven or damaged flooring
Cracked sidewalks, buckled flooring, loose tiles, and uneven thresholds create serious tripping hazards. These conditions are frequently the result of deferred maintenance.
Poor lighting
Dimly lit parking lots, stairwells, and hallways make it difficult to see hazards underfoot. Inadequate lighting is a property owner's responsibility to correct.
Broken or missing handrails
Stairways without proper railings or with railings in disrepair are a significant fall risk, particularly in apartment complexes, restaurants, and older commercial buildings.
Parking lot hazards
Potholes, crumbling asphalt, speed bumps without markings, and poor drainage all create dangerous conditions before someone even enters a building.
Unmarked hazards
Construction zones, recently cleaned surfaces, and temporary obstacles that aren't properly marked or blocked off can catch visitors off guard.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall can happen in an instant, but the impact can be severe and long-lasting. When you fall, your body often takes the full force unexpectedly, with little time to react or protect yourself. What may seem like a minor incident at first can quickly turn into serious injuries, ongoing pain, and costly medical treatment.
Many slip and fall victims don’t immediately realize the extent of their injuries. Symptoms can worsen over time, leading to missed work, reduced mobility, and lasting complications that affect your daily life. At Avera & Smith, we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents can disrupt lives, and we regularly represent clients dealing with:
Traumatic brain injuries:
Hitting your head on the floor, a shelf, or another surface during a fall can cause concussions or severe brain trauma with long-lasting cognitive effects.
Spinal cord injuries:
Falls are one of the leading causes of spinal cord damage, which can range from herniated discs to partial or complete paralysis.
Broken bones:
Wrists, hips, ankles, and shoulders are particularly vulnerable during a fall. Hip fractures in older adults can be especially serious, sometimes leading to significant long-term complications.
Knee and shoulder injuries:
Ligament tears, rotator cuff damage, and meniscus injuries are common outcomes of slip and fall accidents and often require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Soft tissue injuries:
Sprains, strains, and tears that don't show up on imaging can still cause significant pain and limit your ability to work and function normally.
Get medical care immediately after a slip and fall
Do not assume your injuries are minor just because you were able to walk away from the scene. Many slip and fall injuries take hours—or even days—to fully develop, and what feels like soreness at first can turn into something far more serious.
Waiting to seek medical treatment can not only impact your health but also give insurance companies an opportunity to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the fall.
Seeking prompt medical attention helps:
- Identify hidden or delayed injuries early
- Create official medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident
- Strengthen your personal injury claim
- Protect your right to compensation
Even if your injuries seem minor, getting checked by a medical professional is one of the most important steps you can take. After that, contact an experienced attorney before speaking with the property owner’s insurance company to ensure your rights are protected from the start.
How to Prove Negligence in a Florida Slip and Fall Case
Florida premises liability law requires you to establish several key elements to successfully prove negligence in a slip and fall case. Generally, you need to show that:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care: This depends on why you were on the property. Customers, guests, and invited visitors are owed the highest standard of care under Florida law.
- A hazardous condition existed: You must be able to show that a dangerous condition was present at the time of your fall.
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard: This is often the most contested element. Florida law requires you to demonstrate that the owner either created the hazard, knew about it, or that it existed long enough that they reasonably should have discovered and addressed it.
- The hazard directly caused your injuries: There must be a clear connection between the dangerous condition and the harm you suffered.
You suffered measurable damages: Medical bills, lost income, and documented pain and suffering all factor into what your claim is worth.
Why Fault Matters in Florida Slip and Fall Cases
Florida follows a comparative negligence standard, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for your accident. In simple terms, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages are $100,000, and you are found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. In a slip and fall case, insurance companies often try to argue that you share responsibility by claiming:
- You were distracted (e.g., looking at your phone)
- You ignored warning signs
- You were wearing “inappropriate” footwear
- You weren’t paying attention to where you were walking
Even when these arguments are weak or unfair, they’re used strategically to minimize what the insurance company has to pay. That’s why having an experienced slip and fall attorney is critical. A skilled legal team will:
- Push back against exaggerated or false claims of fault
- Gather evidence to prove the property owner’s negligence
- Protect the full value of your claim
At Avera & Smith, we protect you from unfair insurance tactics and fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida
The steps you take immediately after a slip and fall accident can significantly affect the strength of your claim. Here's what to do:
Report the accident
Notify the property owner, manager, or staff immediately and make sure an incident report is filed. Request a copy before you leave if possible.
Document everything
Take photographs of the hazard, your injuries, your footwear, and the surrounding area. If there were witnesses, get their contact information.
Seek medical attention immediately
Even if you feel okay, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Delays in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue your injuries aren't serious.
Do not give a recorded statement
The property owner's insurance company may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. Decline until you have spoken with an attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Do not admit fault or apologize
This sounds harsh, but it’s important to not say “I’m sorry” or “I wasn’t paying attention” after a slip and fall. Even simple, polite statements can be taken out of context and used by insurance companies as an admission of fault. Since Florida follows a comparative negligence standard, any suggestion that you were partially responsible can reduce the compensation you receive.
Preserve evidence
Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing. Do not return to the scene and disturb anything. Save any communications from the property owner or their insurer.
Contact a slip and fall attorney
The sooner an attorney is involved, the sooner they can begin preserving evidence, identifying witnesses, and building your case before critical details are lost.
Frequently Asked Questions: Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Florida?
Florida's statute of limitations for premises liability claims is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to pursue compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is. If you've been injured in a slip and fall, don't wait to speak with an attorney — the sooner you act, the more options you have.
What is my slip and fall case worth?
Every case is different. Compensation in a slip and fall claim can include medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of the property owner's negligence, and the insurance coverage available. An attorney can give you a realistic assessment after reviewing the facts of your situation.
What if I was partially at fault for my slip and fall?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is exactly why having an attorney matters: insurance companies will aggressively try to assign as much fault to you as possible to reduce their payout.
Do I have a case if I didn't go to the doctor right away?
Possibly, but a delay in treatment will be used against you. Insurance companies routinely argue that gaps between an accident and medical treatment indicate the injuries weren't caused by the fall or weren't serious. If you've already delayed seeking care, contact an attorney immediately and get medical attention as soon as possible. A lawyer can help contextualize the delay and minimize the damage it does to your claim.
How much does it cost to hire a slip and fall attorney at Avera & Smith?
Nothing upfront. We handle slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don't win, you don't pay. This makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation. Call us for a free consultation to get started.
Can I still file a claim if the accident happened at a business I visit regularly?
Yes. The fact that you are a regular customer or frequent visitor does not reduce the property owner's obligation to maintain safe conditions. In fact, being a known and invited guest on the property strengthens your status as someone owed a high duty of care under Florida law.
Is Avera & Smith a contingency fee law firm?
Yes. At Avera & Smith, we handle slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket throughout the process. Our fee comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, and only if we win. If we don't recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This makes it possible for anyone injured in a slip and fall accident anywhere in North Central Florida to access experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Ready to Find Out What Your Case Is Worth?
If you were injured in a slip and fall in Florida, don’t wait—this is the moment to put a powerhouse firm on your side. At Avera & Smith, we bring the experience, legal expertise, and resources needed to take on insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
But what truly sets us apart is how we treat our clients. We don’t see you as just another case. We listen to you, support you, and guide you every step of the way with a dedicated team by your side. Our firm was built on treating clients like family, and that commitment shows in everything we do.
Request your free consultation and case review today.
Call 352-372-9999 or contact us online to get started.
By submitting this form, you authorize Avera & Smith to contact you regarding your potential case. Contacting us through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. See Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.