Slip and fall accidents are more common than most realize and can happen anywhere: in stores, parking lots, sidewalks, or workplaces. When such accidents happen due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve more than just sympathy; you deserve justice and compensation.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, our premises liability attorneys in Cocoa Beach understand the devastating impact a slip and fall injury can have. That’s why we are committed to helping injured victims in Cocoa Beach, Palm Bay, Titusville, and throughout Brevard County navigate the complexities of Florida law to secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Call (321) 44-SHARK today for a free consultation with our Cocoa Beach slip and fall lawyers. Remember, you owe us nothing unless we win for you.
Why Choose DeGraff Hicks Law Group for Your Cocoa Beach Slip and Fall Lawyer?
When you hire DeGraff Hicks Law Group, you get a legal team with proven experience in Florida slip and fall cases and a genuine commitment to your recovery.
We bring:
- Extensive knowledge of premises liability law to hold property owners accountable.
- Familiarity with local courts to manage your case efficiently.
- A track record of strong results, securing compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Client-focused representation, with clear communication and support at every step.
Our goal is to not only win your case but also make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible so you can focus on healing. Call our Cocoa Beach slip and fall lawyers today.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida
Slip and fall injuries fall under Florida’s premises liability laws, a branch of personal injury law designed to protect individuals from unsafe property conditions.
The law mandates that property owners, whether private homeowners, businesses, or government entities, must maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition or provide adequate warnings of hazards.
A slip and fall injury case generally arises when a person is injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property that the property owner failed to fix or warn about.
What Qualifies as a Slip and Fall Case?
Not every fall qualifies as a slip and fall case. To have a valid claim, the injury must:
- Occur on someone else’s property under their control,
- Result from a dangerous condition such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, clutter, or broken stairs,
- Have been caused by the property owner’s negligence in maintaining a safe environment or warning visitors about hazards.
Slip and fall claims are a subset of premises liability cases, which broadly govern legal responsibilities related to property safety.
Property Owners’ Duty to Maintain Safe Premises
Under Florida law, property owners owe different duties depending on the visitor’s status:
- Invitees (e.g., customers at a business) must be protected by reasonable inspections, repairs, and warnings about potential dangers.
- Licensees (e.g., social guests) must be warned about known dangers, but owners are not obligated to inspect for unknown hazards.
- Trespassers are owed minimal protection, mainly against intentional harm.
Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain premises in a safe condition or provide adequate warnings of hazardous conditions. Failing this duty constitutes negligence.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law and How it Affects Recovery
As of March 24, 2023, Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system, as established by House Bill 837.
Under the comparative negligence rule in Florida, individuals can recover damages only if they are found to be 50% or less at fault for their injuries. If a party is determined to be more than 50% responsible, they are barred from receiving any compensation.
This change marks a significant shift from the previous “pure” comparative negligence system, where individuals could recover damages even if they were up to 99% at fault.
Under the new rule, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 30% at fault for the incident, your compensation would be reduced by 30%, resulting in a payout of $70,000. However, if you are found to be 51% at fault or higher, you won’t be eligible for compensation.
It’s worth-noting that this modified comparative negligence rule does not apply to medical malpractice cases, where the previous standard remains in effect.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Cocoa Beach
Slip and fall incidents often result from hazardous but preventable conditions.
Common triggers include:
- Wet or slippery floors caused by spilled liquids, mopping, or leaks often without warning signs.
- Uneven flooring and cracked or broken sidewalks that cause loss of footing.
- Poor lighting, especially in stairwells, parking areas, or walkways, hiding hazards from sight.
- Obstacles and clutter left in aisles or walking paths, such as improperly stored merchandise or equipment.
- Weather-related issues, including rain, ice, or humidity, can make outdoor surfaces slick.
Typical Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can cause a wide range of physical injuries, some severe and lasting:
- Fractures and broken bones, commonly in wrists, hips, ankles, or arms sustained when bracing for a fall.
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, which may not be immediately apparent but have serious long-term consequences.
- Back and spinal cord injuries that can result in chronic pain, mobility issues, or paralysis.
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, torn ligaments, or muscle damage causing lasting discomfort.
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions that may leave scars or limit movement.
Injuries from a fall can require significant medical treatment, sometimes including surgeries, physical therapy, and assistive devices like braces or wheelchairs.
What Compensation Can Slip and Fall Victims Recover?
If your slip and fall injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for negligence that includes:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost income for missed work and possible diminished earning potential if injuries cause long-term impairment.
- Pain and suffering, compensating for physical pain, emotional distress, and lost quality of life.
- Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications.
- Disability damages if injuries result in permanent impairment.
Compensation not only helps relieve financial strain but also helps restore your independence and well-being. Schedule a consultation with a Cocoa Beach slip and fall lawyer today.
Essential Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Injury in Cocoa Beach
Taking the right steps following a slip and fall accident is vital to protecting your legal rights and well-being.
- Get medical care right away, even if you don’t feel injured.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
- Take photos or videos of the hazard, scene, and your injuries.
- Collect witness information if anyone saw what happened.
- Keep detailed notes about the accident, including time, place, and conditions.
- Avoid recorded statements or quick settlement offers from insurers.
- Call a Cocoa Beach Slip and Fall Lawyer to guide you and protect your claim.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Contact our Cocoa Beach slip and fall lawyers today for a free consultation.
How Our Cocoa Beach Slip and Fall Lawyers Build Your Case
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, building a strong, successful case involves:
- Investigating the property to identify and document hazardous conditions and negligent practices.
- Reviewing your medical records and consulting medical experts to establish injury extent and impact.
- Negotiating firmly with insurance companies to secure fair compensation without unnecessary delays.
- Aggressively representing your interests in court if litigation is necessary.
Our slip and fall lawyers near you keep you informed and involved every step of the way, fighting to hold negligent parties accountable while you focus on recovery.
FAQs About Slip and Fall Claims in Florida
Do I have a case if my injuries were minor?
Yes. Even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first, they can worsen over time. Sprains, concussions, and back injuries often develop into more significant problems later. If you needed medical care, missed work, or suffered ongoing pain, you may have a valid claim.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule (effective March 2023). This means your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. However, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover compensation at all.
Can I sue a business for a slip and fall accident?
Yes. Florida law requires businesses to keep their property reasonably safe. If a business fails to clean up spills, fix hazards, or provide proper lighting, they may be held liable. To win, you must show the business knew—or should have known—about the danger and failed to correct it or warn visitors.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Florida?
If your fall happened on or after March 24, 2023, you have two years to file. For accidents before that date, the limit may be four years. Florida deadlines are strict, so consulting a Cocoa Beach slip and fall lawyer quickly is essential to protect your claim.
Our Cocoa Beach Slip and Fall Lawyers Are Ready to Fight for You
You shouldn’t have to face the financial and emotional burden of a slip and fall accident alone.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, our Cocoa Beach slip and fall lawyers are here to provide experienced, compassionate legal guidance to residents of Cocoa Beach, Palm Bay, Titusville, and all of Brevard County.
Call our Cocoa Beach slip and fall lawyers now at (321) 44-SHARK or reach out through our convenient online contact form to protect your future and well-being.
