Injured in a Slip and Fall in Florida or Georgia? Here’s What to Do Next

It happens fast.

One moment, you’re walking through a store, restaurant, or apartment complex—then suddenly, you’re on the ground in pain. Wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or poor lighting can all cause serious slip-and-fall accidents.

If you’ve been injured in Florida or Georgia, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. The Leach Firm, P.A., has been helping injury victims for nearly two decades, recovering millions for clients just like you.

Here’s what you need to do.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall

Every second counts after an accident. Taking the right steps now can protect your health and your legal rights.

Get Immediate Medical Attention

Your health should always come first. Even if you feel fine at the moment, injuries from falls—especially head, back, or joint injuries—can take hours or even days to fully show up.

• Seeking medical care right away helps ensure that injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
• Medical records serve as crucial evidence if you later need to file a claim.
• Delaying treatment can not only harm your health but also give insurance companies a reason to question your case.

Common injuries from slip-and-fall accidents include fractures, sprains, concussions, and spinal injuries. Getting checked out immediately ensures that nothing is overlooked.

Document the Accident and Your Injuries

What you do in the moments and days following a slip and fall can make or break your claim. Evidence disappears quickly, so act fast.

Report the Accident

Let someone in charge know what happened right away.

• Notify the property owner, store manager, landlord, or supervisor right away.
• Request a written incident report and keep a copy for your records.
• If they refuse, write down your own account of what happened, including the date, time, and location.

Gather Evidence

Collecting solid proof is key in any slip-and-fall claim. Here’s what you should document:

• Take photos and videos of the hazard that caused your fall (spilled liquid, broken steps, poor lighting, etc.). Capture multiple angles.
• Get witness statements. If anyone saw your fall, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw.
• Write down the details while they’re fresh in your memory. Note the exact location, conditions (e.g., wet floor, bad lighting), and any conversations you had with property staff.
• Preserve your clothing and shoes. They might show signs of what caused the fall, such as wet soles or torn fabric.
• Photograph your injuries. Visible bruising, swelling, or cuts can support your claim.

Document All Expenses

Medical bills and lost wages add up quickly after an injury. Keep detailed records of:

• Medical visits, prescriptions, and therapy sessions.
• Lost wages from time missed at work.
• Out-of-pocket costs for transportation to medical appointments.
• Any property damage, like broken glasses or torn clothing.

Having clear records makes it easier to recover these costs later.

Protect Yourself from Misrepresentation

After an accident, insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you. Take these precautions:

• Say as little as possible about what happened. Stick to the facts when reporting the accident, but don’t admit fault. Even saying “I’m okay” can be twisted against you later.
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters. They may try to get you to say something that weakens your case.
• Don’t accept a quick settlement. Early offers are often much lower than what your case is actually worth. Once you accept, you can’t ask for more if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.

Follow Medical Advice

Skipping doctor’s appointments or stopping treatment too soon can hurt both your health and your case. Follow your doctor’s recommendations, keep up with treatment, and save all medical records.

If you don’t, the insurance company might argue that your injuries weren’t serious or that you made them worse by not following medical advice.

Your Legal Rights in Slip-and-Fall Cases

Understanding the law can help you determine whether you have a case and how much you may be able to recover.

Premises Liability and Negligence

Property owners are responsible for keeping their spaces safe. When they fail to fix hazards or warn visitors, they may be held liable for injuries that occur.

To prove a slip-and-fall claim, you must show:

1. The property owner had a duty to keep the area safe.
2. They failed to meet this duty by allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
3. Their failure directly caused your injuries.
4. You suffered actual damages (medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering).

This applies to businesses, landlords, and even private property owners in both Florida and Georgia.

Comparative Negligence

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are more than 50% responsible for your fall, you cannot recover compensation at all. This change was implemented in 2023 through HB 837.

Georgia also follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering damages.

Statute of Limitations

You have limited time to file a lawsuit after a slip-and-fall accident:

• Florida: Two years from the date of the accident.
• Georgia: Two years from the date of the accident.

Damages You Can Claim in a Slip-and-Fall Case

If someone else’s negligence caused your fall, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, and future medical needs.
• Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and future earnings if you can’t return to your job.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Property damage: Any personal belongings damaged in the fall.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases when a property owner’s negligence was particularly reckless.

Experienced a Slip and Fall in Florida or Georgia? Contact The Leach Firm, P.A.

After a slip and fall, dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and uncooperative insurance companies can feel overwhelming.

The Leach Firm, P.A., has been fighting for injury victims in Florida and Georgia since 2004. Our attorneys know how to hold property owners accountable and maximize compensation for our clients.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Call us today at 844-722-7567 for a consultation. Let us help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.