Yes, you may be able to sue a Florida store after a slip and fall, but proving fault takes fast action, solid documentation, and the right legal guidance.
If you slipped and fell while shopping in a Florida store, you may still be trying to process what happened. One moment you’re browsing, and the next you’re on the ground, feeling shaken, sore, and uncertain about what to do. Maybe it was a wet floor, a loose mat near the checkout, or a box left in an aisle. Whatever the cause, it happened quickly, and now you're left dealing with the aftermath.
At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we speak with clients all the time who find themselves in this exact situation. And while every slip and fall is different, there are a few crucial steps we recommend taking early on, steps that can make a real difference in both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation if the store was at fault.
Let’s walk through what to do next and why it matters.
1. Document the Scene Before It Changes
If you’re able to do so safely after a fall, try to document what you see while everything is still fresh in your mind. Use your phone to take photos from different angles. Look for what may have caused the accident, whether it was a spill on the floor, poor lighting, or something left in your path. Also take note of whether there were any warning signs (or if none were present at all).
Speak to anyone who may have witnessed your fall and ask for their contact information. If a store employee creates an incident report, ask if you can get a copy or at least note the employee’s name and the time the report was made.
It’s important to understand that store conditions can change quickly. A spill might be cleaned up minutes after your fall. Surveillance footage may be overwritten within days. Gathering your own documentation can preserve key evidence that may otherwise be lost.
2. Seek Medical Attention Promptly
After a fall, it can be tempting to brush it off and hope the discomfort goes away on its own. But injuries like soft tissue damage, herniated discs, joint sprains, or even head trauma may not show immediate symptoms. Waiting too long to get checked out can delay recovery and make it harder to connect your injuries to the incident.
Seeing a doctor right away accomplishes two key things. First, it helps ensure you receive the care you need. Second, it creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the fall. If there’s a delay in treatment, the insurance company may try to argue that something else caused the injury, or that it wasn’t serious in the first place.
Even if you’re feeling just a little sore, a proper medical evaluation can detect hidden injuries and help prevent them from getting worse. It also shows that you took the situation seriously and acted in good faith.
As you recover, take a few moments each day to document how the injury affects your life. Note any time missed from work, daily tasks you now need help with, and any physical or emotional struggles. These personal details help build a more complete picture of what the injury has truly cost you.
3. Talk to a Lawyer Before the Insurance Company Calls
Once a store is notified of a slip and fall accident, you may hear from their insurance company. An adjuster might ask for a recorded statement or offer a settlement soon after the incident. While this may feel like a step toward resolution, it’s important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to limit liability and minimize payouts.
You are not legally required to speak with an insurance representative before consulting a Florida premises liability lawyer. In fact, doing so could work against you. A casual comment might be taken out of context, or a quick settlement could fall short of covering your medical care and other long-term needs.
Having an attorney on your side early in the process helps protect your rights and ensures you’re not taken advantage of. At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we take time to understand what happened and how the injury is affecting your life now. We also explain how Florida’s comparative negligence rules could apply if the store tries to shift blame onto you.
It’s also worth noting that Florida law limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim. In most cases, you have just two years. But while that might sound like plenty of time, key evidence can be lost within hours or days. The sooner you get legal guidance, the more options you’ll likely have.
When Is a Florida Store Legally Responsible for Your Fall?
Under Florida law, stores and other businesses have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for customers. This includes fixing known hazards, checking for risks on a regular basis, and warning people when dangerous conditions exist.
If a store fails to meet these responsibilities and someone gets hurt, they may be held financially responsible. But proving fault isn’t always easy. You must show that the business either knew, or should have known, about the danger and failed to fix it in time.
This is why early documentation and legal guidance can be so important. They help establish a clear link between the hazard and the harm you suffered.
For those interested in the legal framework, Florida Statutes §768.0755 outlines business responsibilities when someone is injured by a “transitory foreign substance” like water, food, or debris on the floor.
Legal Help for Slip and Fall Victims Across Northwest Florida
At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we understand how disruptive and confusing a slip and fall accident can be. Our clients often come to us unsure of what to do next, especially when they’re facing medical bills, missed work, or pushback from insurance companies.
We’re proud to serve individuals and families throughout Northwest Florida, including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties. That means we help clients in Pensacola, Milton, and Navarre, as well as Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, Pace, DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa Beach, and Freeport. Wherever your accident happened, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Let’s Talk About What Happened
If you or someone you love was injured in a slip and fall at a Florida store, we’re here to help. Whether the accident happened yesterday or the pain is still lingering weeks later, having the right information can make a big difference.
We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you understand whether legal action makes sense in your situation. There’s no cost to speak with us and no obligation to move forward, just clear guidance from a team that puts your needs first.
Contact Dan Stewart Law Firm today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. To receive advice specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.