Who’s Liable in a Slip and Fall Case?

Catania and Catania | March 20, 2025 | Slip and Falls

When someone slips, falls, and gets hurt, the first question is often: Who is to blame? Understanding slip and fall liability provides the foundation we need to pursue justice for our clients. Here in Tampa, Florida, determining responsibility involves closely examining where the fall occurred, who had control over the property, and whether they failed to take appropriate action. At Catania and Catania, we handle these cases with care and determination, working directly with clients to uncover the truth and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Possible Liable Parties in a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents can occur in a wide range of settings, and liability doesn’t always fall on a single party. The property owner isn’t always the only one at fault. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be legally responsible, including:

• Commercial Property Owners – Business owners are required to maintain safe premises for their customers. A puddle in a grocery store aisle left unattended can lead to serious liability.
• Residential Landlords – Landlords have a duty to repair known hazards, such as broken staircases or loose handrails. If they fail to act, they may be held accountable for resulting injuries.
• Government Entities – Public spaces like sidewalks or government buildings are maintained by city or state agencies. However, filing a claim against a government entity follows a distinct legal process.
• Maintenance Companies – These third-party contractors are often hired to manage cleaning and repairs. If their negligence causes unsafe conditions, they may share responsibility.

In some cases, multiple parties may be jointly liable. For example, if a landlord hires a maintenance company that neglects a known hazard, both the landlord and the contractor may bear legal responsibility. Our legal team thoroughly examines every angle to determine who had a duty to act—and who failed to do so.

Florida law requires property owners and those in control of premises to address known dangers. Florida Statute 768.0755 outlines the obligations of business owners to maintain safe conditions and avoid foreseeable injuries.

Main Causes of a Slip and Fall Case

Slip and fall incidents are rarely random. There’s almost always an underlying cause—and more often than not, it could have been prevented. Some of the most common causes we see include:

• Wet or slippery floors – These may result from spills, mopping without proper signage, or leaks left unaddressed.
• Uneven flooring or loose tiles – Cracked pavement, shifting surfaces, and unsecured rugs are common tripping hazards.
• Inadequate lighting – Poor visibility in stairwells or hallways increases the risk of missteps.
• Obstructed walkways – Boxes, cords, or equipment left in walking paths create avoidable dangers.
• Missing or broken handrails – Especially dangerous on staircases and elevated surfaces.

Some hazards are temporary, while others develop over time due to neglect. Regardless of the timeline, it’s the property owner’s duty to identify and remedy these risks promptly. In commercial spaces, regular safety inspections and maintenance routines are essential. When these are ignored, accidents happen. Even environmental factors—like rain tracked into a store—can create liability if the hazard isn’t addressed with signage, mats, or prompt cleaning. Ultimately, the key question is whether the hazard was foreseeable and preventable.

Common Injuries from a Slip and Fall Case

While some people may initially downplay a fall, the consequences are often serious. We’ve worked with clients who were casually shopping one moment and being rushed to the hospital the next. Common injuries we encounter include:

• Fractures and broken bones – Particularly common in the wrists, hips, and ankles.
• Traumatic brain injuries – Concussions and more severe head injuries can result from even a shortfall.
• Back and spinal injuries – Herniated discs, spinal fractures, and chronic back pain frequently develop after falls.
• Soft tissue damage – Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments may require extended recovery time.
• Cuts and bruises – Though surface-level, they can indicate deeper internal injuries.

Beyond the physical pain, these injuries often carry emotional and financial burdens. Clients frequently miss work, face mounting medical bills, and require physical therapy. Some are left with long-term disabilities or mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression. We’ve seen cases where a fall led to lasting trauma—making once-routine tasks feel overwhelming. In these situations, compensation goes beyond immediate medical expenses; it helps restore stability, dignity, and peace of mind.

Even if a fall seems minor at first, symptoms may not appear for hours or even days. Seeking medical attention immediately protects both your health and your legal claim.

How Can Liability Be Proven?

So, how do we establish fault? Proving liability means demonstrating that the property owner or another responsible party failed to act reasonably under the circumstances.

To support a strong legal case, we gather and review the following evidence:

• Photographs – Images of the scene, hazard, and resulting injuries provide critical visual context.
• Incident reports – Documentation submitted to store management or property staff supports the timeline and facts.
• Eyewitness accounts – Testimony from those who saw the fall can validate your version of events.
• Maintenance records – Logs may show whether inspections or repairs were being performed as required.
• Surveillance video – In many commercial properties, camera footage captures the event in real-time.

In certain cases, we work with building code professionals or inspectors to evaluate compliance with safety standards. The goal is not just to prove that a hazard existed but that it should have been corrected.

Florida courts also consider whether the condition existed long enough that the property owner “should have known” about it—or whether similar incidents had occurred in the past. Legal Clarity emphasizes how establishing a history or pattern of negligence can significantly strengthen a claim.

Acting quickly can make all the difference. Preserving evidence early can dramatically improve the outcome of your case.

Ready to Discuss Your Slip and Fall Case?

Let’s talk about what happened and how we can help. At Catania and Catania, we don’t just review your case—we build it, step by step, with your recovery at the center of everything we do. From day one, we take the time to listen, investigate, and craft a legal strategy tailored to your situation.

Whether your fall occurred in a store, apartment complex, or public space, our team is here to guide you through your legal options and help you understand what compensation may be available. You shouldn’t have to navigate medical bills, missed work, and insurance companies on your own.

Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s take that first step together toward healing, accountability, and the financial recovery you deserve.