Introduction
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—at a grocery store, apartment complex, parking lot, or restaurant. While they might seem like minor mishaps, these incidents often lead to serious injuries like fractures, back and neck trauma, or head injuries.
At Terrell Hogan Law, we’ve represented countless Jacksonville residents who were injured because a property owner failed to maintain safe premises. As a trusted slip and fall lawyer in Jacksonville, we help victims understand their rights under Florida’s premises liability law—and what steps to take to protect their claim.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility property owners and managers have to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors.
In Florida premises liability law, this includes:
- Landlords and property managers must maintain common areas such as stairwells and parking lots.
- Business owners are responsible for keeping floors, walkways, and entrances free of hazards.
- Homeowners must warn guests of hidden dangers on their property.
When they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, the injured person may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit—often referred to as a slip and fall claim in Florida.
Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibility
In Jacksonville and throughout Florida, both landlords and tenants have specific safety obligations depending on who controls the property area:
- Landlords are responsible for structural maintenance and common areas such as hallways, elevators, and outdoor lighting.
- Tenants or businesses renting space (like stores or restaurants) must keep their leased areas safe for customers and guests.
Examples:
- If a tenant in a Jacksonville shopping plaza fails to clean up a spill inside their store, the tenant may be liable.
- If the parking lot outside the store has broken pavement or poor lighting, the landlord or property management company may be responsible.
Understanding who controlled the hazard at the time of the accident is key to identifying liability—something an experienced premises liability attorney in Jacksonville can help determine.
What Constitutes Negligence?
To win a slip and fall claim in Florida, your attorney must prove that the property owner or manager was negligent—meaning they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent or fix a dangerous condition.
Common examples of negligence include:
- Failing to clean up spills promptly
- Not repairing broken flooring or loose handrails
- Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
- Ignoring prior complaints or known hazards
Florida law (Statute §768.0755) also requires proof that the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard—meaning they knew, or should have known, about the danger.
For a helpful resource, see our article: What to Do If You Slip and Fall.
For a broader legal overview, you can also review the Florida Statutes on Premises Liability.
How to Prove a Hazard in a Slip and Fall Case
Evidence is critical in these cases. At Terrell Hogan Law, we help clients gather:
- Surveillance footage or photographs showing the hazard
- Incident reports filed with the business or property owner
- Maintenance logs or inspection records
- Witness statements from employees or bystanders
- Medical documentation linking injuries to the fall
The sooner you contact a Jacksonville injury law firm, the better your chances of preserving vital evidence—especially in commercial properties that may delete security footage within days.
Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Cases in Florida
As of 2023, Florida law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or premises liability claim.
Missing this deadline may prevent recovery, but exceptions can apply—for example, if the injured person was a minor or incapacitated.
That’s why it’s crucial to reach out quickly to a premises liability attorney in Jacksonville who understands the deadlines and complexities of these cases.
Local Example: Jacksonville Slip and Fall Success Story
One of our recent cases involved a client injured by a leaking roof at the Orange Park Mall. The resulting slippery floor caused a serious fall and significant injuries. After a thorough investigation, Terrell Hogan Law secured a $1 million settlement on behalf of the victim.
Read more about this case: Slip and Fall Results in $1 Million Settlement.
This success story shows how property owners can—and must—be held accountable when unsafe conditions cause harm.
How Terrell Hogan Law Can Help
For nearly five decades, Terrell Hogan Law has represented Jacksonville residents injured by unsafe property conditions. As a trusted slip and fall lawyer in Jacksonville, our team knows how to investigate, document, and prove negligence in premises liability lawsuits.
Here’s how we help:
- On-site investigation to document hazards before they’re repaired or removed
- Expert analysis of building codes, maintenance records, and safety standards
- Negotiation and trial experience with insurance companies and property owners
- Compassionate communication to keep clients informed throughout their case
As a top Jacksonville injury law firm, we take pride in delivering both results and respect for every client we serve.
Conclusion
Slip and fall accidents can cause lasting pain and financial strain—but victims have rights under Florida law.
If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property in Jacksonville, the Premises Liability Team at Terrell Hogan Law is ready to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
📞 Contact Us Today to speak directly with a premises liability attorney in Jacksonville who will stand by your side from start to finish.
