Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Attorney — Fight for the Compensation You Deserve

Item: Maus Law Firm
Rating: 5
Author: Carol Austin

If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident in Fort Lauderdale, the experienced attorneys at Maus Law Firm are here to help you seek the compensation you need to recover. Slip and fall personal injuries can range from painful sprains to catastrophic injuries that turn your life upside down. Too often, these accidents happen because a property owner or manager failed to keep their premises safe.

Whether your injury happened at a home, local store, apartment complex, office, sidewalk, or commercial building, our team is ready to investigate and build your case. We understand the unique challenges of proving liability in Florida slip and fall claims — and we’ve helped countless Fort Lauderdale residents recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Why Choose Maus Law Firm?

Decades of experience handling slip and fall cases exclusively in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County
Track record of substantial settlements and verdicts for local clients
You don’t pay unless we win your case

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a slip and fall or other accident away from home, don’t wait. Florida law limits the time you have to file a claim. Call us for a FREE, no-obligation consultation today at 1-855-999-5297. Let’s discuss your options and see how a dedicated Fort Lauderdale slip and fall lawyer can make all the difference.

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When Should a Victim Contact a Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Lawyer?

In order to recover financial compensation for injuries sustained in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident, it is necessary to prove negligence on the part of the owner of the property or business where you fell. The one major exception is for job-related accidents, for which injured employees can often collect no-fault workers’ compensation benefits. However, injured workers may have “third-party” claims against property owners and other businesses as well; and, for this reason, we recommend that all fall victims consult with a Fort Lauderdale slip and fall law firm to seek full compensation for their injury-related losses.

When it comes to slip-and-fall accident claims (also known as “premises liability” claims), negligence can take many different forms. For example, common grounds for seeking just compensation from property and business owners include:

Failure to perform necessary maintenance or make necessary repairs
Failure to install and maintain adequate lighting
Failure to place warning signs, install fencing or cordon off hazardous areas
Failure to repair (or prevent access to) malfunctioning elevators and escalators
Failure to clear walkway obstructions or clean up spills
Faulty construction of buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, and stairwells
Other forms of negligence that expose guests, customers and employees to unnecessary and avoidable slip and trip risks

What Are Slip and Fall Accidents, and How Are They Classified Under Florida Law?

Slip and fall accidents, often addressed under the broader category of “premises liability” cases, occur when someone suffers injury due to unsafe conditions on another’s property. In Florida, the law requires property owners, tenants, and businesses to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors, guests, and even—under certain circumstances—trespassers.

These incidents can happen anywhere, from supermarket aisles caked with spilled liquids to slick office lobbies, poorly lit apartment stairwells, bumpy sidewalks, or cluttered retail spaces. Under Florida law, slip and fall accidents are generally sorted into two main categories:

Same-Level Falls: The most common type, these occur when someone falls on a flat surface, such as tripping over a loose floorboard or slipping in a puddle.
Elevated Falls: Less frequent but often more serious, these involve falls from stairs, ladders, ramps, or other raised areas.

No matter the scenario, the injuries resulting from slip or trip and falls can be severe—ranging from minor bruises to catastrophic spinal or brain trauma. Besides immediate pain and potential hospitalization, victims may face long-term physical challenges, emotional distress, and mounting bills. Recognizing the risks, Florida law holds property owners to standards of care based on why the injured person was present, whether as an invited guest, customer, or, in some situations, even as a trespasser.

Who Can File a Slip and Fall Accident Claim in Florida?

Another important aspect of premises liability cases in Florida is that the reason why the victim was on the property matters. A key element of any negligence-based claim is proof of a “duty,” and property owners and tenants owe different duties under different circumstances. When evaluating your claim, one of your Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney’s first tasks will be to determine what duty was owed based on the reason why you were on the premises where you slipped and fell.

Under Florida law, when you are on someone else’s property, you are either classified as: (i) an invitee, (ii) an invited licensee, (iii) an uninvited licensee, or (iv) a trespasser.

1. Your Legal Rights as an “Invitee”

If you are patronizing a business or on public land for authorized purposes, you are considered an “invitee” (Florida cases have further divided this category into “public invitees” and “business invitees,” although the rights of all invitees are the same). With respect to invitees, property owners and tenants have a duty to remedy or warn of dangers of which they either (i) are aware, or (ii) should be aware with the exercise of reasonable diligence. In other words, they have an ongoing obligation to maintain their premises in reasonably safe condition.

2. You’re Protected If You Were Invited to the Property

If you are visiting someone else’s residence with an invitation, you are considered an “invited licensee.” Under Florida law, residential property owners owe the same legal duty to invited licensees as business owners owe to invitees.

3. Our Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Attorney/Lawyers Can Help You Even if You Lacked an Invitation to Use the Property

If you are visiting a business or residence for your own purposes without an invitation, you are considered an “uninvited licensee.” This would be the case, for example, if you were going door-to-door soliciting business or donations. With respect to uninvited licensees, property owners and tenants in Florida have a duty only to refrain from causing “willful or wanton injury.” In other words, property owners cannot attack uninvited licensees (subject to Florida’s “stand your ground law”) or set traps designed to cause physical harm to unwanted visitors.

4. What if You Were Trespassing When You Slipped and Fell?

If you are on someone else’s property without authorization and without any legally-permissible purpose, you are considered a “trespasser.” In Florida, trespassers have the same legal rights as uninvited licensees with regard to seeking just compensation for injuries from slips and falls.

What was your legal status when you slipped and fell? Most likely, you were either an invitee or an invited licensee, so the property owner or tenant had a duty to exercise reasonable care to protect you against unnecessary harm. However, the property owner or tenant may dispute this; and, if it does, you will need your Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney to present a convincing case for just compensation. Attorney Joseph Maus has decades of experience handling slip and fall claims in Florida, and he can use this experience to prove your claim for damages.

The Legal Process for Slip and Fall Claims

It is important for a person who has been injured in a slip and fall accident to understand the legal process for making claims for compensation in Florida.

Making a Claim With the Insurance Company: Your attorney is likely to first make a claim with the property owner’s insurance company. This is usually done in the form of a demand letter. The demand letter will state that the property owner is at fault for the client’s injury and make a demand for settlement. An experienced Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney will include critical information in the demand letter, such as information about the accident and evidence of the client’s injuries.
Filing the Lawsuit: If the insurance company does not make an adequate settlement offer, your attorney may have no choice but to file a lawsuit against the property owner. However, the insurance company may still settle after the lawsuit is filed. In fact, filing the lawsuit can be exactly the leverage you need to force the insurance company to take your claim seriously.
The Discovery Process: This is the phase of litigation where the two sides exchange information. The parties exchange written questions and answers and take depositions. In addition, an accident investigation will take place, and accident report will be created and statements may be obtained from witnesses.
Trial: If the case reaches this point, the trial may be before a judge or jury. Both sides will present evidence and witness testimony, and the attorneys will present their arguments. Settlement may still be reached during trial or even after trial if there is the threat of an appeal.

A Fort Lauderdale slip and fall lawyer is essential for every step in this process. From dealing with the insurance company to taking the case to trial if necessary, your attorney will provide you with the best chance of recovering compensation.

Common Injuries in Falls

There are many ways that people can become injured in slip and fall accidents. Some of these are relatively minor, but others require hospitalization and might even produce long-term disabilities. Here are just a few common ways that people get hurt in these types of accidents:

1. Broken Bones

Often, when people fall, they attempt to catch themselves with their hands. This can cause broken bones in the hand or wrist.

In other cases, people can break their ankles, legs, hips or even fracture their skulls. Broken bones take a long time to heal, especially when the victim is elderly, so this kind of accident can have long-term consequences.

2. Spinal Cord Injury Injuring the spinal cord often is devastating and can result in partial or complete paralysis. This can happen when someone falls and hits his or her back on a hard object, such as a box or shelf, or when people fall at odd angles.

3. Head Trauma

A head wound can be dangerous. An open wound might bleed profusely; a closed wound might result in a brain injury or concussion. More severe head trauma can cause permanent, life-altering damage.

Damages Recovered in Florida Slip and Fall Cases

Serious injuries and even death can result from Fort Lauderdale slip and fall cases. Bone fractures, internal injuries and injuries to the head and spinal cord are all too common. Below are the most common forms of legal damages an injured victim can recover in slip and fall cases:

Medical Expenses: This category includes bills for both past and future medical treatment. If a lawsuit is filed and the case proceeds to trial, expert testimony will likely be necessary to estimate future expenses.
Pain and Suffering: While the amount of a pain and suffering award is unpredictable, it can be a substantial portion of a victim’s damages. If a slip and fall victim has to live with a serious injury that is long-lasting or even permanent, the amount of the pain and suffering award could potentially be high.
Lost Wages: A person who misses work due to their slip and fall-related injuries may be entitled to recover lost wages.
Lower Earning Capacity: If the injured victim can no longer perform the work they did before the accident or if they cannot earn as much, they may be able to recover damages for loss of earning capacity.
Wrongful Death Damages: The family and loved ones of a person killed in a slip and fall may be able to recover wrongful death damages, such as loss of financial support and loss of companionship.

Our Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Attorney Advises You to Do the Following After a Fall

If you or a family member has suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident, ,you need to take immediate action. Along with scheduling a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible, we recommend taking the following actions:

Seek medical attention. After an accident, your first step should always be to seek medical attention. Not only do you need to make sure that your injuries are treated right away, you need to be checked out because not all injuries from a slip and fall are readily apparent at the time of the accident. Latent injuries can cause big problems later. If you are seriously injured, call 911.
Make sure your injuries are documented. Your Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney will need documentation of your injuries to help fight for just compensation for your injuries. Make sure you get this documentation from your doctor. If you called 911, get a copy of the EMS report.
Get photographs. It is important to document the area where you fell. If you can, pull out your phone and take a photo of the accident and surrounding area as soon as the fall occurs. Insurance companies often try to dispute that a dangerous situation existed, and a picture paints a thousand words.
Write down all the facts. The facts and details of your accident claim are extremely important. The location of the fall, the location of store employees near the fall, the type and size of the condition that caused you to fall, the lighting — these are all facts that play an important role in making a slip and fall or trip and fall claim. Write everything down while it is still fresh in your mind.
Request that an accident report be completed right away. Most business employees are trained to complete an incident report. As experienced Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorneys, we have seen situations where employees try to fix or clean up the dangerous condition that caused you to fall. Requesting that an incident report be filed at the time of your accident will make the business document that a fall occurred, that you were injured (be sure to explain all your injuries; and if you discover injuries later, go back and have the business update their report), and will hopefully contain notes about what caused you to fall. If your signature is requested on the incident report, MAKE SURE THE DETAILS ARE CORRECT, or the insurance company will try to use it against you in the future.
Get witness names and contact information. There is strength in numbers. An insurance company and their attorneys will attempt to attack your credibility. But when your story is corroborated by another independent witness or two, who tell the same version of events that you have given, it makes it difficult for the insurance company to deny your claim.

Our Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Attorney Outlines the Importance of Video Surveillance Footage

Most businesses, especially retailers and grocery stores, use videotape cameras to record occurrences at the business. Although most businesses won’t admit it, the primary reason they use cameras is not due to guests, but to monitor their employees. A nice side effect to all the videotape cameras is that they capture everything that goes on at the business, including injuries and accidents that happen to guests. However, these videotapes usually tape over themselves after a certain period of time. In smaller businesses, the tape loop re-tapes every 24 hours. In larger businesses they keep the tapes for up to one week, or longer if the tape helps the business. If the tape shows a dangerous condition that caused a slip and fall accident, they usually get taped over or destroyed shortly after the accident.

An injured party should immediately notify the business where they become injured, in writing, that all evidence, including videotape surveillance of the business is to be preserved, without alteration, until the injured party has an opportunity to review the videotape. By taking this step — or asking your slip and fall lawyer to do so — you may possibly preserve the single, most critical piece of evidence to your claim.

Slip and Fall FAQs

Should I Go Back to Where I Slipped and Fell to Take Photos?

Once you leave the location where you fell, you should generally rely on a Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney to collect any additional evidence. Your attorney can hire an investigator to visit the scene and take photos, and this investigator will know exactly what to photograph in order to help prove your claim for damages.

In slip and fall cases, it is often important to gather evidence quickly before the property owner remedies the issue that caused you to fall. As a result, rather than returning to the location yourself, you should contact a Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney right away.

What if the Owner of the Property or Business Prepares a False Incident Report?

If the property or business owner prepares a false incident report, you should not sign it if asked to do so. Write down the details as you remember them, and then give your notes to your attorney. By conducting an investigation, talking to witnesses, and using your notes and medical records to prove both the cause and the extent of your injuries, your attorney can work to overcome any false information put forth by the property or business owner.

How Do Same-Level and Elevated Falls Differ?

When it comes to slip and fall accidents, the law groups them into two broad categories: same-level falls and elevated falls. The difference may sound straightforward, but it has a real impact on both the potential injuries and how your case is handled.

Same-level falls happen when someone slips, trips, or stumbles and lands on the same surface they started on—think slipping on a wet grocery store floor or tripping over an uneven sidewalk.
Elevated falls, on the other hand, involve a change in height, such as falling down stairs, off a ladder, or from a raised platform.

While same-level falls are more common, elevated falls often result in more serious injuries—broken bones, spinal damage, or even head trauma are not unusual. From a legal perspective, both fall types are treated seriously, but the severity of the injury, circumstances of the fall, and where it occurred will influence how your case is evaluated and the compensation you may be entitled to seek.

If you’re unsure about the type of accident you experienced, or if you have questions about which category your injury falls into, discussing the details with a local attorney who handles slip and fall cases in Fort Lauderdale can be a smart first step.

Can I Sue My Employer for Slip and Fall in Florida and Still Go to Work While My Slip and Fall Case Is Pending?

The answer to this question depends on your doctor’s advice. If your doctor says that you can return to work without risking further injury or delaying your recovery, then there generally won’t be an issue with you returning to your job. However, if your doctor recommends that you rest while your injuries heal, then returning to work prematurely could be detrimental to both your recovery and your claim for financial compensation.

Due to the potential impacts on your slip and fall accident claim, before you return to work, you should consult with your attorney. Your attorney can help you make a smart decision. If returning to work would be ill-advised but you are also at risk for going into debt, there are options available that your attorney can help you consider as well.

What Should I Know About Slip and Fall Accident Cases Involving Commercial vs. Residential Properties?

The key differences between commercial and residential slip and fall claims often center on liability and the duties owed by property owners. Commercial property owners—think retailers, restaurants, or supermarkets—typically have broader obligations to maintain safe premises for customers, contractors, and other visitors. In many cases, these businesses have regular inspections, cleaning schedules, and security (like those ever-present surveillance cameras waiting to tape over themselves) designed to ensure hazards are addressed quickly.

Residential property owners—such as landlords or individual homeowners—also have responsibilities, but they may not face the same level of scrutiny or standards as businesses. For instance, a landlord must keep common areas reasonably safe, but their duty inside a tenant’s private living space may be more limited. Homeowners are generally responsible for hazards they knew about or should have reasonably known about (like a loose step or icy walkway).

Whether the fall occurred at a commercial or residential location, victims may deal with similar outcomes, including:

Medical bills and ongoing treatment expenses
Missed work or temporary loss of income during recovery
Long-term or even permanent limitations, depending on the severity of injuries

No matter the location, it’s crucial to document the scene, seek medical attention, and speak with an attorney who understands the nuances between these types of properties. Each situation is unique, and pursuing compensation may involve different approaches and legal strategies depending on where—and how—the accident happened.

What Should I Do if I Slipped and Fell While Visiting from Out of Town?

If you slipped and fell while visiting Fort Lauderdale from out of town, you should still see a local doctor, and you should consult with a Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney right away. You can return home as soon as it is safe for you to travel, but it is important that you seek treatment promptly, and you will need to hire an attorney in Fort Lauderdale to handle your claim.

What Should I Expect During a Free Consultation With a Slip and Fall Attorney?

When you schedule a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney, you can expect a straightforward and supportive conversation focused on understanding your unique situation. The attorney will begin by asking you to describe how your accident happened, including where and when you fell, what caused the incident, and the nature of your injuries. Be prepared to share any documents you have—such as incident reports, medical records, photos of the scene, or correspondence from insurance companies.

During this meeting, the attorney will listen carefully, take notes, and might ask follow-up questions to clarify facts or identify potential issues. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask your own questions about the legal process, your rights, and what happens next. Most importantly, the attorney will explain whether you may have a viable claim, discuss possible strategies, and let you know what evidence is needed to strengthen your case.

There is no obligation to hire the attorney after the consultation. This meeting is designed to help you make an informed decision—and to ensure you feel confident moving forward, should you choose to pursue your claim.

What Kinds of Questions Can I Ask a Slip and Fall Lawyer About My Case?

When meeting with a Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney, you’re encouraged to ask any questions that can help you better understand your legal rights and the claims process. Some common topics include:

Whether you have a valid slip and fall claim under Florida law
What steps you should take to protect your rights
How long your case might take to resolve
What types of compensation you may be entitled to seek
How your medical treatment and records can impact your case
What evidence will be most helpful in supporting your claim
What to expect during the investigation and legal process

No question is too small—your attorney and their support staff can help you navigate every aspect of your slip and fall injury, providing clear answers whether you’re worried about insurance, lost wages, or navigating medical care in Fort Lauderdale.

What Results Have Slip and Fall Lawyers Achieved for Their Clients?

Slip and fall lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have helped clients recover substantial compensation for their injuries, from covering medical bills and lost wages to securing additional damages for pain and suffering. Many victims have received sizable settlements and court awards that have enabled them to focus on their recovery instead of financial worry.

In fact, experienced attorneys routinely negotiate successful outcomes, even in complex cases—whether that means reaching a fair settlement with an insurance company or taking the case to trial and winning a verdict. If you’re curious about what might be possible in your own case, an attorney can discuss examples of past results that may be similar to your situation, so you have a realistic idea of what to expect.

How Long Do I Have to Get a Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Attorney ?

In most cases, you have four years to file a slip and fall claim under Florida’s statute of limitations. However, you will need to take legal action much sooner in some cases (i.e. if you fell on public property); and, as we mentioned above, it will be important for your attorney to collect the available evidence as soon as possible.

What Happens If I Miss the Statute of Limitations Deadline for Filing a Claim?

Missing the deadline set by Florida’s statute of limitations can have serious consequences for your slip and fall case. If you try to file your claim after the time limit has passed, the court will almost always dismiss your case, and you’ll lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

There are only a handful of rare exceptions where a late claim might be considered—for example, if the injured person was legally incapacitated or the defendant actively concealed information related to the incident. However, such exceptions are uncommon and usually require strong evidence.

Given how strict Florida courts are about these deadlines, it’s essential to act quickly and consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This will help protect your ability to pursue your claim and maximize your chances of a successful recovery.

What Is the Difference Between Same-Level and Elevated Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents are generally divided into two categories: same-level falls and elevated falls.

Same-level slip and falls occur when someone slips, trips, or stumbles on a flat surface, such as a wet floor at a Publix, an uneven sidewalk in Las Olas, or loose carpeting at a hotel. These incidents are the most common type of slip and fall accident.

On the other hand, elevated slip and falls happen when someone falls from a height—think staircases at a Fort Lauderdale condo, escalators at a shopping mall, or even curbs. Although less frequent than same-level falls, elevated falls often cause more severe injuries, such as broken bones or spinal damage, because of the extra distance involved.

In either situation, both types of accidents can result in substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Understanding how your fall occurred—and whether it involved an elevation—can help your attorney determine liability and the potential extent of your damages.

Recover From Your Slip and Fall Case With the Help of a Top Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Attorney

Your claim deserves a lawyer that is experienced in slip and fall accidents and premises liability cases. We know the law and we know how to successfully pursue a claim for you. Speak to a Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorney in our South Florida office to have your questions answered. Call <a href=”tel:18559995297″>1-855-999-5297</a> today.

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