When to hire a slip and fall lawyer: Know your rights

Every year, thousands of Floridians are injured in slip and fall accidents—at grocery stores, restaurants, parking lots, apartment complexes, and countless other places. While some falls cause only minor scrapes or bruises, others lead to serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries.

If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, you may be wondering: Do I really need a lawyer? Can’t I just file a claim myself? The truth is, knowing when to call a slip and fall lawyer can make the difference between walking away with a fraction of what you deserve—or securing the compensation you truly need to recover.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we’ve spent decades fighting for the rights of injured Floridians. Here’s what you need to know about slip and fall accidents and whether you need to hire a slip and fall lawyer.

Understanding your rights after a slip and fall

Under Florida law, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe and free from hazards. If they fail to repair dangerous conditions—or fail to warn visitors about them—they can be held liable for injuries that occur.

However, proving liability isn’t always simple. Insurance companies often argue that the accident was your fault or that the hazard wasn’t dangerous enough to cause injury. Knowing your rights early can help you avoid these common pitfalls.

You may have a case if:

• The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
• The dangerous condition wasn’t obvious to you.
• You suffered documented injuries because of the fall.

Florida’s modified comparative negligence law

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule for personal injury cases—including slip and fall accidents. This law directly affects how much compensation you can recover if you are found partially at fault for your accident.

Here’s how it works:

• Your total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
• If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

Example: If your damages total $100,000 but you are found 20% at fault for not noticing a hazard that was partially visible, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.

This makes it especially important to work with an experienced slip and fall lawyer—because insurance companies often try to inflate your percentage of fault to limit or deny your claim entirely.

When to call a slip and fall lawyer

While some cases can be handled without legal help, there are situations where hiring a lawyer right away is crucial:

• Severe injuries: Broken bones, head trauma, or injuries requiring surgery or long-term care.
• Lost wages: If your injury keeps you out of work for weeks or months.
• Disputed liability: If the property owner or insurer claims you were at fault.
• Insurance denials: If your claim is rejected or the settlement offer is unreasonably low.

The earlier a lawyer gets involved, the better they can gather evidence—like surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance records—that might otherwise be lost.

How a slip and fall lawyer can strengthen your case

An experienced attorney can:

• Investigate the accident: Identify who’s responsible and uncover proof of negligence.
• Handle negotiations: Deal directly with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to.
• Assess damages: Calculate the full value of your claim, including medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and future expenses.
• Represent you in court: If the insurance company refuses to settle fairly.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Injured in a slip and fall accident?

Call 866-930-6435 now to speak with a slip and fall lawyer for free

In Florida, the statute of limitations for slip and fall claims is limited—typically two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to seek compensation entirely.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we’ve been protecting the rights of injured Floridians for over 40 years. We know the physical, emotional, and financial toll a slip and fall injury can take on you and your family—and we’re here to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. From lost wages and mounting medical bills to pain, suffering, and future care needs, our experienced team will work tirelessly to hold negligent property owners accountable.

You’re not just another case number to us—our compassionate attorneys take the time to listen, understand your situation, and guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a FREE case review by calling 866-930-6435