A slip and fall accident that never should have happened can leave you with more than physical pain. It might mean weeks of recovery, paychecks you can’t earn, and bills piling up while you try to focus on getting better.
Most people don’t expect property owners or businesses to ignore something dangerous. But when they do, and you suffer injuries for it, the consequences are real. The impact shows up in your body, your routine, and your finances, and you wonder if your life will ever be normal again.
Roman Austin’s St. Petersburg slip and fall lawyers represent clients across the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area who are dealing with serious injuries after slip and fall accidents. If you’re unsure what your rights are in this situation or what steps to take next, give us a call at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation. Our team of top-performing legal professionals knows how to get results, and we’re ready to discuss your case.
Why Choose Roman Austin for Your Slip and Fall Case?
At Roman Austin, we don’t treat your case like a number. We limit our caseload so we can provide personal attention, prompt communication, and thorough representation to every client.
Decades of experience and results
Our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience in Florida personal injury law and have recovered over $200 million for clients. We understand how Florida law applies to slip and fall accidents and what it takes to win.
Board certification and professional recognition
One of our founding attorneys is Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction held by less than 2% of all Florida lawyers. Our firm also holds Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating and Super Lawyers recognition.
Former insurance defense lawyers on your side
Before representing injury victims, our lawyers worked for the insurance companies. We know their tactics, valuation strategies, and weak points, and we use that insight to your advantage.
A caring, client-first approach
After helping countless accident victims and their families, we’ve seen the toll serious injuries can take. We care because we’ve witnessed the struggles firsthand, and we want to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible for you.
A local presence in St. Petersburg
We live and work in the Tampa Bay area, and we’re familiar with the places where many of these accidents happen. Whether your injury occurred in downtown St. Pete, Historic Kenwood, or a beachside community, we understand the local landscape and how to build a case that reflects it.
Clear communication, from start to finish
You won’t be left guessing about what’s happening with your case. Our attorneys and support team keep you informed, return your calls, and explain everything in plain language, so you can feel confident in every decision.
No fees unless we win
You shouldn’t have to worry about affording quality representation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Key Takeaways
- Property owners in St. Petersburg are legally required to maintain safe premises for visitors.
- Slip and fall accidents can happen in businesses, homes, or public places due to wet floors, poor lighting, or broken infrastructure.
- Common fall injuries include fractures, spinal damage, and concussions, some with lifelong consequences.
- Victims may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional pain, and more.
- Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which may reduce your award if you’re partially at fault.
- You typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a slip and fall in Florida.
- Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts — a skilled lawyer can help protect your rights and build a strong case.
- Roman Austin has a long track record of securing compensation for injured clients and is ready to help with your slip and fall case.
Slip and Fall Accidents Are More Common Than You Think
Most people don’t expect a fall to change their lives. But in St. Petersburg and across the country, fall injuries are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits and long-term disability.
Slip and fall accidents can happen in nearly any environment, but they often result from poor maintenance or unsafe conditions, especially in high-traffic areas such as:
- Grocery stores with wet or recently mopped floors
- Office buildings with torn carpeting or uneven flooring
- Sidewalks or parking lots with cracked pavement or poor lighting
- Restaurants or bars with spilled food or drinks
- Apartment complexes with broken handrails or unmarked hazards
St. Petersburg property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to take action or ignore dangerous conditions altogether, they may be held responsible under Florida premises liability law.
The Hidden Cost of Fall Injuries
At first, you might assume your injuries will heal quickly. But slip and fall accidents often cause more than temporary pain. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the U.S. From soft tissue damage to spinal cord injuries, the consequences of a slip and fall accident can be severe and long-lasting.
Common injuries from fall accidents in St. Petersburg include:
- Fractured wrists, arms, or hips
- Back or spinal cord injuries
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Sprained ankles or torn ligaments
- Shoulder or knee damage
- Chronic pain or loss of mobility
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries for anyone, but for older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions, the risks are even greater and sometimes deadly.
Slip and fall injuries can affect your ability to live independently, care for your family, and enjoy daily life. The St. Petersburg Slip and Fall Lawyers at Roman Austin understand the emotional pain and disruption these injuries cause, and we’re here to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all you’ve suffered and lost.
What You Can Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in St. Petersburg
If you’ve already sought medical care for your fall injuries, you’ve taken the most important first step. But protecting your personal injury claim doesn’t stop there. There are other steps you should take or continue taking to improve your chances of a successful case.
Here are some steps you should follow after receiving medical attention:
- Hire a lawyer as soon as possible. A St. Petersburg slip and fall lawyer can deal with the insurance companies, preserve key evidence, and protect your legal rights.
- Keep all follow-up appointments. Staying consistent with your medical treatment helps document your recovery and avoids gaps that insurers may use against you.
- Track your symptoms and limitations. Journaling or recording how your injury affects your sleep, work, mobility, and mental health can strengthen your claim.
- Save your records. Keep copies of medical bills, receipts, prescriptions, and communication with insurance companies.
- Avoid posting about the accident. What you share on social media can be used to cast doubt on your injuries or credibility.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. The legal team at Roman Austin can walk you through every step and handle the paperwork, communication, and negotiations on your behalf.
How a St. Petersburg Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help You
Slip and fall cases might seem straightforward, but proving liability isn’t always easy. Insurance companies will often deny or minimize your claim, even when a business or property owner was clearly at fault. That’s why it’s important to have an injury lawyer on your side who knows how to build a strong case.
A slip and fall attorney at Roman Austin can:
- Investigate how and why the fall happened
- Identify the property owner’s actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard
- Determine who is legally responsible for your injuries
- Work with medical professionals to value your physical and emotional pain
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Negotiate for full and fair compensation
- File a personal injury lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Most personal injury cases settle without going to trial. But when necessary, we’re ready to present your case in court and fight for your rights.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall?
Fall injuries often come with costs you didn’t anticipate, and not all of them are financial. From medical bills to time away from work, a slip and fall can impact nearly every part of your life. A personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for the full scope of your losses.
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses. This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, follow-ups, imaging, surgery, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages and income. If your injuries kept you from working, you may be compensated for missed paychecks or future earnings.
- Non-economic damages. These cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, reduced quality of life, and loss of enjoyment.
- Property damage. If your glasses, phone, or other valuables were damaged in the fall, you can seek reimbursement.
- Wrongful death damages. If your loved one passed away due to a fall injury, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.
At Roman Austin, we evaluate every detail of your injury to make sure no damage goes overlooked. We want you to walk away with a settlement or verdict that reflects the true impact of your fall, not just the visible injuries.
How Could Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rule Affect Your Case?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means if you’re partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found to be more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from recovering anything.
For example, if a court finds that you were 20% at fault—say you were looking at your phone when you slipped—and the property owner was 80% responsible for failing to fix a known hazard, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%.
Insurance companies know this rule well and may try to push more blame onto you. That’s why it’s important to have a trusted St. Petersburg personal injury attorney who can challenge unfair accusations, protect your legal rights, and fight for your full and fair compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in St. Petersburg?
Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for most slip and fall injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover any compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.
There are some exceptions, such as if a minor was injured or the fall happened on government property. These situations can be complicated, and they require legal insight to navigate properly.
Besides legal deadlines, there are plenty of other reasons to take legal action swiftly after an accident. The sooner you contact a St. Petersburg slip and fall lawyer, the better your chances of preserving key evidence and protecting your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a valid slip and fall case?
If you fell due to an unsafe condition that a property owner knew or should have known about, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. A lawyer can assess your case during a free consultation and help you understand your legal options.
What if the fall happened at a friend’s or neighbor’s house?
You may still be entitled to compensation. Homeowners are often covered by liability insurance, and a claim typically goes through their insurer, not their personal finances. These cases require careful handling, but they’re absolutely valid.
Will I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases, including slip and fall claims, settle out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. Roman Austin prepares every case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to stronger settlements.
What should I bring to my free consultation?
Bring any documentation you have: medical records, photos of the accident scene, witness contact info, incident reports, and communication with insurance companies. If you don’t have everything, that’s okay — we’ll help you gather what you need.
How much does it cost to hire a slip and fall lawyer?
At Roman Austin, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front, and we only get paid if we win your case. There are no hidden fees, no retainers, and no hourly billing.
Don’t Wait to Get the Help You Deserve — Call Roman Austin Today
You didn’t ask to get hurt. But now that someone else’s carelessness has left you dealing with pain, stress, and financial strain, you have the right to take action — and you don’t have to do it alone.
At Roman Austin, we know how hard it is to move forward after an injury. We’ve helped countless clients get their lives back on track, and we’re ready to fight for you with the same determination, compassion, and experience.
Call our St. Petersburg office at (727) 787-2500 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain exactly how we can help without cost or obligation.