Florida law requires property owners to maintain safe conditions for guests and customers. These safety rules aren’t optional. They’re in place to prevent the kinds of injuries that happen when walkways are wet, handrails are broken, or hazards are ignored. When those responsibilities are ignored, people get injured. And if that’s what brought you here, you’re probably already dealing with the consequences.
Medical bills. Missed work. Pain that doesn’t fade with rest. A slip and fall injury can disrupt your life in ways that go far beyond the moment you hit the ground. A Clearwater slip and fall lawyer can help you hold the property owner accountable and pursue the compensation you need to recover as fully as possible.
At Roman Austin, we represent people across Clearwater who were injured because someone failed to follow the rules. You don’t need to gather evidence, argue with an insurance adjuster, or guess what your case is worth. We’ll take care of all of that, so you can focus on what matters most: getting better.
Why Choose Roman Austin for Your Clearwater Slip and Fall Case?
When you’re recovering from an injury, you need more than legal experience. You need a team that treats your case with the personal care and urgency it deserves. At Roman Austin, we do exactly that.
Board certification and trial-tested results
Our firm includes a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, a rare distinction earned by fewer than 2% of attorneys in Florida. This certification reflects not just experience but demonstrated success in the courtroom. We’ve secured multi-million-dollar verdicts for clients and are always prepared to take a case to trial if that’s what it takes.
Clear communication, no surprises
Clients often tell us how refreshing it is to have a law firm that listens. We keep our caseload intentionally low so we can spend time with each client, understand their concerns, and maintain clear, consistent communication throughout the case.
Former defense attorneys on your side
Two of our attorneys previously defended insurance companies. Their experience gives us a valuable edge in predicting how insurers will value and fight your claim. We use that knowledge to build stronger cases and outmaneuver their strategies.
Zero upfront fees, only pay if we win
We handle slip and fall claims on a contingency fee basis. You owe nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf. That means we’re invested in your case, just like you are.
A proven track record across Clearwater
From fall injuries in parking garages off Court Street to wet floor incidents at chain stores on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, we’ve handled a wide range of slip and fall cases in this city. Our team has recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, and we fight for maximum compensation in every case.
We do this work because we care
Helping people who need it the most isn’t just what we do. It’s the reason we’re here. We’ve seen the disruption that a single fall can cause. A broken hip, a serious concussion, or a spinal injury can derail your ability to work, care for your family, or enjoy everyday life. When we take your case, we treat it with the same care we’d want for our own family. Your recovery deserves nothing less.
Key Takeaways
- Falls on unsafe property may qualify for a personal injury claim under Florida premises liability law
- Slip and fall cases often involve hazards such as slick floors, poor lighting, or broken stairs
- Injuries from falls can include traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and long-term impairments
- Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain, and future care needs
- Property owners and business operators may be held liable depending on the visitor’s legal status
- Florida’s statute of limitations for slip and fall cases is two years from the date of the accident
- A personal injury attorney can help investigate the fall, gather evidence, and deal with insurers
- Roman Austin handles everything on your behalf, so you can focus on healing while we fight for your compensation
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
Slip and fall accidents fall under the category of premises liability, a branch of personal injury law that holds property owners accountable when unsafe conditions cause harm. If you slipped on a wet floor, tripped over debris, or fell due to poor lighting, you may have a valid claim.
To recover compensation, you don’t need to prove the fall was your fault. Instead, you must show that the property owner either knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or provide adequate warning.
This legal duty applies whether you were shopping at a Clearwater grocery store, walking into a hotel lobby near the beach, or visiting a local friend’s apartment complex.
Common Slip and Fall Hazards
Slip and fall accidents can happen in any public, private, or commercial space. While every incident is unique, many are caused by recurring hazards that could have been corrected with reasonable care.
- Wet or slick floors: Often caused by spills, mopping without signage, or rainwater tracked indoors
- Broken stairs or handrails: Dangerous in multi-story properties, especially if lighting is poor
- Loose or torn carpeting: Easy to trip over in hotel lobbies, theaters, or apartment complexes
- Uneven pavement or cracked sidewalks: A frequent issue in parking lots, walkways, and older buildings
- Cluttered walkways: Boxes, cords, or merchandise left in aisles can block paths and cause trips
- Inadequate lighting: Shadows in stairwells or parking garages make hazards hard to see
Many of these conditions are simple to fix, but negligence turns them into injury risks. When property owners fail to correct or warn about these hazards, they may be held financially liable.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
People often associate falls with bruises or embarrassment. But the truth is, slip and fall injuries can be devastating, especially for older adults or anyone who strikes their head or spine during the fall. We’ve represented clients in Clearwater who suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions and head trauma
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Hip and pelvic fractures
- Wrist, arm, or ankle fractures
- Herniated discs and chronic back pain
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Joint damage requiring surgery or long-term rehab
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of TBIs nationwide, and in Florida, they are a major cause of hospitalization among residents over 65. A single misstep can lead to long-term disability, emotional distress, and significant financial losses.
Do I Have a Slip and Fall Case in Clearwater, Florida?
Not every fall results in a viable claim, but many do. Whether your case qualifies for compensation depends on several factors. The most important of these is whether the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the hazard.
Here’s what courts and insurance companies look at:
- Was the hazard foreseeable? For example, a puddle from a leaking cooler in a store should be addressed quickly
- Did the owner know or should they have known about the condition? Known as “actual or constructive knowledge”
- Were you lawfully on the property? This affects the duty of care owed to you
- Did you suffer actual damages? Medical records, wage loss, and pain levels all matter
Your attorney will investigate whether surveillance footage exists, interview witnesses, consult with medical providers, and work with experts to evaluate your damages. You don’t need to worry about collecting this evidence. We handle that for you.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Clearwater Slip and Fall Claim?
Slip and fall liability often falls on the property owner, but not always. Responsibility may also extend to tenants, management companies, maintenance contractors, or government entities. The key question is: Who was in control of the property at the time of your fall, and who had the duty to keep it safe?
In Clearwater, that might mean:
- A grocery chain off Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
- A restaurant tenant leasing space near Downtown Clearwater
- A property management company overseeing an apartment complex
- The City of Clearwater for an unsafe sidewalk or park facility
These parties may try to deflect blame or argue that your actions caused the fall. A seasoned attorney will gather records, identify the responsible party, and pursue claims against all liable individuals or entities.
Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers
Florida law classifies visitors to property into three groups, and each is owed a different level of care. Understanding your visitor status can help determine whether you have a valid legal claim.
- Invitees are people invited onto property for business purposes, such as customers in a store or patrons at a hotel. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, including routine inspections and prompt hazard corrections.
- Licensees are social guests who enter a property for non-business reasons. Homeowners must warn them about known hazards, but don’t have to inspect for hidden dangers.
- Trespassers are individuals who enter without permission. Property owners owe them only a limited duty, not to intentionally cause harm. There are exceptions for children under the attractive nuisance doctrine.
What Damages Are Available to Clearwater Slip and Fall Victims?
A fall can change your life in an instant, especially if it leads to lasting physical or financial harm. When you file a premises liability claim, you’re seeking compensation for both tangible losses and emotional suffering.
Available damages in a typical slip and fall claim may include:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Ongoing treatment, including surgeries and rehab
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages or income and reduced earning capacity
- Future medical expenses if long-term care is needed
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Loss of enjoyment of life or independence
- Home care or disability accommodations
- Wrongful death damages, if a fall proves fatal
Calculating the value of your claim requires careful analysis. Our Clearwater slip and fall attorneys consult with economists, life care planners, and medical professionals to ensure your compensation reflects the full scope of your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearwater Slip and Fall Accidents
What is the deadline for filing a slip and fall claim in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits generally allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a strict deadline, and there are exceptions that could affect your case, so it’s important to act quickly.
What if I was partly at fault for my fall?
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system, so you can still recover compensation for a slip and fall injury if you were partly at fault, as long as you are found to be less than 50% responsible. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of the blame.
How much does it cost to hire a Clearwater slip and fall lawyer?
At Roman Austin, our Clearwater slip and fall accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes out of any settlement or verdict we win for you, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
What should I do after a slip and fall accident?
After you’ve received medical attention for your slip and fall injuries, there are other steps you can take to protect your claim and its value:
- Hire a lawyer immediately to preserve evidence and handle communications
- Keep all medical appointments and follow through with treatments
- Document your symptoms and recovery in a journal or video log
- Save shoes and clothing worn during the fall as potential evidence
- Avoid discussing the incident with insurance companies before speaking to an attorney
How long will my slip and fall case take?
Most cases resolve within several months to a year, depending on the severity of injuries, length of treatment, and whether the case goes to trial. Complex or high-value claims may take longer. We will keep you informed at every step.
Injured in a Slip and Fall? Let Roman Austin Help You Take the Next Step
Property owners have a legal responsibility to fix hazards and protect visitors. If they didn’t and you’re now dealing with injuries, bills, or lasting pain, you have every right to hold them accountable.
At Roman Austin, our Clearwater slip and fall lawyers build strong, well-supported injury claims based on facts and Florida law. We take care of everything from start to finish: evidence, witness interviews, insurance negotiations, and, if needed, trial. All you need to do is get the care you need. We’ll handle the legal side with precision and urgency, and fight for your maximum recovery. Start the conversation today. Call us at (727) 787-2500 or contact us online for a free consultation. There is no obligation and no risk. We only get paid if we win your case.