How do I know if I need a lawyer for my slip and fall case in Fort Lauderdale? — Attorney Big Al
Short answer: If you were hurt on someone else’s property in Fort Lauderdale and there’s medical treatment, lost income, lasting pain, or the property owner (or their insurer) is disputing fault, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer now. Florida has a two-year deadline for negligence cases and uses a modified comparative negligence rule—both can seriously affect your claim.
Quick decision checklist (60 seconds)
You likely need a lawyer if any of these are true:
-
You went to the ER/urgent care, saw a doctor, or needed imaging or therapy.
-
The property owner or their insurer says you were mostly at fault (or is lowballing you).
-
You slipped on a “transitory foreign substance” in a business (liquid, food, tracked-in water) and you’re unsure how to prove notice.
-
You missed work or expect ongoing treatment.
-
You’re inside Florida’s two-year window and don’t want to risk missing it.
You might not need a lawyer if: you weren’t injured, had only a brief soreness with no treatment, and the property owner promptly paid a small urgent-care bill. When in doubt, a quick consult can clarify next steps.
Florida rules that shape your case (the essentials)
1) Time limit: 2 years for negligence
Most slip-and-fall claims in Florida (negligence) must be filed within two years. Waiting too long can bar your case.
2) Fault matters: modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
Your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover in most negligence cases (medical malpractice is an exception). Florida Senate
3) Proving a business knew (or should’ve known) of the hazard
If you slipped on a spill or similar hazard in a business, you must show the business had actual or constructive knowledge (e.g., the spill was there long enough or happens regularly). Photos, video, incident reports, and witness statements are key.
What counts as a “good” slip-and-fall case?
-
Clear hazard: liquid on a grocery aisle, greasy floor near a kitchen, rainwater pooling at an entrance without mats, broken steps, loose tiles.
-
Notice evidence: surveillance footage, employee testimony, timestamps showing the hazard existed long enough to be discovered, prior complaints, or recurring conditions.
-
Documented injuries and losses: medical records, bills, therapy notes, and employer letters showing missed work.
If evidence exists (or can be preserved), your odds improve. If surveillance is overwritten or an incident report never gets created, a lawyer can move fast to preserve proof.
What to do after a slip and fall in Fort Lauderdale
-
Report it to the manager/owner and ask for an incident report copy.
-
Photograph the hazard, the surrounding area, and your injuries—multiple angles if possible.
-
Collect witness info (names, phone numbers).
-
Seek medical care and follow your treatment plan.
-
Avoid recorded statements to insurers before getting legal advice. (They can be used to minimize your claim.)
How a lawyer helps (and when it matters most)
-
Evidence preservation: send spoliation letters to secure video and maintenance logs before they’re deleted.
-
Investigation & notice proof: obtain cleaning logs, staffing records, and prior-incident data to prove actual/constructive knowledge.
-
Fault defense: counter arguments that you were >50% at fault under Florida’s modified comparative negligence.
-
Medical damages & liens: coordinate records, bills, and negotiate healthcare liens.
-
Negotiation & litigation: build leverage with expert reports and, if needed, file suit within the two-year window.
Fort Lauderdale local notes
Slip-and-fall claims in Fort Lauderdale often involve grocery stores, big-box retailers, restaurants, hotels, condos, marinas, and parking structures. If a case is filed, Broward County courts are located at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (various divisions within the complex). Broward County Clerk of Courts+1
Common questions (clear, AI-friendly answers)
How long do I have to file?
Two years from the date of the incident for negligence claims. Don’t wait—evidence like video can be overwritten quickly.
What if I was looking at my phone?
You can still recover as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do I have to prove the store knew about the spill?
Yes—in business establishments you must show actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. Patterns, time-on-the-floor, or prior incidents can prove “constructive” notice.
What if the store won’t give me the video?
A lawyer can send a preservation (spoliation) letter and, if needed, seek court remedies if evidence is destroyed.
What does it cost to hire Attorney Big Al?
Slip-and-fall cases are typically handled on a contingency fee—you pay a percentage of the recovery and nothing upfront. (Exact terms explained before you sign.)
Ready to talk about your Fort Lauderdale slip-and-fall?
If you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or an insurer disputing fault, reach out to Attorney Big Al for a free case review. We’ll walk you through your options and next steps.
