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5 Common Causes of a Slip and Fall Accident in Miami, Florida | Call 305-390-4259

You’re walking through a Miami shopping center or stepping out of your car in the humid South Florida air when, suddenly, your feet slip out from under you. The pain is immediate, and the shock is worse. A simple outing turns into a serious injury. But what caused it?

Slip and fall accidents happen more often than you might think, leaving people with fractures, head injuries, and medical bills they never saw coming. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if property owners had maintained safe conditions.

Below are five of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in Miami and what you need to know about your legal rights if you’re injured.

1. Wet or Slippery Surfaces

Miami’s heat and humidity bring frequent rain, and with that comes slick floors, wet sidewalks, and slippery tile entryways. Whether it’s rainwater tracked indoors, a spilled drink in a restaurant, or a leaking AC unit, these hazards can cause serious falls.

Florida law holds property owners responsible for keeping their premises safe. Under Florida Statutes Section 768.0755, injured persons must prove that the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard and failed to take corrective action. If a business knew about a spill and did nothing to clean it up or prevent harm, it may be liable for injuries.

Examples of negligence:

  • A grocery store ignores water pooling near the entrance after a rainstorm
  • A hotel pool deck stays dangerously wet without non-slip mats or warning signs
  • A restaurant server spills a drink and walks away, leaving an unmarked hazard

If a property owner knew (or should have known) about a wet surface and didn’t fix it, they could be responsible for your medical costs, lost wages, and more.

2. Uneven or Damaged Flooring

Cracked sidewalks, loose tiles, and torn carpets create hidden tripping hazards. You may not even notice a broken floorboard or a misaligned step until it’s too late.

Florida law requires property owners to keep walkways in a safe condition. If a sidewalk is on public property, Miami-Dade County may be responsible, but claims against government entities have stricter deadlines under Florida Statutes Section 768.28.

Common locations for falls:

  • Sidewalks – Cracks from tree roots or heavy foot traffic
  • Apartment Buildings – Broken stairs, loose carpeting, or missing railings
  • Stores and Office Buildings – Worn flooring or uneven tiles in high-traffic areas

If an owner knew about a damaged walkway and ignored it, they may be liable for your injuries.

3. Poor Lighting Conditions

Dimly lit staircases, dark parking garages, and unmarked step-downs make it easy to misstep. Without proper lighting, hazards that would normally be visible become invisible.

Property owners must provide adequate lighting in stairwells, walkways, and parking lots to reduce fall risks. They could be responsible for an accident if they fail to replace burned-out bulbs or neglect proper lighting.

High-risk areas:

  • A stairwell in a parking structure has broken lights, making steps impossible to see
  • An outdoor walkway lacks lighting, hiding cracks and uneven pavement
  • A restaurant or bar dims lights excessively, concealing trip hazards

If a property owner knew about a poor lighting condition and didn’t fix it, that can be grounds for a claim.

4. Cluttered Walkways

Aisles blocked by merchandise, construction debris on sidewalks, or electrical cords running across floors create serious tripping hazards.

Under Florida law, property owners and businesses must keep walkways clear to prevent accidents. Failure to remove a hazard within a reasonable time could be a sign of negligence.

Common clutter-related falls:

  • A retail store leaves unpacked inventory blocking the aisles
  • A construction company lets debris pile up on a public sidewalk
  • A grocery store or warehouse leaves empty boxes or carts in walkways, making it easy to trip

Property owners must take steps to prevent these risks—if they don’t, they could be held responsible for your injuries.

5. Missing Handrails and Safety Features

Handrails aren’t just for aesthetic appeal—they provide essential stability. A simple slip can turn into a dangerous fall if you’re climbing stairs without a handrail.

Under Florida Building Code Section 1011.11, public staircases must have secure handrails. If a handrail is missing, loose, or broken, and you fall, that could be evidence of building code violations.

High-risk locations:

  • Apartment buildings – Broken or missing handrails in stairwells can make tenants and visitors vulnerable to falls.
  • Hotels and businesses – Ramps without proper grip surfaces or staircases lacking required railings create hazards, especially for elderly guests.
  • Multi-level restaurants and bars – Trendy spots with loft seating or rooftop access sometimes prioritize design over safety, leading to inadequate or absent handrails.

A lack of secure handrails or grip supports is a safety hazard that could form the basis of a legal claim.

Legal Implications and When to Consider an Attorney

Not every slip and fall leads to a lawsuit, but if you suffered serious injuries and believe a property owner’s negligence played a role, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options. Under Florida law, property owners may be liable if they knew—or should have known—about a hazard and failed to fix it or provide a warning.

Miami’s humid, tourist-heavy environment makes slip and fall accidents common, but proving negligence isn’t always straightforward. You may have a case if:

  • The hazardous condition (wet floor, uneven surface, poor lighting, etc.) existed long enough that the property owner should have addressed it
  • There’s evidence—such as security footage, witness statements, or maintenance records—showing the owner ignored or failed to fix the issue
  • Your injuries resulted in medical bills, lost wages, or long-term complications

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall

If you’ve fallen, taking the proper steps can protect your health and any potential claim:

  • Document the Scene – Take photos or videos of the hazard, the surrounding area, and any warning signs (or lack thereof).
  • Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, injuries like fractures or head trauma may not show symptoms right away.
  • Report the Incident – Notify the property owner or manager and ask for a written report, if possible.
  • Save Evidence – Keep medical records, receipts, or witness contact information.

Understanding Florida’s Statute of Limitations

If you’re considering legal action, Florida law gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation. A Miami slip and fall lawyer can help evaluate your case, deal with insurance companies, and take the right steps if a claim is warranted.

Injured in a Slip and Fall? Take the Next Step

A slip and fall accident can leave you with painful injuries, costly medical bills, and lost time from work. Whether it happened at a Miami supermarket, hotel, or apartment complex, property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises. If negligence played a role in your fall, you may have a case for compensation.

We fight for slip and fall victims across Miami at Ward Ruddock, holding negligent businesses and property owners accountable. With over 20 years of combined legal experience, we understand how to challenge insurance companies and secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

When you work with us, you’ll have direct access to an attorney who listens to your concerns and guides you every step of the way. We also offer bilingual legal services for Spanish-speaking clients.

Your online search for “slip and fall attorneys” or “PI attorney near me” brought you here—now take the next step. Call (305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your FREE consultation today. Let’s discuss your case and how we can help you move forward.

Copyright © 2025. Ward Ruddock. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Ward Ruddock
4770 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 600
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259
https://wardruddock.com/

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