Hollywood, FL Slip and Fall Lawyer | Florida Slip and Fall Injury Attorneys
Slip and fall accidents can occur in any setting—from grocery stores and shopping malls to hotels, restaurants, and apartment complexes—and they often result in severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and even fatalities. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we specialize in helping slip and fall victims in Hollywood, FL, navigate these complicated legal challenges.
Our team is well-versed in holding negligent property owners accountable under premises liability laws, which mandate that businesses and property owners maintain safe conditions and promptly address hazards that could lead to injury. We also understand the tactics that insurance companies often use to deny or reduce claims, and we aggressively fight back to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to.
Because we exclusively focus on personal injury and wrongful death cases, our attorneys possess the in-depth knowledge and experience necessary to handle the most challenging slip and fall cases. Whether it’s collecting evidence, securing expert testimony, or negotiating with insurers, we build strong cases designed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one has suffered a slip and fall injury in Hollywood, FL, contact us today for a free consultation. Call us at 305-638-4143 or complete our online form. We offer services in English and Spanish, and we provide flexible scheduling to meet your needs.
Table of Contents
- Locations Where Slip and Fall Accidents May Occur in Hollywood, FL
- Common Causes For Slip and Fall Accidents
- Common Slip and Fall Injuries
- Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident in Hollywood, FL?
- Factors to Prove Liability in a Slip and Fall Injury Case
- Why Choose Our Hollywood Slip and Fall Attorneys
- Free Consultation With A Florida Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
Locations Where Slip and Fall Accidents May Occur in Hollywood, FL
Property owners in Hollywood, FL, have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises, and when they fail to do so, serious accidents can occur. Uneven flooring, broken lighting, and lack of proper handrails can lead to devastating injuries, particularly for elderly or disabled individuals. These hazardous conditions can cause slip and fall accidents, resulting in life-altering consequences such as broken bones, head injuries, or worse.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, our Hollywood slip and fall attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent property owners accountable. We have extensive experience dealing with landlords, business owners, and insurance companies to secure the compensation our clients need for recovery. From filing claims under Florida premises liability laws to gathering evidence that proves negligence, we ensure that our clients’ rights are fully protected.
Potential locations for slip and fall accidents in Hollywood include:
- Grocery stores (Publix, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Sprouts)
- Restaurants and bars (Ocean’s 13 Sports Grill & Bar, Twin Peaks, Moonlite Diner, GG’s Waterfront, Hard Rock Cafe)
- Shopping centers (Hollywood Hills Plaza, Oakwood Plaza, Sheridan Plaza)
- Sidewalks and public walkways (Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Downtown Hollywood streets)
- Parking lots and garages (City of Hollywood Public Parking Garages)
- Hotels and resorts (Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Diplomat Beach Resort, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hyde Beach Resort)
- Office buildings (Büro Hollywood, Regus Presidential Circle)
- Residential properties (Cortland Hollywood, 1818 Park, Club at Emerald Waters, Sheridan Ocean Club Apartments)
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities (Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital)
- Swimming pools and recreational areas (Driftwood Community Pool, Topeekeegee Yugnee Park)
- Schools and universities (City College Hollywood, Hollywood Hills High School, Barry University – Hollywood Campus)
- Public transportation facilities (Hollywood Tri-Rail Station, Broward County Transit Bus Stops)
- Amusement parks and entertainment venues (K1 Speed, Castaway Island)
- Fitness centers and gyms (LA Fitness, YouFit Hollywood, 24 Hour Fitness)
- Nightclubs (Spice Club Hollywood, DAER Nightclub, Social Room Hollywood)
- Movie theaters and performance venues (Regal Oakwood 18, Cinema Paradiso)
- Government buildings (Hollywood City Hall, Broward County Government Center in Hollywood)
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Hollywood, FL, contact us today at 305-638-4143 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Common Causes For Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most frequent causes of personal injury claims in Hollywood, FL. These incidents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and in some cases, wrongful death. While slip and falls can happen anywhere, many accidents are preventable and occur due to hazardous conditions that property owners fail to address.
Here are some of the most common reasons slip and fall accidents occur in Hollywood:
Wet or Slippery Surfaces
One of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents is wet or slippery surfaces. Water, oil, or other liquids can accumulate on floors in grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, or hotels, making the surface unsafe for pedestrians. Businesses and property owners are required to promptly clean spills or place visible warning signs to prevent accidents. In public places like parking garages or sidewalks, rainwater and poor drainage can also lead to hazardous conditions.
Uneven or Broken Flooring
Uneven surfaces such as cracked tiles, loose floorboards, torn carpets, or damaged sidewalks are common hazards in many buildings and outdoor areas. These imperfections in the flooring can cause unsuspecting pedestrians to trip and fall, resulting in injuries like sprains, broken bones, or worse. Property owners in Hollywood are responsible for ensuring that all flooring is properly maintained and repaired in a timely manner.
Poor Lighting
Insufficient lighting can make it difficult to see potential hazards, particularly in stairwells, parking lots, and walkways. Inadequate lighting can obscure obstacles, uneven surfaces, or spills, increasing the likelihood of a slip and fall accident. Hollywood businesses and property owners must ensure that their premises have adequate lighting, especially in high-traffic areas and during nighttime hours.
Lack of Handrails or Safety Features
Stairs, ramps, and elevated areas should always have sturdy handrails to assist people as they navigate these spaces. The absence of proper handrails or other safety features can make it difficult for individuals, especially the elderly or disabled, to maintain balance, leading to falls. Property owners must install and maintain handrails and other safety measures to prevent accidents.
Defective Staircases
Staircases with missing or damaged steps, broken handrails, or uneven risers can create a dangerous environment for those using them. Falls on staircases are particularly dangerous and can lead to serious injuries, including head trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord damage. Property owners must ensure that staircases are properly constructed and maintained to avoid such accidents.
Slippery Pool Areas
Swimming pools are a popular feature in many Hollywood, FL, hotels, apartment complexes, and private homes. However, the areas surrounding pools can be slippery, leading to slip and fall accidents. To reduce the risk of accidents, pool areas should be equipped with slip-resistant flooring, and property owners should ensure that warning signs are posted around wet areas.
Lack of Proper Maintenance
Routine maintenance is crucial to keeping any property safe. Failing to address hazards such as broken pavement, missing tiles, or loose handrails can create dangerous conditions. In Hollywood, property owners must take reasonable steps to inspect and maintain their premises to prevent avoidable accidents.
Hazardous Construction Zones
Construction sites present many dangers, including uneven surfaces, debris, tools, and equipment scattered across walkways. Pedestrians who encounter unsafe construction zones can easily trip and fall if the area is not clearly marked or properly managed. Contractors and property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions around construction sites and post visible warnings to the public.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
From minor bruises to life-altering conditions, slip and fall accidents can significantly impact the lives of victims and their families. While some slip and fall accidents may result in only minor injuries, others can lead to long-term disabilities or chronic pain, affecting your ability to work, enjoy daily activities, or even require ongoing medical care.
These are some of the most common injuries we see after a slip and fall accident:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sprained ankles or wrists
- Herniated discs
- Torn ligaments (e.g., ACL tears)
- Shoulder injuries
- Facial injuries
- Lacerations and cuts
- Soft tissue injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Nerve damage
In cases where the injuries are severe, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or spinal cord injuries, the long-term impact can be devastating. Victims may require surgeries, ongoing therapy, or even lifelong care. Additionally, injuries like torn ligaments, herniated discs, or nerve damage can cause chronic pain and severely limit mobility, affecting both your personal and professional life. Whether your injury is mild or severe, our experienced legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, hold negligent parties accountable, and work tirelessly to ensure that you and your family are protected and compensated for the losses you’ve endured.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident in Hollywood, FL?
Property Owners and Landlords
In Florida, property owners and landlords have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn guests or tenants of any known hazards. This responsibility is outlined in Florida’s premises liability law, specifically Florida Statute § 768.0755, which states that business owners and property managers can be held liable if they had actual or constructive knowledge of a dangerous condition and failed to address it.
Constructive knowledge can be proven through circumstantial evidence that shows either:
- The dangerous condition existed for a long enough time that the owner should have known about it.
- The condition occurred regularly, making it foreseeable.
For example, if a spill in a grocery store remains uncleaned for hours, the store owner can be held liable for any injuries caused by the fall. Similarly, landlords who fail to repair broken stairs, loose handrails, or inadequate lighting in common areas of apartment complexes can also be liable if tenants or visitors are injured.
Business Owners
Business owners in Hollywood, such as restaurants, hotels, or shopping malls, are responsible for ensuring their premises are safe for customers. If a slip and fall accident occurs due to a dangerous condition in a business establishment, such as a wet floor or uneven surface, the injured person must prove the business owner had knowledge of the hazard.
Business owners can be held liable for:
- Failing to properly maintain floors and walkways.
- Not placing warning signs around hazards (e.g., “wet floor” signs).
- Ignoring routine maintenance, like cleaning spills or repairing damaged flooring.
Property Management Companies
Many residential and commercial properties in Hollywood are managed by third-party property management companies. These companies are often tasked with maintaining the safety of common areas, including sidewalks, parking lots, stairwells, and lobbies. If a property management company fails to fulfill these responsibilities and a slip and fall occurs as a result, they can be held liable for the victim’s injuries.
Government Entities
In some cases, slip and fall accidents occur on public property, such as sidewalks, public parks, or government buildings. When this happens, a government entity, such as the City of Hollywood or Broward County, may be responsible for maintaining these areas.
While it is possible to hold a government entity liable for a slip and fall accident, there are specific procedures and limitations under Florida law. Florida Statute § 768.28 governs claims against government entities, limiting the amount of compensation an individual can receive to $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. Additionally, you must follow a strict process to notify the government of your claim within a specific timeframe.
Contractors and Maintenance Companies
In situations where a third-party contractor or maintenance company is responsible for cleaning or maintaining the property, they may be held liable if their negligence causes a slip and fall accident. For example, if a company is hired to clean a shopping mall and fails to place wet floor signs after mopping, they can be responsible for any accidents that occur.
Factors to Prove Liability in a Slip and Fall Injury Case
To successfully hold a property owner or other party liable for your slip and fall injuries in Hollywood, FL, you must prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care – The property owner, business, or responsible party had a legal obligation to maintain the premises in a safe condition.
- Breach of Duty – The party failed to meet this obligation by allowing a dangerous condition to exist or by failing to address a known hazard.
- Causation – The breach of duty directly caused your slip and fall accident and resulting injuries.
- Damages – You suffered actual harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the accident.
As of March 24, 2023, Florida follows a modified comparative fault system which allows victims to recover from those who cause their injuries, unless the victim is more than 50% responsible for causing their own injuries. This means that if a property owner’s negligence contributed to the accident but the victim is also found partially responsible (but less than 50% responsible), they can recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident in Hollywood, FL?
First, seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Report the accident to the property owner or manager, take photos of the area where you fell, and document any visible hazards. Gather contact information from witnesses if possible. Lastly, contact a slip and fall lawyer to help you understand your legal options.
Can I still file a slip and fall claim if I didn’t report the accident immediately?
While it’s best to report the accident immediately, you may still have a valid claim if you didn’t. However, failing to report the incident right away can make it harder to prove your case. Consult with a slip and fall attorney to evaluate your options and help gather the necessary evidence.
What types of compensation can I receive in a slip and fall case?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and any other expenses related to your injury. In severe cases, compensation for long-term care or permanent disability may also be awarded.
What if the slip and fall happened on public property in Hollywood?
You can file a claim for a slip and fall on public property, but it may involve filing against a government entity. These cases are more complex, as they often have different filing deadlines and limitations on compensation. Florida Statute § 768.28 outlines the process for filing claims against the government, and it’s essential to consult with an attorney experienced in these cases.
How long does it take to settle a slip and fall injury case?
The length of time to settle a slip and fall case can vary based on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases may settle within a few months, while others may take a year or more, especially if negotiations with insurance companies are involved or if the case proceeds to court.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if a loved one died in a slip and fall accident?
Yes, if your loved one tragically passed away due to a slip and fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a wrongful death claim in Florida. Under Florida Statute § 768.21, compensation may include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support for the family.
Why Choose Our Hollywood Slip and Fall Attorneys
When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Hollywood, FL, selecting the right legal team can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we offer:
- Exclusive Focus on Personal Injury Cases: Unlike other firms that may spread themselves thin across multiple practice areas, we only handle personal injury cases. This singular focus means we are deeply experienced in slip and fall accident claims and are well-versed in the specific nuances of Florida premises liability law. Our local Downtown Hollywood office is dedicated to serving our community with personalized attention and expertise.
- Small Caseload: At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we purposefully maintain a small caseload to provide each client with the time and attention they deserve. By focusing on fewer cases, we can thoroughly investigate every detail, build a strong legal strategy, and ensure that no client feels like their case is just another file in a stack. Our clients have direct contact with their attorney when necessary.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we secure compensation for you. This ensures that our clients can pursue justice without the added financial stress of upfront legal fees.
- Proven Track Record of Success: We’ve secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, helping them recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Click here to see some of our past results.
Free Consultation With A Florida Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, the legal team at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of slip and fall cases, including those that occur on private, commercial, and public properties. We handle personal injury cases not only in Hollywood but throughout the entire State of Florida including:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Aventura
- West Palm Beach
- Miami
- Kendall
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
We provide legal representation in a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including:
- Cruise ship injuries, including onboard accidents, food poisoning, or medical negligence
- Car accidents involving negligence, uninsured drivers, and severe injuries
- Motorcycle accidents leading to serious injuries or wrongful death
- Medical malpractice including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and birth injuries
- Negligent security resulting in personal injuries or harm due to inadequate property security
- Drowning accidents in swimming pools, beaches, and water parks
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact our Hollywood, FL office today for a free consultation. Let our dedicated team handle the complexities of your case so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery. Call us at 305-638-4143 or complete our online form to get started.