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Slip & Fall · California · Texas · Florida
Hurt on someone else’s property? The owner may be responsible.
Falls caused by wet floors, broken stairs, poor lighting, and other unsafe conditions at stores, apartments, and businesses.
When the property owner is responsible
Owners and businesses must keep their property reasonably safe. A claim usually depends on showing that the owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition and didn’t fix it or warn you.
Evidence to save right away
- Photos of exactly where you fell and what caused it
- The shoes and clothing you wore
- An incident report from the store or manager
- Names of employees and witnesses
- Security camera footage, which businesses often erase within days
Florida business premises rule
In Florida, if you slip on a transitory substance (like a spill) in a business, you must prove the business knew or should have known about it (Fla. Stat. § 768.0755). Fast investigation matters.
Common questions
I fell at an apartment complex. Is that different?
Landlords have duties to keep common areas safe and make repairs. The lease and local codes can matter. We review both.
The store says it was my fault. Do I still have a case?
Possibly. California reduces your recovery by your share of fault. Texas and Florida bar recovery only if you are more than 50% at fault.
What if I fell on government property?
Claims against cities, counties, and states have short notice deadlines, often about 6 months. Call as soon as possible.
Time limits
Deadlines in California, Texas & Florida
| State | Deadline to sue for most injuries | Claims against a government agency | If you were partly at fault |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2 years CCP § 335.1 | Written claim usually within 6 months Gov. Code § 911.2 | You can recover, reduced by your share of fault |
| Texas | 2 years CPRC § 16.003 | Written notice usually within 6 months CPRC § 101.101 | Barred if you are more than 50% at fault CPRC ch. 33 |
| Florida | 2 years for negligence (injuries on or after March 24, 2023) Fla. Stat. § 95.11 | Written notice to the agency before suing Fla. Stat. § 768.28 | Barred if you are more than 50% at fault Fla. Stat. § 768.81 |
Deadlines can be shorter or longer depending on the facts. Call early so evidence and deadlines are protected.
Hurt in an accident?
Free consultation. No attorney’s fee unless we recover.