Polk County
Slip and Fall

Attorney

personal injury accident can leave the victim struggling with physical injuries

Polk County Slip and Fall Lawyer

A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere—at a grocery store, restaurant, hotel, shopping mall, or even a private residence. While some falls result in minor bruises, others cause serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions, spinal cord trauma, or permanent disability. When a slip and fall occurs due to unsafe conditions or a property owner’s negligence, the injured party may be entitled to compensation.

At Kemp Injury Law, we represent victims of slip and fall accidents throughout Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and the surrounding areas of Polk County. If you were injured on someone else’s property, we can help you pursue a claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Where Do Most Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Polk County?

Slip and fall accidents happen in a variety of locations, especially in high-traffic areas where property owners fail to keep their premises safe. Some of the most common places where slip and falls occur include:

Grocery Stores & Retail Stores: Spills, cluttered aisles, and slippery floors are major hazards.
Restaurants & Bars: Poorly maintained floors and food spills create dangerous conditions.
Hotels & Resorts: Uneven flooring, loose rugs, or wet poolside areas increase fall risks.
Apartment Complexes: Poorly lit stairwells, broken railings, and cracked sidewalks lead to accidents.
Workplaces & Construction Sites: Unsafe work environments are a leading cause of fall-related injuries.
Parking Lots & Sidewalks: Uneven pavement, potholes, and unmarked hazards pose serious dangers.

Many slip and fall accidents are preventable when property owners and businesses take proper safety precautions. If a hazard was ignored or neglected, the property owner may be liable for your injuries—or, in the most devastating cases, for a wrongful death resulting from their negligence.

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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents occur when hazardous conditions are present and property owners fail to take corrective action. Some of the leading causes include:

Wet or Slippery Floors: Spilled liquids, freshly mopped surfaces, or rainwater accumulation can cause dangerous falls.
Uneven Flooring & Loose Carpets: Torn carpets, broken tiles, or unmarked elevation changes pose tripping hazards.
Poor Lighting: Dimly lit hallways, staircases, or parking garages make it difficult to see obstacles.
Broken or Missing Handrails: Stairways without secure handrails significantly increase fall risks.
Cluttered Walkways: Loose wires, boxes, or debris in walkways create hazards for pedestrians.
Icy or Wet Sidewalks: Poor weather conditions can make sidewalks dangerous if not properly maintained.

If you suffered a slip and fall injury due to a property owner’s failure to address these hazards, you may have a valid premises liability claim—especially if the unsafe conditions posed a serious risk to any pedestrian passing through the area.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Polk County

Taking the right steps after a slip and fall accident can help protect your case and strengthen your claim:

Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions or fractures can worsen over time.
Report the accident. Notify the store manager, landlord, or property owner about the fall and ask for an incident report.
Take photos of the scene. Capture the hazard that caused your fall, your injuries, and any warning signs (or lack thereof).
Gather witness statements. If anyone saw the accident, their testimony can help prove negligence.
Preserve evidence: Keep your shoes and clothing in the same condition as they were at the time of the accident.
Do not accept an early settlement. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or offer a low payout.
Speak with a slip and fall attorney. A lawyer can help establish liability and negotiate a fair settlement.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Slip and Fall Case?

Slip and fall injuries can lead to extensive medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term pain. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, medication, surgeries)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering from physical and emotional distress
Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation costs
Long-term disability or permanent injuries

Property owners and their insurance companies often deny responsibility, but a skilled attorney can help prove negligence and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Polk County

At Kemp Injury Law, we provide experienced representation for a variety of personal injury cases, including:

Car Accidents: Crashes on I-4, U.S. Highway 98, and Memorial Boulevard often result in serious injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents: Many motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers failing to see motorcyclists.
Truck Accidents: Commercial truck accidents on highways and major roadways can be devastating.
Boating Accidents: Polk County’s lakes see many water-related injuries and fatalities.
Rideshare Accidents: Uber and Lyft passengers deserve compensation when drivers cause crashes.
Pedestrian Accidents: Crosswalk and roadside accidents are often the result of distracted or reckless drivers.

Call Kemp Injury Law and Get Legal Help After a Slip and Fall Accident in Polk County

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Kemp Injury Law, we fight to ensure injury victims receive fair treatment and financial recovery.

Let’s discuss your case. Call us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the next steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a valid premises liability claim?

You may have a valid premises liability claim if your slip & fall accident was caused by a hazardous condition that the property owner knew or should have known about. Florida law requires property owners to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors and guests. If they fail to address hazards such as wet floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting, they can be held liable. An attorney will investigate whether the property owner was negligent in maintaining their premises. It’s important to act quickly, as evidence like surveillance footage can be lost or deleted. Our legal team can assess your case and determine whether you’re eligible for compensation.

How long do I have to file a slip & fall lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for a slip & fall accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury. Failing to file within this period could prevent you from recovering any compensation. However, claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines and special notice requirements. It’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to avoid missing key deadlines. Prompt legal action also helps preserve evidence, which can be essential for proving liability. At Kemp Law Group, we ensure all paperwork is filed on time and in compliance with Florida law.

What role does inadequate lighting play in slip and fall claims?

Poor lighting can make hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles difficult to see, leading to a slip and fall accident. Property owners are responsible for ensuring adequate lighting in areas like stairways, hallways, and parking lots. If they fail to maintain proper lighting, they may be liable for resulting injuries. Evidence such as photographs, maintenance records, and witness statements can support a claim. Attorneys often consult safety standards to prove lighting was below acceptable levels. Demonstrating inadequate lighting strengthens your case and highlights the property owner’s negligence.

Can I still file a claim if the property owner fixed the hazard after my fall?

Yes. Even if the property owner fixed the hazard after your fall, you may still file a claim. The key factor is whether the dangerous condition existed at the time of your accident. Repairs may even serve as indirect evidence that the hazard was unsafe and recognized by the owner. Quick repairs do not erase liability for past negligence. Documentation, including photographs or witness statements from right after the accident, is crucial. An attorney can use both the condition at the time and subsequent repairs to build a strong claim.

How do slip and fall claims differ if the accident happened in a workplace?

Slip and fall accidents in a workplace often involve workers’ compensation claims rather than traditional personal injury lawsuits. Workers’ compensation provides benefits for medical care and lost wages without requiring proof of negligence. However, if a third party—like a cleaning company or building owner—was responsible for the hazard, you may also pursue a personal injury claim. This dual path can maximize compensation. Attorneys evaluate both workers’ compensation and negligence claims to determine the best strategy. Handling both aspects ensures injured workers recover full benefits available under Florida law.

Why should I choose Kemp Injury Law for my premises liability case?

Kemp Injury Law has extensive experience handling slip & fall accident claims and premises liability cases throughout Polk County and Florida. We know what evidence is needed to prove negligence and liability in these often-complex cases. Our attorneys work closely with investigators, medical professionals, and safety experts to build the strongest case possible. We aggressively pursue fair settlements while remaining prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Our commitment to client care and results has earned us a strong reputation across the state. If you’ve been injured in a fall, contact us today to learn how we can help.

Additional Information in Polk County, Florida

Florida Department of Health – Older Adult Falls Prevention: Highlights Florida’s initiatives to prevent falls among older adults, who are at increased risk for serious injury or death from slips and falls. It outlines community-based programs, safety education, and fall-prevention strategies such as home hazard assessments and balance training. The site emphasizes that falls are not a normal part of aging and are largely preventable through environmental and behavioral changes. It also provides statistics on the health and financial burdens caused by falls. In a slip and fall case, especially involving an elderly individual, this resource can demonstrate the foreseeability of fall risks and the need for proactive safety measures. It can support claims that property owners or facility managers were negligent in identifying and mitigating known hazards.

National Council on Aging - Get the Facts on Falls Prevention: Article delivers key facts about fall prevalence, risk factors, and prevention methods, especially for adults aged 65 and older. It notes that one in four older adults falls each year, and that these incidents are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among seniors. The article emphasizes modifiable risks such as poor lighting, loose rugs, and uneven surfaces, as well as the importance of regular vision checks and exercise. It also outlines NCOA-supported programs to reduce fall risks through education and intervention. In a legal case, this information strengthens arguments that slip and fall injuries are common, predictable, and preventable. It may help prove that a defendant failed to meet a reasonable duty of care in environments where older adults are present.

World Health Organization - Falls: Provides global data on falls, which are a major public health concern and the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide. It identifies contributing factors such as age, environmental hazards, and medical conditions, and recommends prevention strategies like modifying environments, treating vision issues, and educating caregivers. The document underlines that most falls are preventable through simple interventions and routine safety assessments. It offers an international perspective, showing that falls are not only common but widely recognized as preventable. In a slip and fall case, this authoritative source can reinforce claims that fall-related injuries are foreseeable and actionable risks. It also supports expert testimony by referencing best practices recommended by global health leaders.

Polk County
Slip and Fall

Attorney