Fort Myers Slip and Fall Lawyer
Expert Premises Liability Attorney Serving Lee County
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Fort Myers, our experienced Fort Myers slip and fall lawyers are here to help you seek justice and compensation. Our dedicated Fort Myers slip and fall attorney team has extensive experience handling premises liability cases throughout Lee County and Southwest Florida.
As leading Fort Myers premises liability lawyers and trusted slip and fall attorneys Fort Myers residents rely on, we understand Florida premises liability law and know how to prove property owner negligence. We have helped countless slip and fall victims recover compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
Fort Myers Slip and Fall Injury Statistics
8 Million+
Annual emergency room visits for falls
32,000+
Annual fall-related deaths
$50 Billion
Annual cost of fall injuries
15%
Of workplace injuries are falls
Common Slip and Fall Locations in Fort Myers
- Retail Stores & Shopping Centers
- Office Buildings & Businesses
- Hotels & Resort Properties
- Sidewalks & Public Walkways
- Hospitals & Medical Facilities
- Restaurants & Entertainment Venues
- Construction Sites & Work Areas
- Government Properties & Public Buildings
Types of Slip and Fall Accidents We Handle
Surface-Related Accidents
- • Wet floors - Spills, cleaning, leaks
- • Uneven surfaces - Cracked sidewalks, potholes
- • Loose flooring - Carpets, tiles, floorboards
- • Slippery surfaces - Polished floors, ice, oil
- • Torn or wrinkled carpeting - Tripping hazards
- • Debris on walkways - Merchandise, tools, trash
- • Poor drainage - Standing water, puddles
Structural & Environmental
- • Inadequate lighting - Dark stairwells, parking lots
- • Missing handrails - Stairs, ramps, walkways
- • Defective stairs - Broken steps, uneven risers
- • Unmarked hazards - No warning signs
- • Weather-related conditions - Ice, snow, rain
- • Construction debris - Tools, materials, equipment
- • Parking lot hazards - Potholes, speed bumps
High-Risk Slip and Fall Locations in Fort Myers
Shopping & Retail
- • Gulf Coast Town Center
- • Edison Mall
- • Bell Tower Shops
- • Coconut Point Mall
- • Publix and grocery stores
- • Walmart and big box stores
- • Gas stations and convenience stores
Hotels & Hospitality
- • Hotel pool areas
- • Restaurant entrances
- • Hotel lobbies and hallways
- • Conference centers
- • Resort properties
- • Bar and club entrances
- • Wedding venues
Public & Medical
- • Lee Health hospitals
- • Medical office buildings
- • Government buildings
- • Airport terminals
- • Parking garages
- • Bus stops and transit areas
- • Parks and recreational facilities
Florida Premises Liability Law for Slip and Fall Cases
Property Owner Duties
Under Florida law, property owners have a duty to:
- • Maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition
- • Regularly inspect for hazardous conditions
- • Warn visitors of known dangers
- • Repair or remove dangerous conditions promptly
- • Provide adequate lighting and security
Visitor Classifications
Florida recognizes different visitor types:
- • Invitees: Customers, business visitors (highest protection)
- • Licensees: Social guests, with permission
- • Trespassers: Unauthorized visitors (limited protection)
The level of care owed depends on your visitor status.
Proving Negligence
To win your case, we must prove:
- • The property owner owed you a duty of care
- • A dangerous condition existed on the property
- • The owner knew or should have known about the hazard
- • The owner failed to fix or warn about the danger
- • This failure caused your injuries
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows pure comparative negligence:
- • You can recover damages even if partially at fault
- • Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault
- • For example: 20% your fault = 80% recovery
- • Common defenses include improper footwear or distraction
Why Choose Our Fort Myers Slip and Fall Lawyers
- ✓ Premises liability expertise - Specialized knowledge of property law
- ✓ Local Fort Myers experience - Familiar with local properties and courts
- ✓ Proven track record - Millions recovered for slip and fall victims
- ✓ No upfront fees - We do not get paid unless you do
- ✓ Thorough investigation - Scene reconstruction and expert witnesses
- ✓ Insurance expertise - We know property insurance policies
- ✓ 24/7 availability - Immediate response to preserve evidence
- ✓ Lee County focus - Serving Fort Myers and surrounding areas
After my slip and fall at a Fort Myers store, Cardinal Law fought for me every step of the way. Their knowledge of premises liability law was impressive.
— Satisfied Fort Myers Client
★★★★★ 5-Star Review
What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Fort Myers
Immediate Steps
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the incident to property owner/manager
- Take photos of the hazard and your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Request a copy of the incident report
- Do not sign any documents (except medical forms)
- Keep all medical records and receipts
- Contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer
Evidence Preservation
- Photograph the exact location where you fell
- Document the hazardous condition from multiple angles
- Take pictures of your shoes and clothing
- Note weather conditions and lighting
- Save all medical documentation
- Keep a injury diary documenting your recovery
- Do not discuss the incident on social media
- Preserve any torn or damaged clothing
Common Slip and Fall Hazards in Lee County
Florida Weather Hazards
- • Hurricane season rain: Sudden storms create slippery surfaces
- • Wet season flooding: June-September brings daily afternoon rain
- • Algae buildup: Humid climate causes rapid algae growth on walkways
- • Sand tracking: Beach sand creates slippery entryways
- • Pool deck hazards: Constant pool use in hot weather
- • Air conditioning condensation: Drips create slip hazards
Tourist Area Hazards
- • Fort Myers Beach boardwalks: Worn, weathered wood surfaces
- • Sanibel causeway areas: High foot traffic, debris
- • Downtown Fort Myers: Uneven historic sidewalks
- • Hotel lobbies: Marble floors wet from pool guests
- • Restaurant patios: Uneven pavers, drainage issues
- • Marina docks: Algae, fish slime, water exposure
Property Age Issues
- • Aging strip malls: Cracked parking lots, worn floors
- • Older apartment complexes: Deteriorating stairs, railings
- • Historic buildings: Uneven floors, outdated code compliance
- • Settled foundations: Cracks, uneven surfaces
- • Poor maintenance: Neglected repairs in rental properties
- • Code violations: Properties not updated to current standards
Compensation for Fort Myers Slip and Fall Injuries
As experienced Fort Myers slip and fall injury lawyers, we help victims recover full compensation for all damages resulting from their accidents. Florida law allows you to seek economic and non-economic damages when a property owner's negligence causes your injuries.
Economic Damages
- • Medical expenses: Emergency room, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation
- • Future medical costs: Ongoing treatment, physical therapy, medications
- • Lost wages: Time missed from work during recovery
- • Lost earning capacity: Reduced ability to work or earn income
- • Property damage: Damaged clothing, personal belongings, assistive devices
- • Home modifications: Wheelchair ramps, accessibility improvements
- • Transportation costs: Medical appointments, treatment travel
Non-Economic Damages
- • Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
- • Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD
- • Loss of enjoyment of life: Activities you can no longer do
- • Disfigurement: Permanent scarring or physical changes
- • Loss of consortium: Impact on relationship with spouse
- • Mental anguish: Psychological trauma from the accident
- • Inconvenience: Life disruptions during recovery
Common Injuries from Fort Myers Slip and Fall Accidents
Head & Brain Injuries
- • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- • Concussions
- • Skull fractures
- • Contusions and hematomas
- • Cognitive impairment
- • Memory loss
- • Loss of consciousness
Fractures & Breaks
- • Hip fractures (common in elderly)
- • Wrist and arm fractures
- • Ankle and foot breaks
- • Leg fractures
- • Pelvic fractures
- • Rib fractures
- • Compression fractures (spine)
Spinal & Soft Tissue
- • Spinal cord injuries
- • Herniated discs
- • Back and neck injuries
- • Torn ligaments and tendons
- • Sprains and strains
- • Shoulder injuries
- • Knee damage (meniscus, ACL)
Average slip and fall injury costs: Medical treatment can range from $10,000 for minor injuries to over $250,000 for severe fractures or traumatic brain injuries requiring long-term care.
Insurance Company Tactics We Fight Against
As experienced Lee County premises liability attorneys, we know the tactics insurance companies use to deny or minimize your claim. Our Fort Myers slip and fall law firm protects you from these common strategies:
Delay Tactics
- • Requesting unnecessary documentation repeatedly
- • Failing to return calls or respond to inquiries
- • Prolonging investigations without justification
- • Scheduling medical exams months out
- • Hoping you'll give up or accept less
Denial Strategies
- • Claiming you were trespassing or unauthorized
- • Arguing the hazard was "open and obvious"
- • Blaming your footwear or inattention
- • Disputing that the property owner had notice
- • Claiming prior injuries caused your condition
Lowball Offers
- • Quick settlement offers before you know full damages
- • Pressuring you to settle while still treating
- • Offering only medical bills, no pain and suffering
- • Using your financial stress against you
- • Failing to account for future medical needs
Surveillance & Investigation
- • Hiring private investigators to watch you
- • Monitoring your social media for "gotcha" posts
- • Requesting extensive medical records
- • Scheduling independent medical exams with biased doctors
- • Looking for inconsistencies in your statements
Lee County Property Safety Regulations
Property owners in Fort Myers and Lee County must comply with building codes and safety regulations designed to prevent slip and fall accidents. When property owners violate these codes, it strengthens your premises liability case.
Florida Building Code Requirements
- • Stair specifications: Uniform riser height, tread depth, and handrail requirements
- • Lighting standards: Minimum illumination levels for walkways and stairwells
- • Handrail height: 34-38 inches above stair nosing
- • Slip-resistant surfaces: Required coefficient of friction for floors
- • Ramp specifications: Maximum slope, landing requirements
- • Exit path requirements: Clear, unobstructed egress routes
Lee County Specific Regulations
- • Hurricane preparedness: Drainage systems for storm water
- • Pool deck requirements: Non-slip surfaces around pools
- • Commercial property inspections: Regular safety audits required
- • Parking lot maintenance: Repair requirements for potholes and cracks
- • ADA compliance: Accessibility requirements for public spaces
- • Signage requirements: Warning signs for known hazards
Code violations strengthen your case: When we prove a property owner violated building codes or safety regulations, it establishes negligence per se, making it easier to recover compensation for your injuries.
Timeline of a Fort Myers Slip and Fall Case
Understanding what to expect during your slip and fall case helps you make informed decisions. Our Fort Myers slip and fall attorneys guide you through every step of the process.
Initial Consultation (Week 1)
Free case evaluation, review evidence, explain your rights, discuss compensation potential. We answer all your questions and outline next steps.
Investigation Phase (Weeks 2-6)
Scene investigation, witness interviews, property records review, video footage requests, expert consultations. We build a comprehensive case file.
Medical Treatment (Ongoing)
Continue treatment until maximum medical improvement. Document all injuries, treatments, and impacts on daily life. We track all medical expenses and losses.
Demand Letter (Months 3-6)
Send detailed demand package to insurance company with evidence, medical records, and compensation demand. Begin settlement negotiations.
Filing Lawsuit (If Needed)
If settlement fails, file complaint in Lee County Circuit Court. Discovery phase includes depositions, interrogatories, document requests.
Resolution
Most cases settle before trial. If trial necessary, we present your case to a Lee County jury. You receive compensation after settlement or verdict.
Florida Statute of Limitations: You have 4 years from the date of your slip and fall to file a lawsuit. However, evidence deteriorates and witnesses forget, so contacting a lawyer immediately is crucial.
Fort Myers Slip and Fall FAQ
How much is my Fort Myers slip and fall case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and liability strength. Minor injuries may settle for $10,000-$50,000. Severe injuries like fractures or traumatic brain injuries can be worth $100,000-$1,000,000+. Our Fort Myers slip and fall attorneys provide free case evaluations to estimate your potential compensation.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Florida?
Florida's statute of limitations for premises liability cases is 4 years from the accident date. However, waiting reduces evidence quality and witness memory. Contact our Lee County slip and fall lawyers immediately to preserve your rights and strengthen your case.
What if I was partially at fault for my fall?
Florida follows pure comparative negligence. You can still recover damages even if partially at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. For example, if 20% at fault in a $100,000 case, you'd receive $80,000. Our attorneys fight to minimize any fault assigned to you.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall case?
Yes. Premises liability cases are complex, requiring proof of property owner knowledge, negligence, and causation. Insurance companies have experienced lawyers fighting to minimize your claim. Studies show represented victims receive 3.5x more compensation than unrepresented claimants. Our Fort Myers premises liability lawyers work on contingency - no upfront fees.
What if the property owner blames my shoes or says the hazard was obvious?
These are common defenses we regularly defeat. Property owners must maintain safe conditions regardless of footwear. The "open and obvious" defense has limits - owners can't create dangerous conditions and escape liability because someone should have seen them. We use evidence, expert testimony, and Florida case law to overcome these arguments.
How much does a Fort Myers slip and fall lawyer cost?
Cardinal Law works on contingency - you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33.33% before lawsuit, 40% if lawsuit filed). We advance all case costs including expert fees, investigation expenses, and court filing fees. You risk nothing and get experienced representation.
What evidence do I need for my slip and fall case?
Critical evidence includes: photos of the hazard and scene, witness statements, incident reports, medical records documenting injuries, clothing and footwear worn, maintenance records, surveillance video, weather conditions, and your injury diary. Our Fort Myers slip and fall injury attorneys help gather all necessary evidence.
Can I sue if I fell at a government property in Fort Myers?
Yes, but sovereign immunity rules apply. Claims against government entities require notice within 3 years and formal claims before filing suit. Damage caps may limit recovery. Lee County, City of Fort Myers, and state properties have specific procedures. Our experienced attorneys handle all government liability claims.
Serving All of Lee County
Our slip and fall lawyers represent injury victims throughout Fort Myers and Lee County, Florida:
Fort Myers
Fort Myers Beach
Cape Coral
Estero
Bonita Springs
Lehigh Acres
Sanibel
Captiva
Wondering What Your Case May Be Worth?
Let's work on your case together
Through 13 years of experience and multi-millions recovered for our clients we offer the most premium legal services.
Visit Our Florida Offices
Cardinal Law has offices throughout Florida to serve you better. Our main office is in Naples, with additional locations by appointment.
Naples Office
Main Office9045 Strada Stell Court
Suite 305
Naples, FL 34109
Orlando Office
200 E Robinson Street
Suite 1120
Orlando, FL 32801
Tampa Office
401 East Jackson Street
Suite 2340
Tampa, FL 33602
Miami Office
848 Brickell Avenue
Suite PH5
Miami, FL 33131
Fort Myers Office
5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd
Suite 511
Fort Myers, FL 33907
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