Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida

You’re walking through a grocery store, minding your own business, when—bam! Your foot hits a wet patch, your coffee flies, and you’re on the ground wondering what just happened. Slip and fall accidents can be embarrassing, painful, and downright frustrating. But what you do after the fall matters just as much as the fall, especially if you plan on pursuing a legal claim in Florida.

Here are the top 5 mistakes people make after a slip and fall accident—and how to make sure you don’t slip up again:

Not Reporting the Accident Immediately

One of the biggest mistakes? Walking it off. (Literally.)

If you don’t report the accident to a manager or property owner right away, it becomes much harder to prove it happened. Florida law doesn’t require you to file a report, but failing to do so gives the insurance company a perfect excuse to say, “We didn’t even know this happened.”

Pro tip: Ask for a written incident report. If it’s in a store, restaurant, or apartment complex, make sure it’s documented.

Not Gathering Evidence (Even if You’re in Shock)

A bruised tailbone isn’t the only thing you should be walking away with. Your phone is your best friend right now—use it.

Take photos of:

The exact spot where you fell

What caused the fall (wet floor, loose tile, poor lighting, etc)

The surrounding area (Was there a caution sign? Lighting? Spills?)

Also, get names and contact info of any witnesses. This evidence can disappear quickly, and without it, so can your case.

Skipping Medical Treatment

“I’ll be fine” are the famous last words. Not seeking medical care right away can hurt more than your recovery—it can hurt your claim.

Florida insurers will question how serious your injury really was if you didn’t go to the doctor. Plus, some injuries (like concussions or internal damage) don’t show symptoms immediately.

See a doctor ASAP and keep all records and receipts.

Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Help

Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but remember, their job is to save the company money.

Don’t give a recorded statement, don’t speculate, and don’t sign anything before speaking to a personal injury attorney. Saying “I’m fine” to an adjuster might feel polite, but it could cost you thousands later.

Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney (Sooner Rather Than Later)

Florida’s laws, especially Florida Statute § 768.0755, can make proving liability tricky. You’ll need to show the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it.

That’s not easy to do on your own, especially when insurance companies are working overtime to deny your claim. A personal injury attorney can help you gather the right evidence, file claims, negotiate your settlement, and, if needed, take things to court.

Bottom Line: Don’t Slip on Your Rights

Slip and fall injuries can lead to serious consequences, physically, emotionally, and financially. But making the right moves afterward can make all the difference in your recovery and compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Florida, call the Dewitt Law Firm. We’re here to help you get back on your feet and get the compensation you deserve.