Slip and fall accidents in Florida hospitals can lead to serious injuries and long-term complications. Whether you are a patient, visitor, or vendor, Florida law provides you with the right to pursue compensation if your fall was caused by the hospital’s negligence. Here’s what you need to know about bringing a personal injury lawsuit against a hospital in Florida for a fall-related injury.
Common Causes of Falls in Hospitals
Hospitals are high-traffic environments where safety should be a top priority. Unfortunately, falls often occur due to preventable hazards such as:
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Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
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Spilled liquids or bodily fluids left uncleaned
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Uneven flooring or damaged tiles
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Improperly placed cords or medical equipment in hallways
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Poor lighting in patient rooms or corridors
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Lack of handrails in bathrooms or walkways
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Failure to assist patients who are at high risk of falling
These conditions can be especially dangerous for elderly patients, individuals recovering from surgery, or those under medication that affects balance or coordination.
Legal Basis for a Lawsuit: Premises Liability in Florida
Slip and fall cases in hospitals fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. In Florida, hospitals owe a duty of care to ensure the safety of lawful visitors, including patients and guests. To bring a successful lawsuit, you must show that:
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A dangerous condition existed on hospital property;
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The hospital knew or should have known about the condition;
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The hospital failed to take reasonable steps to correct or warn about the hazard; and
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You were injured as a result of this negligence.
Evidence Needed in a Hospital Slip and Fall Claim
To support your claim, gathering the right evidence is crucial. Key items may include:
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Incident reports completed by hospital staff
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Surveillance footage, if available
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Photographs of the hazard or the scene
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Medical records documenting your injuries
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Eyewitness accounts from other patients, visitors, or staff
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Maintenance and cleaning logs that show whether the hospital regularly inspected the area
Time is of the essence—preserving this evidence soon after the incident can make or break your case.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the facts of the case, you may be able to hold several parties responsible:
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The hospital facility or hospital administration
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Contracted janitorial or maintenance companies
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Individual healthcare providers (if the fall was due to medical negligence, such as failing to assist a fall-risk patient)
If the hospital is owned by a governmental entity (such as a county or state), different legal procedures and shorter notice deadlines may apply under Florida’s sovereign immunity laws.
Comparative Negligence in Florida
Florida follows the rule of comparative negligence, which means your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault for the fall. For example, if you ignored a posted warning sign or were running in the hallway, a jury may assign you a percentage of blame. Under current Florida law, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages.
Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Don’t wait—speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible ensures your rights are protected and evidence is preserved.
Damages You May Recover
Victims of hospital falls may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Lost income and diminished earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Rehabilitation or long-term care costs
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Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
In some cases, if the hospital’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be available.
When a Hospital Fall Involves Medical Negligence
Sometimes, a fall is not just a premises liability case—it may involve medical malpractice. For instance, if a nurse failed to follow fall-prevention protocols for a known fall-risk patient, or a doctor prescribed medication without warning of dizziness side effects, your claim may fall under Florida’s medical negligence laws.
These claims involve a stricter presuit process under Fla. Stat. § 766, including a notice of intent and expert affidavits. An experienced attorney can help determine the correct legal framework for your case.
Contact a Florida Injury Lawyer for Help
Falls at hospitals are not just accidents—they are often the result of negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a fall at a hospital in Florida, you may be entitled to significant compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and fight for your rights.
Don't let the hospital or its insurers downplay your injuries or shift the blame. Take action today to protect your legal interests and get the justice you deserve.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of a fall at a hospital? Contact Florida Personal Injury Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at [email protected] or by text at (305) 929-8935.
