The holiday season brings joy, excitement, and shopping sprees—but it also brings hazards that many shoppers overlook. During Thanksgiving and Black Friday weekend, Florida stores fill with crowds, spilled drinks, and misplaced merchandise—all of which can lead to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents.
When a store fails to maintain a safe environment, injured shoppers may have the right to file a premises liability claim for compensation.
Why Slip-and-Fall Accidents Surge During Holiday Shopping
The days after Thanksgiving are among the busiest shopping days of the year. Stores often operate at full capacity, and safety sometimes takes a backseat to sales. Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Wet floors from drink spills or recent mopping without warning signs
- Boxes and products blocking aisles or exits
- Uneven flooring or damaged tiles
- Poor lighting in corners or dressing rooms
- Slippery entryways from rainwater tracked in by customers
Even a quick fall can cause serious injuries such as fractures, concussions, torn ligaments, or back injuries—especially for older adults.
Florida Premises Liability Law Explained
Under Florida Statute §768.0755, business owners are required to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition and fix or warn of any hazards they know—or should have known—about.
To win a slip-and-fall case, you must show that:
- A dangerous condition existed.
- The business knew or should have known about it.
- The business failed to act in a reasonable time to fix it.
- You suffered injuries as a result.
Retailers and their insurance companies often argue that the hazard was “open and obvious” or that the victim was distracted. An experienced lawyer can help gather the evidence needed to prove negligence.
Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
If you’re hurt in a store this holiday season:
- Seek medical attention immediately — even minor pain could signal internal injuries.
- Take photos and videos of the hazard and surroundings.
- Get witness names and phone numbers.
- File an incident report with store management and ask for a copy.
- Do not sign anything or accept store vouchers before speaking with a lawyer.
The sooner you act, the easier it is to secure camera footage and documentation before it disappears.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to negligence, you may recover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation or therapy costs
Comparative Negligence in Florida
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you were partly responsible for your injury. For instance, if you were texting or ignoring warning signs, your award might be lowered by your percentage of fault.
Still, even partial fault does not bar recovery—it just emphasizes the importance of having strong legal representation.
How Darfoor Law Firm Can Help
At Darfoor Law, we know how quickly holiday chaos can turn into lifelong injury. Our attorneys:
✔ Investigate the store’s safety policies and maintenance records
✔ Gather surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts
✔ Handle all communication with insurers and corporate defense teams
✔ Seek fair compensation for your recovery and future needs
If your holiday shopping trip turned into a hospital visit, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Darfoor Law Firm today for a free consultation.
We’ll help you protect your rights, recover your losses, and move forward safely this holiday season.
