To every client.

Slip or trip and fall accidents can happen in many places, but when they occur at a business, they often involve more than just recovering from injuries. Many falls are preventable, and when they result from unsafe conditions, businesses can be held responsible. Whether it's an uneven floor, loose wiring, or poor lighting, liability often hinges on whether the business failed to take reasonable action to fix or warn about a hazard. Knowing when a business might be at fault helps us understand our rights after an accident. If you’ve been hurt due to unsafe conditions in a commercial space, a Hollywood, FL trip and fall lawyer may be able to help you evaluate your legal options.

Property Conditions And Legal Responsibility

For a business to be considered legally responsible, certain conditions need to be met. Generally, it must be proven that the business owner or staff created the hazard, knew about it and didn’t address it, or should have known about it because it existed for a significant amount of time. Courts often assess what a reasonable business would have done under similar circumstances.

If, for example, a spill occurs in a grocery store and no one cleans it up or blocks it off in a timely manner, and someone slips, that delay can be used to show negligence. The same applies to uneven flooring in a retail shop that goes unrepaired for weeks despite repeated complaints. These are the types of situations where businesses may be held liable for a resulting fall.

Employee Conduct And Daily Operations

Daily routines and employee behavior also matter. If staff members are aware of hazards but ignore them, or if routine inspections are skipped, that can weigh heavily in a claim. It’s not uncommon for internal policies to require regular checks of public areas—when those protocols are missing or not followed, it can point to a failure in basic care.

Video footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements can support claims that the business should have corrected the issue. These records often make a difference in whether a case is successful.

Open To The Public Means Open To Responsibility

Businesses that welcome the public have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions on their property. This includes entryways, aisles, restrooms, and parking lots. If lighting is poor or signage is missing, and someone trips as a result, that can become a liability. It’s not enough to say a customer should have been more careful—business owners must meet a legal standard of care, especially in areas where accidents are likely.

That said, each situation is fact-specific. The nature of the hazard, how long it was present, and what the business did in response all play a role in determining liability.

Holding Businesses Accountable For Unsafe Conditions

If you fell at a business and believe unsafe conditions played a part, it might be the right time to talk with an attorney. These incidents can lead to medical bills, missed work, and long-term discomfort. We’ve seen how unsafe conditions in commercial spaces can disrupt lives, and we’re here to help make the process of recovery and accountability more manageable. If you’re looking for guidance, the team at Newman Injury Law, PLLC is available to review your case and help you move forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.