Miami Slip and Fall Lawyers — Rafaeli Law PLLC

A slip and fall accident in Miami can change your life in seconds. One moment, you are walking through Bayside Marketplace, visiting a Brickell office tower, or navigating a busy Miami Beach resort, the next, you may find yourself facing pain, medical treatment, lost income, and pressure from insurance companies. When hazardous conditions on someone else’s property cause an injury, Florida law gives you the right to pursue compensation. Rafaeli Law PLLC represents victims of slip, trip, and fall accidents across Miami-Dade County. Our goal is simple: investigate what happened, hold negligent property owners accountable, and fight for the settlement or verdict you deserve.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Miami: Why They’re So Common

Miami’s environment creates conditions (Miami-Dade Injury Surveillance Report) where slip and fall accidents happen frequently. With more than 26 million annual visitors, thousands of commercial properties, and a rapidly growing residential population, hazards can arise quickly in public spaces. For federal safety standards, visit OSHA’s slips, trips, and falls guidance.

Related Premises Liability: see our Premises & Property Injuries practice area.

Miami-Dade Injury Facts

According to the Florida Department of Health, falls are:

The leading cause of non-fatal injury hospitalizations statewide, with more than 250,000 emergency room visits each year.
A major driver of injury-related hospitalizations in Miami-Dade, that over 40% of all unintentional injury hospitalizations involve fall-related harm.

Why this matters for your case: These numbers show that falls are not rare accidents; they’re a well-documented public safety issue, and property owners are expected to follow strict maintenance and inspection standards to keep the public safe.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Miami Slip and Fall Accident

If you were injured because a property owner allowed unsafe conditions to exist, you may recover damages such as: because a property owner allowed unsafe conditions to exist, you may recover damages such as:

Medical expenses — Including emergency care, follow-up visits, imaging, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. Many victims face months of physical therapy or require orthopedic care, especially in hip, knee, and shoulder injury cases.
Lost wages — Compensation for missed work and reduced ability to earn money. Miami’s service-based workforce often includes tip earners and hourly employees who lose immediate income after a fall.
Pain and suffering — Compensation for physical discomfort, chronic pain, limited mobility, and reduced quality of life.
Permanent disability or disfigurement — Especially for spinal injuries, fractures, or traumatic brain injuries.

These damages acknowledge the physical, emotional, and financial burden that follows a serious fall. See our Case Results for real outcomes.

General Information You Should Know Before Hiring a Miami Slip and Fall Attorney

Insurance companies routinely deny or undervalue slip and fall claims. Before hiring a lawyer, it helps to understand common challenges that appear in nearly every case:

1. Insurance companies often argue you were at fault.

Adjusters may claim:

You weren’t paying attention.
You should have seen the hazard.
You walked into a restricted or unsafe area.

These arguments aim to reduce liability under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, which lowers your compensation if they can shift blame onto you.

2. Property owners claim they “didn’t know” about the hazard.

Florida Statute §768.0755 requires proving the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. That means demonstrating the hazard existed long enough that they should have discovered it, or that it happened regularly.

3. Slip and fall evidence disappears quickly.

Video footage may be deleted within days. Spills get cleaned. Broken tiles are replaced. Without swift action, crucial evidence may be lost.

Why this matters: Choosing a lawyer who acts immediately and understands the tactics of major insurance companies is essential. See our Legal Disclaimer for more.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries in Miami

Wet or slippery floors in restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores.
Spills left unattended in high-traffic areas.
Loose floor mats in retail entrances.
Damaged sidewalks or broken tiles.
Poor lighting in parking garages and stairwells.
Missing or unstable handrails.
Construction debris left in public pathways.

Each hazard requires a different type of investigation, but all have one thing in common: they are preventable when proper safety protocols are followed. Learn about our Negligent Security cases for related liability.

Key Slip and Fall Statistics in Miami-Dade County

Statistic	Figure	Source
Annual visitors to Miami-Dade	26 million+	Miami-Dade Tourism Office
Annual ER visits for fall-related injuries (FL)	250,000+	Florida Department of Health
Percentage of unintentional injury hospitalizations	40%	Miami-Dade County Injury Surveillance Report
Average days lost per fall-related injury	12 days	Florida Department of Health
Percentage of falls occurring in commercial spaces	60%	National Safety Council

These figures underscore the prevalence and impact of slip and fall accidents in our community, reinforcing the need for experienced legal representation to secure proper compensation. Resources for insights on injury prevention.

Miami Slip and Fall Lawyer Investigation Process

To build a strong claim, our attorneys undertake a detailed investigation that may include:

Preserving surveillance footage: Most Miami businesses use digital security systems that automatically overwrite footage every 24–72 hours. We immediately send preservation letters to prevent deletion.
Documenting the scene: We capture photographs, measurements, lighting conditions, and the layout of the location. These details reveal whether the hazard was visible, avoidable, or improperly marked.
Interviewing witnesses and employees: Witnesses help establish how long the hazard existed. Employees may confirm prior complaints or maintenance lapses.
Reviewing maintenance logs and cleaning records: Every commercial property is expected to follow routine inspection procedures. When logs show gaps or inconsistencies, it strengthens your case.
Consulting industry experts: Experts can evaluate flooring friction levels, code violations, and environmental factors. Their analysis often plays a key role in proving negligence.
Analyzing medical documentation: Medical records connect your injuries directly to the fall event, building the foundation of your damages claim.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Choosing the right attorney is critical to maximizing your recovery and navigating complex legal processes. Here’s why Rafaeli Law PLLC stands out:

Local Expertise in Miami-Dade — Our attorneys live and work here, with deep knowledge of county courts, judges, and insurance companies.
Proven Track Record — We’ve secured millions in verdicts and settlements for slip and fall victims; see our Case Results to learn more.
Hands-On Approach — You’ll work directly with our lead attorneys, not paralegals or assistants, ensuring personalized attention from start to finish.
Aggressive Investigation — We preserve evidence immediately, consult top experts, and build robust cases that insurers cannot ignore.
No Fees Unless We Win — Our contingency fee model means you owe nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Responsive Communication — We’re available 24/7, return calls promptly, and keep you updated at every stage of your claim.
Client-Centered Service — Your well-being is our priority. We connect you to medical providers, handle paperwork, and guide you through each step.

These advantages combine to deliver results-focused representation and peace of mind during a stressful time.

Using Expert Witnesses to Strengthen Your Case

Expert testimony helps explain complex issues to a jury or insurance adjuster. Common expert contributions include:

Safety engineers explain why flooring materials became hazardous.
Building code specialists are identifying violations under the Florida Building Code.
Medical experts are projecting future treatment needs and long-term impact.
Accident reconstruction specialists demonstrate how lighting, foot traffic, or water tracking contributed to the fall.

Their evaluations create an authoritative record that supports your right to compensation.

Common Injuries in Miami Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries can be severe, particularly for older adults or individuals with physically demanding jobs.

Frequent Injuries Include:

Fractures — Hip, wrist, and ankle fractures are common and often require surgery.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) — According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of TBIs, which may cause memory loss, dizziness, or long-term cognitive issues.
Spinal injuries — Herniated discs, nerve compression, or vertebral fractures can lead to chronic pain.
Shoulder injuries — Rotator cuff tears and dislocations often occur when victims attempt to break their fall.
Knee injuries — Including torn ligaments or meniscus damage.

These injuries often require months of treatment, and many victims never fully return to their pre-accident physical condition. See our Testimonials for client stories.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Cases

Florida law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a slip and fall lawsuit. Exceptions may apply for:

Cases involving government property.
Delayed discovery of injuries.
Claims involving minors.

Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation, making early legal action essential. Refer to our Terms of Use for legal deadlines.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

Rafaeli Law is top-notch! From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. They didn’t waste any time — they moved fast, kept me informed, and went after results with real determination. You can tell they’re go-getters who truly care about their clients. If you need a law firm that’s sharp, efficient, and fights for you, I highly recommend Rafaeli Law.

Maurice M.

Kerollos A.

Can't say enough good things about Rafaeli Law. Their team is incredibly professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping you through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly sets them apart. If you're looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and results-driven legal team, Rafaeli Law is the place to go.

Heather H.

I had a great experience with Rafaeli Law after my car accident. They were professional, responsive and always made sure I understood each step of the process. A special thank you to Jindy - she was absolutely amazing. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful every time I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help after an accident.

Lorena Z.

Rafaeli Law, not only took the time to really listen to my situation but made me feel like they truly listened so they could understand and do the best they possibly could in asserting my case. In every step of the process they communicated with me. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be reaching out to them and will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Vanessa C.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What steps should I take immediately after a slip and fall?

Seek medical care, report the incident to the property owner, take photos, gather witness names, and consult a lawyer before speaking to insurance companies.

2. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Florida uses modified comparative negligence, which reduces but does not eliminate your recovery based on your level of fault.

3. Why do slip and fall cases get denied?

Insurance companies often argue lack of notice, insufficient evidence, or shared fault. Legal representation helps counter these arguments.

4. How much is my case worth?

The value depends on medical costs, injury severity, recovery time, lost income, and long-term impact.

5. How long does it take to resolve a claim?

Simple cases may settle within months, while complex or disputed cases may require litigation and take longer.

6. What if I fell on government property?

Claims against the government require special notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

7. Should I speak to the insurance company myself?

It’s best not to. Anything you say may be used to minimize your claim.

Schedule a Consultation

Get a Free Consultation

If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1500 Weston Rd Suite 200, Weston, FL 33326

info@rafaelilaw.com

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