Hurt in a Store or Parking Lot? What Florida Law Says About Property Owner Responsibility

You went to the store to run a quick errand—but left in pain, confused, and wondering what just happened. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, tripped on an uneven surface, or were hurt in a poorly lit parking lot, one question lingers:

“Is the store—or the property owner—responsible for this?”

At Mulet Law, we help clients across South Florida understand their legal rights after accidents on commercial property. If you’ve been injured in a store, supermarket, shopping plaza, or retail parking lot, you may be entitled to compensation under Florida’s premises liability laws—and we’re here to walk you through it, step by step.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and businesses responsible for maintaining a safe environment for guests, customers, and the general public. In Florida, stores have a legal duty to:

• Keep their premises free from known dangers

• Regularly inspect for unsafe conditions

• Fix hazards in a timely manner

• Warn visitors if immediate repair isn’t possible (e.g., signs or cones)

If they fail to meet these duties, and you’re hurt as a result, they may be liable for your injuries.

Florida Law and Constructive Notice

Florida Statute § 768.0755 governs premises liability cases involving slip and fall incidents at businesses. Under this law, to hold a store accountable, you must prove:

1. A dangerous condition existed on the premises (e.g., liquid spill, broken tile, cracked pavement), and

2. The store had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard and failed to fix it in a reasonable amount of time.

Constructive knowledge means the condition existed long enough that the business should have known about it—even if no one directly reported it.

For example:

• A puddle of water near a freezer aisle that sat for over an hour

• A pothole in a parking lot that had been visible and unrepaired for weeks

At Mulet Law, we investigate the timeline, gather surveillance footage (if available), review maintenance logs, and build a case around who knew what, and when.

Common Store & Parking Lot Hazards

Here are just a few scenarios where store owners or property managers may be held responsible:

• Spills left unattended in aisles

• Uneven or cracked walkways

• Poor lighting in parking areas

• Slippery floors without warning signs

• Broken handrails or stair treads

• Unmarked curbs or tripping hazards

• Shopping cart accidents caused by negligence

Even if your injury happened just outside the store—in a parking lot or entryway—the property owner may still be liable.

What to Do If You’re Hurt at a Store or Plaza

If you’ve been injured, here’s what we recommend:

1. Report the incident immediately to the store manager or security.

2. Take photos of the scene, hazard, and your injuries (if possible).

3. Get names and contact info of any witnesses.

4. Ask for a copy of the incident report—or at least confirm one was filed.

5. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

6. Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel.

Every case is different—but early action and good documentation make all the difference.

You Don’t Have to Face the Process Alone

At Mulet Law, we know how frustrating it is when an everyday moment turns into a painful experience. Businesses and insurance companies may try to downplay your injury, shift the blame, or offer a fast settlement that doesn’t even begin to cover your expenses.

You deserve better.

We’ll help you:

• Understand your rights under Florida law

• Evaluate the strength of your case

• Handle all communication with insurers

• Fight for the compensation you deserve—including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Injured at a Store or Parking Lot? Let’s Talk.

If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, the law may be on your side—but getting results requires smart action and experienced legal support.

📞 Contact Mulet Law today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options, your rights, and your next steps—so you can focus on healing while we focus on the rest.