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Slip-and-Fall on Public Property

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen almost anywhere a property owner or operator fails to use proper care in constructing or maintaining a walking surface. This is just as true on a city sidewalk or government building as it is in your local grocery store. However, as our Miami slip-and-fall accident attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. can explain, claims from injuries that occur on public property are inherently more complicated.

Claims against government agencies and employees must overcome a defense of sovereign immunity. There are also stringent notification requirements and damage caps.

Our legal team approaches these cases with nearly 50 year of experience in South Florida injury law. We can anticipate the defense strategies government agencies will employ, and know how to effectively counter them.

Government agencies are not bullet-proof against slip-and-fall claims, but you may encounter some additional challenges. If you don’t follow procedures and meet certain deadlines, you may not be able to file a lawsuit at all. Our attorneys will work to help you overcome those hurdles.

Dangerous Conditions on Public Property

Individuals who are injured while on public – i.e., government-owned – property may be entitled to damages.

However, government agencies enjoy sovereign immunity that may shield them in some circumstances. Florida Statute 768.28 is the statute that spells out the state’s waiver of liability.

Some examples of dangerous conditions on public property that could lead to a Miami slip-and-fall accident include:

  • Cracked/ uneven sidewalks
  • Steps that are cracked or lack adequate handrails;
  • Slippery surfaces near public pools;
  • Poorly-lit parking lots;
  • Poorly-designed pedestrian areas;
  • Lack of lighting;
  • Grates or covers in the footpath;
  • Curbs without adequate warning;
  • Slippery surfaces caused by oil or sand;
  • Improperly-constructed staircases.

These conditions can exist on sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, public schools, public libraries, public playgrounds, street, court building, Veterans Administration or other government office or building.

Miami is especially prone to sidewalk slip-and-fall accidents due to cracked sidewalks or open manholes where construction isn’t properly warned. Defective sidewalks are a known problem in Miami, where tree roots tear through pavement, extreme weather cracks the concrete and sinking ground floor can cause displacement.

However, not all sidewalks are considered “public.” As noted in the Fla. Dist. App. 4th decision in 2001 in Broward County v. City of Sunrise, ownership of a sidewalk doesn’t necessarily determine whether a city or county is responsible for sidewalk maintenance. Rather, one must look closely at the statutory scheme. The Code of Miami makes it unlawful an owner of a property contiguous to a sidewalk to allow that sidewalk to remain in dangerous condition. Section 54-54 requires the property owner under certain conditions to repair that sidewalk. The Office of the City Attorney in 2008 affirmed the city’s authority to enforce that ordinance.

Sovereign Immunity

Because government agencies are financed by tax-dollars and offer public services not paralleled by the private sector, they are entitled to special legal protections from injury lawsuits. As noted in the 1993 case of Seguine v. City of Miami, Fla. 3rd DCA, the state and its subdivision are sovereignly immune from tort liability unless such liability is waived by statute. Under the doctrine of sovereign immunity, the government and its agents can’t be liable to any member of the public for civil damages. However, our slip-and-fall accident lawyers advising Miami know that rule isn’t without exception. Under Florida Statute 768.28, government agencies in Florida can be liable for personal injury or death caused by a negligent act or omission of any city employee acting within the course and scope of employment. Corporations acting as agencies or instrumentalities for the city can also be sued for damages.

Before a case can get underway, your attorney will likely want to determine the classification of the allegedly negligent government act. Government functions may take on one of three roles:

  • Discretionary. These involve higher-level planning and decision-making. Such acts are immune from liability.
  • Ministerial. These require little or no personal judgment, and are usually carried out at lower levels. There is no immunity for ministerial acts.
  • Public Duty. Plaintiffs alleging a tort by the government must prove defendant breached a common law or statutory tort duty to the plaintiff individually, not a tort duty owed to the public generally.
  • Proprietary. This is when a government serves a function normally taken on by a private corporation, particularly if revenue is collected. Proprietary functions are not shielded by government immunity laws.
Pre-Suit Notice and Damage Caps

Before you can proceed with a slip-and-fall lawsuit against the government, you first must provide notice to the government agency. It must be written, addressed to the correct government office, properly worded and timely sent. Failure to do so could tank your entire case. Your attorney can handle this aspect for you to ensure it meets all necessary criteria.

The Florida Department of Risk Management outlines the claims process. Notice must be given within three years of the occurrence and can’t be filed until after 180-day investigatory period, unless the claim is denied before then. Service of process must be on the proper agency.

Damages are limited to $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incidents. The only way to receive anything in excess is via the legislature’s claims bill process. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Miami slip-and-fall accident, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, P.A., for a free consultation. Call us today at (305) 371-6000 or using our online contact form.

Client Reviews

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I am a lawyer in Massachusetts. I had a case to refer against a cruise line in Florida and did my homework on which firm to represent the client. Let me take the guessing out of it for you. Call this law firm and sign up. Brandon Parrelli, Google User
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A big shout out to Nick Gerson & Schwartz for helping me navigate my care after a fall against a major cruise ship. They took care of me all along the way and saw me through such a very hard time. I highly recommend their firm if you are looking for a firm that truly cares about you. 5 Stars all the way! Janna Wright, Google User
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Mr Nick Gerson has been extremely attentive (even on weekends!) and has been more than willing to take time to answer all my questions. His receptionist (Suzanne) and paralegal (Carla) are courteous, friendly and highly efficient in all matters. Mr Gerson's diligence lead to a very quick resolution of my case. I am more than pleased to recommend you seek him as your attorney. You will not regret you did!! G.I.B.
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Mr. Gerson and all his team gave to my case the careful and professional attention it needed from the beginning to end. Unfortunately, a year ago I was involved in a car accident on the victim side. I have appreciation for the good service that was given to me and my situation. Thanks. Cales & Mr. Hyde (Carlos Andrés García Jiménez), Google User
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Gerson & Schwartz did an excellent job with my case! Nick Gerson was my primary contact throughout the process and I was overly pleased with his level of professionalism and commitment. Thanks again to the firm for both winning my case and handling it with the upmost respect. Read the full review » Jhlechia Ervin
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Phil is the best attorney! The staff is very helpful and were always kind and understanding. Especially during a PIP claim which can be very frustrating. I am so lucky that I found Gerson & Schwartz to resolve my case, I truly believe there could have been no better outcome. Romina Frascarelli, Google User
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Excellent attorneys, they leave no stone unturned in any case and get max value. Jon Zepnick, Google User
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I hired Gerson & Schwartz, PA for a personal injury/slip and fall case. Phil Gerson, Nick Gerson, and Ed Schwartz were awesome! They were very professional, supportive, and informative through the whole process. I was amazed at how much time and effort they put into presenting my case. They fought hard for me and I am very happy with the outcome. I love these guys and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an attorney who will look out for your best interest and fight hard for what you deserve. Deb Betts, Google User