Will my slip and fall case go to trial?

The majority of slip and fall cases settle before reaching a Pinellas County courtroom. However, The Ruth Law Team prepares every case with full trial readiness — and insurance companies know it. That preparation is what produces favorable settlements. When a fair resolution cannot be reached, our trial attorneys are fully equipped and willing to fight before a jury on your behalf.
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What if I fell at a City of St. Petersburg or Pinellas County property?

Claims against government entities require strict compliance with FL Stat. § 768.28's sovereign immunity notice requirements — typically a written notice of claim served within three years. These cases have different procedures and shorter practical deadlines. The Ruth Law Team handles government liability cases regularly. Contact us immediately if a government-owned property was involved.
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What if the property owner says there was a wet floor sign?

A wet floor sign is not an automatic defense. The sign must be conspicuously placed where any reasonable person approaching from the direction of the hazard would clearly see it. Signs that are too small, placed out of view, or positioned after the fact may still leave the property owner legally liable. We scrutinize sign placement, timing, and adequacy in every case.
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Can I sue a St. Petersburg store if I slipped on a wet floor?

Yes — if the store had actual or constructive knowledge of the wet floor and failed to clean it up or post adequate, properly-positioned warning signs. FL Stat. § 768.0755 governs these claims. The key is proving knowledge, and The Ruth Law Team knows exactly how to build that evidence through maintenance records, surveillance footage, and employee testimony. ... read more?

How long does a slip and fall case take to settle in St. Petersburg?

Most cases in our practice resolve within 6 to 18 months. Cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability that proceed to trial in Pinellas County Circuit Court may take two to three years. We keep you informed at every stage and push for resolution on your timeline whenever possible.
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What evidence is needed to prove a Florida slip and fall case?

The strongest cases combine: photographs of the hazardous condition taken at the scene, a written incident report, medical records documenting your injuries, witness statements, and records showing the property owner had prior notice of the hazard — such as prior complaints, maintenance logs, or surveillance footage showing how long the condition existed before your fall. ... read more?

Do I really need a lawyer for a slip and fall accident?

Yes — especially in Florida. Property owners and their insurance companies dispute these claims aggressively. Under FL Stat. § 768.0755, the burden of proving the owner's knowledge of the hazard falls on you. Experienced attorneys know how to gather and present that evidence effectively, and our involvement consistently produces better outcomes than unrepresented claims. ... read more?

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my fall?

Yes. Under Florida's modified comparative negligence rule (FL Stat. § 768.81), you can recover as long as you are found 50% or less responsible for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. An experienced attorney can work to minimize any fault assigned to you and maximize your recovery.
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What is my St. Petersburg slip and fall case worth?

Case value depends on the severity of your injuries, the totality of your medical expenses, lost income, any permanent disability, and the strength of the liability evidence. The Ruth Law Team has recovered $375,000 for a fractured hip victim and $900,000 for a client paralyzed by a staircase fall. We offer a free evaluation to provide an honest estimate based on your specific circumstances. ... read more?

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Florida?

For most accidents, Florida's statute of limitations is four years from the date of injury under FL Stat. § 95.11. However, if your accident occurred on or after March 24, 2023, a two-year limit may apply under Florida's 2023 tort reform law. Do not wait — contact an attorney immediately, as missing this deadline permanently forfeits your right to litigation.
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What’s The Legal Difference Between Fatal and Non-Fatal Drowning Incidents?

The key difference between a fatal and non-fatal drowning accident is the outcome of the accident. A fatal drowning accident involves the death of the victim, and a non-fatal drowning results in the victim surviving the incident. However, from a legal standpoint, there are several important differences between these two types of accidents. In a fatal drowning accident, the victim's family... read more?

What injuries are common with drowning?

As a lawyer who has dealt with cases of drowning accidents, it is important to note that drowning can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be very severe. The most common injuries associated with drowning accidents include: Brain damage: The lack of oxygen to the brain during drowning can lead to brain damage, which can result in long-term disabilities. Those disabilities... read more?

Should I Hire a Slip or Trip Lawyer?

Possibly. It’s easy to blame yourself for a slip and fall accident, but it may be due to the negligence of others. The dedicated attorneys at The Ruth Law Team have the knowledge and experience to determine whether you have a case. We can help you fight for fast and fair compensation, so you can focus on your recovery. ... read more?

What’s the Cost to Hire a Slip Attorney?

When you choose The Ruth Law Team to represent you, you won’t pay us a dime out of pocket. We know how stressful it is when you’re trying to recover from an injury, especially if you’re unable to work. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. If we reach a settlement on your behalf, our fee is a percentage of the package. If we don’t recover compensation for you, we don’t get... read more?

What Should I Do After a Slip, Trip, or Fall incident?

After any accident that leaves you injured, the first thing you should do is seek medical care. If possible, you’ll want to gather some information at the scene, including photos of the area and contact information for workers and witnesses. Look around to see what caused your fall. Is there liquid on the ground? Poor lighting? A hazard in the walkway? Take photos or ask someone to take photos... read more?