Slip & Fall on Water in Fort Myers, Florida

Understanding Causes, Trends & Legal Rights

When you slip and fall on water in a store, restaurant, or other property in Fort Myers or the greater Southwest Florida region, you face not only physical injury but also the question: who is legally responsible? At Pittman Law Firm, P.L.—serving clients across all counties of Southwest Florida and Naples, with offices in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs—we represent those hurt by premises liability incidents and help them pursue full compensation.

Common Causes of Slip & Fall on Water Incidents in Southwest Florida

There are several ways that water‐related slip and fall accidents happen under the premises liability umbrella:

Spills and Liquid Leaks

In retail stores, grocery aisles, or food service venues in Fort Myers, water can accumulate from ice machines, beverage stations, or spray systems and be left unmarked. A property owner fails to warn visitors or clean up the puddle, leading to a dangerous condition.

Rainwater and Exterior Walkways

In Southwest Florida’s rainy climate, water often pools on sidewalks, entrance ramps, parking lots, or curbs. Uneven drainage or a lack of non‑slip surfaces increases the risk of a fall on water or wet concrete outside a business.

Indoor Flooring & Slip Hazards

Inside hotels, commercial buildings, or independent businesses in the Fort Myers/Naples area, water may be tracked in from outside (especially during rainstorms), floors may be slick after cleaning, or safety mats may be missing or inadequate. Failure to maintain non‑slip surfaces or to post warning signage is a frequent cause of accidents.

Pool Decks, Wet Areas, and Recreational Zones

In Southwest Florida, many properties have pool decks or adjacent wet‑areas. Water accumulation, lack of anti-slip treatment, inadequate drainage, or missing warning signs can lead to catastrophic slip and fall events on water.

2024‑2025 Trends & Statistics: Premises Liability Slip & Fall in Florida

While region‑specific data for Fort Myers alone is limited, state and national trends give important insight:

• Florida 2023 data indicates that slip and fall incidents leading to emergency room visits exceeded 80,000 in that year. 
• A 2024 legal‑industry forecast observed an over 8 % increase in premises liability claims filed in Florida courts compared to the prior year. 
• Although average settlement amounts vary widely in Florida, many slip and fall injury claims fall in the five‑figure range, with more serious cases reaching six‑figure or higher. 

These numbers underscore that injured persons in Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida need prompt legal guidance—water‑related slip and fall accidents remain a significant portion of personal injury and premises liability cases.

Why Quick Action Matters in a Slip & Fall on Water Case

Under Florida law, to hold a property owner liable, you typically must show that: the owner owed you a duty of care; there was a hazardous condition (such as water on the floor); the owner knew or should have known about it; and you were injured because of it. 

Further, Florida’s statute of limitations for many personal injury premises liability claims is now two years from the date of injury. Timely documentation of the accident scene, water source, warning signs (or lack thereof), and your medical treatment is critical.

How Pittman Law Firm, P.L. Can Help You in Fort Myers & Southwest Florida

Serving Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples, and the broader Southwest Florida region—including Lee County, Collier County, and surrounding areas—Pittman Law Firm, P.L. has extensive experience with slip & fall on water claims under the umbrella of premises liability.
We:

• Investigate the site of the fall: pooling water, drainage flaws, wet surfaces, and missing warnings.
• Identify responsible parties: property owners, managers, contractors.
• Gather evidence: photographs, surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance logs.
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies and property agent representations to secure full compensation for your medical costs, lost income, pain, and suffering.
• Offer a free consultation so you can evaluate your rights without risk.

If you or a loved one has slipped and fallen on water in Fort Myers, Naples, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, don’t wait. Contact Pittman Law Firm, P.L., today for a free case review. We serve injured persons across all Southwest Florida counties and are ready to advocate for you—so you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal burden.