Trip & Fall on Uneven Pavement in Fort Myers – Understanding Premises Liability

When you’re walking in Fort Myers and you trip over an uneven sidewalk, cracked pavement, or raised slab, the consequences can be significant. These “trip & fall” incidents on uneven pavement are a common form of premises liability claim in Southwest Florida. If you’ve been injured in such a fall, the law firm of Pittman Law Firm, P.L. stands ready to protect your rights—serving clients across Southwest Florida & Naples, with offices in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs.

Common Causes of Trip & Fall Accidents on Uneven Pavement

In Fort Myers and other communities throughout Southwest Florida, several typical hazards lead to trip & fall accidents:

Cracked, broken, or raised sidewalk sections

Tree roots, seismic settling, heavy vehicle traffic, and weather conditions often cause pavement to crack or lift unevenly. These raised slabs or abrupt changes in elevation are major trip hazards. As one guide points out, tripping on a broken or uneven sidewalk can lead to injuries such as fractures, back or neck trauma, and head injuries. 

Abrupt changes in grade or elevation

Even minor differences in height—such as between a walkway slab and the adjoining curb—can trigger a trip when a pedestrian doesn’t expect the shift. One Florida court case held that unlevel sidewalks can be considered open and obvious hazards, yet still actionable if the property owner knew about the defect and failed to repair it. 

Poor lighting & visibility

In areas where lighting is insufficient during early mornings, evenings, or in shaded walkways, uneven pavement becomes harder to detect and more likely to cause a fall.

Debris, obstructions, or wear and tear

Loose mats, fallen leaves, or gravel accumulating on sidewalks can hide uneven surfaces or exacerbate the risk. Property owners and managers have a duty to reasonably maintain walkways and common areas. 

2024‑2025 Statistics on Premises Liability & Trip & Fall Accidents in Florida

While specific statistics for Fort Myers are limited, statewide data underscore the serious nature of fall‑related injuries in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Health, unintentional falls in 2022‑23 led to approximately 75,570 hospitalizations across the state. 

Additionally, in 2023, educational materials showed that falls in Florida resulted in over 80,000 emergency department visits. On the broader front of personal injury claims, data show that for every 100,000 Floridians, there are approximately 127 personal injury cases filed—many of which stem from premises liability incidents like trip and fall. 

These numbers emphasize that uneven pavement and other unsafe walking surfaces in communities like Fort Myers present a notable risk—and property owners must act to protect visitors.

How Pittman Law Firm, P.L. Helps Victims of Trip & Fall Accidents

If you were injured in a trip & fall on uneven pavement in Fort Myers or elsewhere in the Southwest Florida region, Pittman Law Firm, P.L. provides experienced legal representation tailored to your case. With offices in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, the firm serves injured clients across all Southwest Florida counties and Naples, FL.

Here’s how the firm supports clients:

• Performing a detailed investigation of the accident scene and collecting evidence such as photographs of the uneven pavement, lighting conditions, and maintenance records.
• Assessing liability to determine whether the property owner, manager, contractor or other party owed a duty of care and breached it. Florida premises liability law requires proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to correct or warn. 
• Negotiating with insurers or taking the matter to court if needed—seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• Providing local expertise: because the firm is based in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs and serves Naples and all of Southwest Florida, they understand the regional types of premises liability hazards, including uneven sidewalks, walkways in retail centers, construction zones, and more.

What You Should Do After a Trip & Fall on Uneven Pavement

• Seek medical attention right away—even if you believe your injuries are minor. A medical record is essential.
• Photograph the exact area of uneven pavement where you tripped, including nearby hazards, lighting conditions, and surroundings.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager as soon as possible and request a written incident report.
• Preserve any footwear, clothing, or other items involved in the fall.
• Contact an experienced premises liability attorney, such as Pittman Law Firm, P.L,. before discussing your case with insurance companies.
  Time is of the essence—evidence degrades, pavement may be repaired, and memories fade.

Take Action Today

If you’ve been hurt in a trip & fall accident on uneven pavement in Fort Myers or anywhere in Southwest Florida—including Naples—don’t wait. The law limits how long you can pursue compensation. The dedicated team at Pittman Law Firm, P.L,. is ready to review your case, answer your questions, and fight for your rights to full and fair recovery.

Contact the firm’s Fort Myers or Bonita Springs office today for a free consultation.