Jacksonville Slip and Fall Lawyer
John M. Phillips is a Board Certified civil trial attorney with 25+ years of experience securing maximum compensation for slip and fall injuries. His $495,123,680 verdict stands as the largest in Jacksonville history—proof that serious slip and fall cases can result in catastrophic verdicts when liability is clear and damages are properly documented. Forbes named him a Top 200 Lawyer in America (2025) and a Top 20 Lawyer in Florida.
Slip and fall injuries are common but often serious. A fall can result in broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, and lasting disability. Elderly victims face particularly severe consequences—a hip fracture from a fall often ends independence and begins decline toward death.
Many property owners and businesses knowingly maintain unsafe conditions. A wet floor without warning signs. A broken handrail. Inadequate lighting. Cracked pavement. Debris left on walkways. These hazards are negligent, and the property owner is liable for injuries they cause.
At Phillips, Hunt & Walker, we handle slip and fall cases that demand maximum compensation. We front all costs and litigation expenses at no interest (competitors charge LIBOR + 8%). We investigate thoroughly. We document hazards. We secure expert testimony. And we hold property owners accountable for negligence.
Common Slip and Fall Hazards
Wet Floors are the most common slip and fall hazard. A business knows water has accumulated on the floor from cleaning, rainfall, or customer spills. Without warning signs or prompt cleanup, the floor becomes a hazard. The business is negligent.
Inadequate Lighting prevents customers from seeing hazards. Dark hallways, dimly lit stairwells, and inadequate parking lot lighting increase fall risk. Businesses have a duty to maintain adequate lighting.
Broken Handrails and Steps are obvious hazards. A loose or missing handrail on stairs creates a fall risk. Broken steps, cracked concrete, and uneven surfaces cause trips and falls.
Debris and Obstacles left on walkways, aisles, or floors cause trips. Merchandise left on floors, broken glass, spilled food, or other items create fall hazards that businesses should promptly remove.
Inadequate Snow and Ice Removal is common in winter. Businesses and property owners have a duty to remove snow and ice or provide adequate warnings and alternatives. Failure to do so is negligent.
Worn Flooring and Carpet that is torn, loose, or excessively worn creates trip hazards. Curling carpet, loose tiles, and worn rugs should be replaced or repaired.
Inadequate Maintenance of Common Areas in apartments, condos, and commercial buildings creates fall hazards. Broken walkways, loose floorboards, and poorly maintained common areas are landlord negligence.
Comparative Fault in Slip and Fall Cases
Businesses will argue that the victim caused their own fall through carelessness. They’ll claim you weren’t paying attention, that you should have seen the hazard, or that you were running or acting recklessly.
Florida law recognizes comparative fault. But the duty to maintain safe premises belongs to the property owner, not the customer. Even if you were somewhat careless, if the property owner was negligent in maintaining the premises, you may still recover. Florida allows recovery if you are less than 50% at fault.
We defeat comparative fault arguments through investigation and expert testimony. We establish that the hazard was not obvious, that the property owner had notice of the hazard, and that reasonable care would have prevented the fall.
Notice and Knowledge
A critical element of slip and fall liability is whether the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the hazard. Constructive notice means the property owner should have known about the hazard through reasonable inspection of the premises.
A puddle on the floor is not automatically the property owner’s liability if it appeared just seconds before your fall. But if water has been accumulating for hours, or if prior customers slipped in the same place, the business had notice and is negligent.
We investigate prior incidents. If other customers have slipped in the same spot, that evidence proves the business knew of the hazard and did nothing. We obtain prior incident reports, photos, and witness statements.
Why Phillips, Hunt & Walker
Board-Certified Trial Excellence. John M. Phillips is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law—held by fewer than 5% of Florida attorneys. This credential demonstrates extensive trial experience, peer review, and mastery of trial practice.
Institutional Recognition. Forbes named John a Top 200 Lawyer in America (2025) and a Top 20 Lawyer in Florida. He holds AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Florida Super Lawyers.
Trial Strength. Our $495,123,680 verdict—the largest in Jacksonville history—demonstrates our ability to take serious cases to trial and win decisively.
No-Cost, Interest-Free Litigation. We front all costs at no interest. Competitors charge LIBOR + 8%, adding thousands to your bill. We don’t.
Personalized Representation. John handles your case personally. You get a Board-Certified trial lawyer’s expertise from day one.
Contact Phillips, Hunt & Walker
If you were injured in a slip and fall due to property owner negligence, don’t settle for a low offer. Get a Board-Certified trial lawyer in your corner.
Free consultation. No cost to you. No interest on litigation expenses.
Call (904) 444-4444 today.
Phillips, Hunt & Walker
660 Park Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 444-4444
Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney. Offices in Jacksonville, Brunswick, and Fort Pierce.