When accidents occur on someone else’s property, determining who is responsible can be complicated. Two legal concepts often come into play: premises liability and slip and fall claims. While they are closely related, there are important distinctions between them that can affect how your case is handled. At Roberts, Basnuevo & Macias, P.A., we help Miami-Dade County residents understand these differences and pursue the compensation they deserve.

What Is Premises Liability?



Premises liability is a broad area of personal injury law that holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors. This responsibility applies to both private and commercial property owners. Common scenarios include:

• Poorly maintained walkways or staircases
• Inadequate security leading to assaults or theft
• Unsafe swimming pools or recreational areas
• Falling objects or structural hazards

In short, premises liability covers any injury caused by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. To prove a premises liability case, an injured person must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it.

What Is a Slip and Fall Claim?

A slip and fall is a type of premises liability case, but it focuses specifically on accidents caused by slipping, tripping, or falling due to unsafe conditions. Common causes include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven or cracked sidewalks
• Loose rugs or carpeting
• Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways

Slip and fall cases often hinge on demonstrating that the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the hazard, such as cleaning spills, placing warning signs, or repairing unsafe flooring.

The Key Difference

While all slip and fall claims fall under the umbrella of premises liability, not all premises liability cases involve a slip and fall. For example, injuries from falling objects in a store or dog bites on private property are premises liability claims but are not slip and falls.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Proving liability often requires gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and understanding Florida law. At Roberts, Basnuevo & Macias, P.A., we assist Miami-Dade County residents in holding negligent property owners accountable and pursuing fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, our team is here to help you understand your rights and determine the best legal strategy for your situation.