Falling Object Injuries in Fort Lauderdale Stores and Parking Garages

As our premises liability attorneys in Fort Lauderdale will explain, suffering an injury due to a falling object is a preventable accident. Furthermore, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses through a personal injury claim.

If you were injured in a Fort Lauderdale shopping center or parking garage due to negligent maintenance or care, keep reading to learn more about your rights.

Common Causes of Falling Object Injuries

Whether it took place in a busy shopping center, a large parking garage, or anywhere with heavy foot traffic, store owners and business managers have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for their patrons. Below are some of the common causes our injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have seen:

Common Causes in Fort Lauderdale Stores

Store aisles should be free of clutter, and products should be properly shelved. Accidents may occur when businesses have:

• Poorly stacked merchandise
• Unsecured shelving
• Careless stocking practices
• Loose overhead displays

Common Causes in Parking Garages

Parking garages should have adequate lighting, and overhead secured fixtures and piping should be properly secured. Accidents in a parking garage may occur due to:

• Loose fixtures (lights, signage)
• Deteriorating structures
• Tools or equipment left unsecured during maintenance

Types of Injuries Sustained in Falling Object Cases

Victims of falling objects can suffer a wide range of injuries, such as:

• Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Neck and spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Cuts, bruises, or broken bones

Some victims may also experience an emotional/psychological injury. The costs associated with these injuries and the medical care needed to treat them can be significant.

Legal Considerations in Fort Lauderdale

As stated, property owners, business managers, and tenants have a legal obligation under premises liability laws. Those parties must:

• Provide proper training for store employees in stocking and securing items.
• Conduct regular inspections in parking garages for loose fixtures or structural concerns.
• Repair and address hazardous conditions promptly.
• Display clear warning signs during maintenance.
• Take proactive safety measures to prevent accidents.

If you can prove that a property owner was aware or should have been aware of a dangerous condition on their property, then you can seek compensation for your damages, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Lost income

Be advised that your premises liability claim will have a deadline. You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, or you may lose your right to fair compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Falling Object Injuries?

One of the most important questions after a falling object accident is: who is responsible for creating or allowing the hazard to exist? Liability may fall on one or more parties depending on where the incident occurred and who controlled the area where the object fell.

Potentially liable parties can include:

• Store owners and retail operators: If employees stocked items improperly, ignored unsafe displays, or failed to follow safety procedures.
• Property owners and shopping center management: If the injury involved common areas, poor maintenance, inadequate inspections, or unsafe structural elements.
• Tenants or third-party vendors: If a vendor set up an endcap, overhead display, promotional rack, or kiosk that was unstable or improperly installed.
• Maintenance or construction contractors: In parking garages, a contractor may be responsible if tools, equipment, or fixtures were left unsecured during repairs or renovations.
  

Because multiple parties may share responsibility, an attorney can help identify who owed you a duty of care, what safety standards applied, and how the hazard should have been prevented.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a Premises Liability Claim

Falling object cases often come down to proof—proof of what fell, why it fell, and whether the responsible party knew (or should have known) about the risk. Strong evidence can help demonstrate negligence and support the full value of your damages.

Helpful evidence may include:

• Incident reports and internal records: A report made by management can document the time, location, and initial description of the hazard.
• Photos and video footage: Pictures of the shelves, displays, fixtures, warning signs (or lack of them), and your visible injuries can be powerful.
• Surveillance video: Many stores and garages have cameras that may capture the moment the object fell, prior warnings, or employee activity.
• Witness statements: Other shoppers, employees, or bystanders may confirm what happened and whether the hazard was present beforehand.
• Medical records and follow-up care: Medical documentation helps connect your injuries to the accident and shows the extent of treatment needed.
• Maintenance, inspection, and training records: These can reveal whether the business followed proper procedures—or failed to.
  

Because video footage and business records can be lost or overwritten, contacting a lawyer quickly can help preserve critical evidence before it disappears.

Steps to Take After a Falling Object Accident in Fort Lauderdale

If you have been involved in an unsafe property injury in Fort Lauderdale, our law firm recommends the following steps:

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Report the incident to management or property owners.
• Document the accident scene with photos.
• Collect contact information from witnesses.

Then, contact a Fort Lauderdale premises liability attorney as soon as possible.

Reach Out to Our Fort Lauderdale Premises Liability Lawyers Today

If you have suffered injuries due to poor upkeep and maintenance, you have a right to receive compensation from the liable party. Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a free case consultation. Call (844) 643-7200 or complete our online form today.