Slip & Fall Accidents in Mississippi: When Is a Property Owner Responsible?

Jan 08 2026 17:00

Slip and fall accidents can happen in an instant — on a wet grocery store floor, a broken sidewalk, or an unlit stairwell. But when they do, the consequences can last a lifetime. Victims often suffer serious injuries like fractures, concussions, or back trauma, leading to costly medical bills and lost wages.

 

At Frank Shaw Law Firm, we’ve helped Mississippi residents recover compensation after dangerous property conditions caused preventable accidents. Understanding when a property owner is legally responsible is the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.

Premises Liability in Mississippi: The Basics

 

Slip and fall cases fall under an area of law called premises liability, which holds property owners responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe.

Under Mississippi law, an owner or occupier of property has a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors — but the level of responsibility depends on the visitor’s status. The law generally recognizes three categories:

  1. Invitee – Someone invited onto the property for the owner’s benefit (for example, a customer in a store or a visitor to a business). Owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, meaning they must regularly inspect and fix hazards or provide adequate warnings.

  2. Licensee – A social guest or someone on the property for their own purposes. Owners must warn licensees about known dangers that aren’t obvious.

  3. Trespasser – Someone who enters without permission. Generally, owners owe them limited duties, like avoiding willfully or wantonly harming them.

Most slip and fall claims involve invitees, such as customers at a business or tenants at an apartment complex.

When a Property Owner May Be Liable

 

To win a slip and fall claim in Mississippi, you must prove that:

  1. A dangerous condition existed on the property.

  2. The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.

  3. The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn visitors.

  4. That failure directly caused your injury.

This standard focuses on negligence — not every fall results in liability. For example, if a spill occurred moments before your accident and the owner didn’t have a reasonable chance to clean it up, liability may not apply. But if the spill was left for hours, or there were prior complaints, that strengthens your case.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

 

Slip and fall incidents can happen anywhere — from retail stores to parking lots to private homes. Common causes include:

  • Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs

  • Uneven sidewalks or loose tiles

  • Poor lighting in stairways or parking areas

  • Cluttered walkways or debris

  • Loose handrails or broken steps

In Mississippi’s humid climate, rainwater tracked indoors or moss-covered outdoor surfaces also frequently lead to dangerous slips.

Proving Negligence: What Evidence Matters

 

Evidence is key in a premises liability case. To prove negligence, your attorney may use:

  • Surveillance footage showing the hazard and how long it existed

  • Incident reports from the business or property owner

  • Witness statements from employees or other customers

  • Maintenance logs showing inspection or cleaning schedules

  • Photos and videos of the hazard and your injuries

  • Medical records linking the fall directly to your injuries

The sooner you act after an accident, the better your chances of preserving crucial evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.

Real-World Examples in Mississippi

 

Here are a few scenarios where property owners in Mississippi may be held liable:

  • A grocery store leaves a puddle in the produce aisle without signage, causing a customer to fall and break a hip.

  • A hotel fails to replace worn carpeting on a staircase, leading to a guest’s serious back injury.

  • An apartment complex ignores repeated complaints about poor lighting in the parking lot, resulting in a tenant’s fall and concussion.

Each of these cases demonstrates how negligence — not just the presence of a hazard — determines liability.

How Frank Shaw Law Firm Helps Slip & Fall Victims

 

At Frank Shaw Law Firm, we know how to uncover the truth behind slip and fall injuries and hold negligent property owners accountable. Our approach includes:

  • Comprehensive Investigation: We gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and analyze maintenance records.

  • Medical Documentation: We work with your doctors to prove the full extent of your injuries and future care needs.

  • Negotiation with Insurers: We handle all communication with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation.

  • Trial-Ready Representation: If necessary, we’re fully prepared to take your case before a Mississippi jury.

We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

 

If you’re injured in a slip and fall, you may recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills and rehabilitation costs

  • Lost wages or reduced earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

  • Emotional distress

Our goal is to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally after your accident.

Get Legal Help After a Slip & Fall Accident in Mississippi

 

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you have rights — but time is limited. In most cases, Mississippi’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of injury to file a claim.

 

Don’t let negligent property owners or insurers deny you fair compensation.

 

Frank Shaw Law Firm has decades of experience representing slip and fall victims across Mississippi. We’ll fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Give us a call today at (662) 289-4740 to speak to one of our attorneys about your claim.