Slip and fall accidents happen more often than most people think, especially at apartment complexes where dozens or even hundreds of people live and move through shared spaces every day. When those injuries are caused by poor maintenance, unsafe walkways, or dangerous property conditions, victims may be legally entitled to compensation under Mississippi law.
Whether it’s a slippery stairwell, a broken handrail, or a neglected patch of ice on a sidewalk, apartment complexes have a duty to protect the safety of tenants, guests, and visitors. When they fail to do that, serious injuries—and legal claims—can follow.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, Jonathan Barrett is a trusted Mississippi apartment injury lawyer who has helped injured victims and grieving families recover full financial compensation after apartment-related incidents. With decades of experience in Mississippi premises liability law, we understand what it takes to prove negligence and hold landlords and property owners accountable.
Common Slip and Fall Hazards at Mississippi Apartment Complexes
Falls can happen in nearly any part of an apartment complex. These injuries are often preventable, but they occur when landlords cut corners on maintenance or ignore known hazards.
Typical slip and fall hazards include:
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Wet or mopped floors without warning signs
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Icy sidewalks or unshoveled snow
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Uneven pavement or broken concrete
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Missing or broken handrails
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Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
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Loose carpeting in hallways
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Spilled substances left uncleaned in common areas
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Damaged or collapsing steps
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Water leaks causing slick conditions
In each of these scenarios, the question becomes: Did the apartment management know—or should they have known—about the hazard? If the answer is yes, and no reasonable action was taken, they may be legally responsible.
Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can result in:
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Broken hips or fractures (especially in elderly residents)
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Head injuries or concussions
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
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Back and spinal injuries
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Sprained ankles or torn ligaments
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Facial injuries from impact with pavement or stairs
The physical consequences can lead to costly medical bills, missed work, long-term disability, and chronic pain. These aren’t “minor” accidents—and victims deserve accountability and support.
Who Is Legally Responsible for a Fall at an Apartment Complex in Mississippi?
Under Mississippi premises liability law, landlords and property owners are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment for lawful visitors, including:
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Residents
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Guests
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Service providers
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Delivery drivers
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Children on the premises
They must take reasonable steps to fix dangerous conditions, warn residents of known hazards, and routinely inspect the property for safety issues.
When they fail in these duties, and someone is hurt, they may be held financially responsible.
Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall at an Apartment I Rent?
Yes, in many cases you can. If the fall occurred in a common area—such as a stairwell, lobby, parking lot, laundry room, or sidewalk—the landlord or property management company is likely responsible for maintenance and upkeep.
If the fall occurred inside your own apartment, the circumstances become more specific. You may have a case if:
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The injury was caused by a structural defect the landlord failed to repair
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The hazard involved shared plumbing or electrical systems
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The landlord had prior notice of the issue and failed to act
Legal Obligations Under Mississippi Premises Liability Law
Mississippi courts have consistently upheld the principle that property owners must protect lawful visitors from foreseeable harm. This includes maintaining surfaces and structures, ensuring adequate lighting, clearing snow and ice, and addressing any known danger that could cause a fall.
The legal burden is to prove:
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The property owner owed you a duty of care
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They breached that duty by failing to act
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The breach directly caused your injury
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You suffered damages as a result (medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering)
Who Is Affected by Apartment Complex Slip and Falls?
Slip and fall victims include:
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Tenants injured in poorly lit stairwells
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Children falling on broken sidewalks or playgrounds
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Elderly residents tripping on loose carpeting
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Visitors falling on icy steps during winter
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Maintenance workers hurt in common areas
Each of these victims can suffer serious physical, financial, and emotional consequences. At Barrett Law, we work to ensure every client receives the maximum compensation available under Mississippi law.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall at a Mississippi Apartment Complex
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Seek Medical Attention Immediately
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Your health is the top priority. Early treatment also creates documentation for your claim.
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Report the Incident
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Notify the property manager or landlord and ask for a copy of the incident report.
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Document the Scene
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Take photos of the area, including hazards like spills, lighting, or broken steps.
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Gather Witness Information
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If anyone saw your fall, get their name and contact info.
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Save Medical Bills and Receipts
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These will be used to calculate damages and losses.
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Speak to a Mississippi Apartment Injury Lawyer
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Do not accept a settlement or sign documents without legal guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partially at fault for my fall?
Mississippi uses a “pure comparative fault” rule. That means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault—your compensation will just be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
How long do I have to sue after a slip and fall in Mississippi?
You generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. But it’s important to begin gathering evidence early before it disappears.
Can I sue if I was visiting someone at the apartment and slipped in a common area?
Yes. Lawful visitors are owed the same duty of care as tenants. If the fall occurred in a shared space and was caused by negligence, you may have a case.
What types of damages can I recover?
You may be entitled to:
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Medical expenses
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Lost income or reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
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Future care costs
Do I need to prove the landlord knew about the hazard?
Not always. If the danger existed long enough that they should have known, that may be enough. For example, a puddle that was present all day could be grounds for liability.
Does a wet floor sign protect the apartment complex?
Not necessarily. A warning sign may help, but it doesn’t excuse the property owner from fixing the hazard or being liable if the warning was inadequate.
What if the landlord says I wasn’t watching where I was going?
This is a common defense. We fight these claims by showing how the condition was unreasonably dangerous and that your behavior was reasonable given the circumstances.
Can I still sue if I fell due to weather, like ice or rain?
Possibly. Landlords are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent injuries from natural hazards, including shoveling snow, applying salt, or clearing ice in a timely manner.
Can I sue if I fell inside my apartment?
If the fall was caused by a landlord’s failure to repair or maintain the space after being notified, yes. If the condition was your responsibility or the landlord had no notice, the claim may be harder to prove.
What if my child was injured in a fall?
Children have the same rights to compensation as adults. You can bring a claim on your child’s behalf to recover for their medical care, pain, and long-term impact.
Harmed on an Apartment Complex in Mississippi? Call Mississippi Apartment Injury Claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
A slip and fall injury can upend your life, especially when it happens on someone else’s property. If you were injured at a Mississippi apartment complex due to poor maintenance, dangerous conditions, or negligence, you may have a right to compensation. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we handle every case with the attention it deserves and pursue the full financial recovery our clients need to move forward.
We serve slip and fall victims across Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, Brandon, and all of Mississippi.
📞 Call (601) 790-1505 now for your free consultation—available 24/7/365. Let us help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.