Should You Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Gulfport, Mississippi?

A slip and fall or trip and fall accident can happen in an instant, and the injuries it leaves behind are anything but minor. Broken bones, torn ligaments, spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries. Medical bills that pile up fast. Days, weeks, or months away from work. And a property owner or insurance company that is already working to minimize what they owe you.

I am Mike Holleman, a slip and fall lawyer and premises liability attorney based in Gulfport, Mississippi. As a fall accident lawyer, I have spent more than four decades fighting for injured people throughout the Gulf Coast and across Mississippi, and I know how to hold negligent property owners accountable.

Free Consultation. No Fee Unless I Win. Call (228) 868-0064.

What Is a Slip and Fall Claim and What Does Premises Liability Mean in Mississippi?

A slip and fall claim, sometimes called a trip and fall claim or a premises liability claim, is a type of personal injury case that arises when someone is injured on another person’s or entity’s property because of an unsafe or negligent condition. The legal term for this area of law is premises liability, and it covers a wide range of accidents and injuries.

In short, simply falling on someone else’s property does not automatically create a valid Mississippi slip and fall claim. A successful case generally requires proof that a dangerous condition existed, that the property owner created the condition or knew or reasonably should have known about it, and that the owner failed to correct the hazard or provide an adequate warning within a reasonable time. In other words, there must be evidence of negligence, not merely evidence that a fall occurred. Most claims must be filed within three years under Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49, and any fault assigned to you may reduce the amount you can recover.

A fall accident can cause serious injuries, but not every fall is the property owner’s responsibility. I have represented clients injured in grocery stores, restaurants, casinos, hotels, parking lots, sidewalks, stairwells, apartment complexes, construction sites, and private homes throughout Gulfport, Mississippi, and the surrounding Gulf Coast. The location may change, but the central issue remains the same: was there a dangerous condition the property owner was responsible for addressing, and did the owner fail to take reasonable steps to correct it or warn you before you were injured?

Not sure if your fall accident qualifies as a claim? Call (228) 868-0064 and I will give you an honest answer.

Who Is Gulfport Slip and Fall Lawyer Mike Holleman?

Mike Holleman is a slip and fall lawyer and premises liability attorney based in Gulfport, Mississippi, who has represented injured people throughout South Mississippi since 1981.

Mike Holleman has handled slip and fall accident cases, trip and fall injury claims, and dangerous premises liability cases involving retail stores, restaurants, casinos, hotels, parking lots, construction sites, government properties, and private residences throughout Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Waveland, Hattiesburg, and across Mississippi.

Mike Holleman graduated magna cum laude, second in his class, from the University of Mississippi School of Law and was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 1981, giving him more than four decades of active premises liability and personal injury experience in Mississippi.

Mike Holleman was the recipient of the Alonzo Westbrook Public Service Award, awarded by The Mississippi Bar for outstanding public service to the legal community and the citizens of Mississippi.

Mike Holleman practices on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless he wins their case. Free consultations are available by calling (228) 868-0064.

Holleman Law Firm, PLLC is located at 2004 24th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501.

“Always tell the truth. Being honest with your legal team will help us fight for the results you need and deserve.”
— Mike Holleman, Slip and Fall Lawyer, Gulfport, Mississippi

What Do People Ask About Gulfport Slip and Fall Cases?

Who Is Liable for My Slip and Fall Accident in Mississippi?

Liability in a slip and fall or trip and fall case depends on who owned or controlled the property where you were injured, what duty of care they owed you, and whether their negligence caused the dangerous condition that led to your fall.

In Mississippi, the duty a property owner owes you generally depends on why you were on the property. Invited guests and customers, known as invitees, are owed the highest level of care. Social guests, known as licensees, are owed a somewhat lower level. Trespassers are generally owed the least, though even trespassers have some protections, particularly children.

Potentially liable parties in a slip and fall or premises liability case can include retail store owners, restaurant owners, hotel and casino operators, landlords and property management companies, government entities for dangerous public sidewalks or roads, construction site owners and contractors, and private homeowners. I will investigate the circumstances of your fall thoroughly to identify every party that potentially bears responsibility.

Call (228) 868-0064 to find out who may be liable for your fall accident.

What Do I Have to Prove to Win a Slip and Fall Case in Mississippi?

To succeed in a slip and fall or trip and fall claim in Mississippi, I generally need to establish four things on your behalf, including:

• First, that the property owner or occupier owed you a duty of care.
• Second, that they breached that duty by creating, allowing, or failing to warn you about a dangerous condition.
• Third, that the dangerous condition caused your fall and your injuries.
• Fourth, that you suffered real, compensable damages as a result.

The most contested element in most slip and fall cases is the second one. A property owner is not automatically liable every time someone falls on their property. The key question is whether they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn about it within a reasonable amount of time. For example, if a store employee spilled liquid on a floor 30 seconds before you slipped, a court may find the store had no reasonable time to clean it up. But if that spill had been sitting there for two hours and no employee had checked the aisle, the store’s negligence becomes much harder to dispute.

Evidence matters enormously in these cases. Surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance logs, witness statements, and photographs taken at the scene can all make a decisive difference. As a Gulfport Slip and Fall Attorney with decades of experience, I move quickly to preserve this evidence before it disappears.

Call (228) 868-0064 as soon as possible after your fall. Evidence can disappear fast.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident in Gulfport, Mississippi?

The steps you take in the minutes and hours after a fall accident can have a significant impact on the strength of your legal claim. Here is what I recommend.

Step 1. Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you think you were not seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many serious injuries including concussions, spinal injuries, and soft tissue damage do not present their full symptoms immediately. A medical record created close in time to your accident is also one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case.

Step 2. Report the Accident to the Property Owner or Manager

Before you leave the property, report what happened to a manager, supervisor, or property owner and ask that a written incident report be completed. Request a copy for yourself. Do not sign any documents offered to you by the property owner or their insurance company on the spot.

Step 3. Photograph Everything You Can

Use your phone to photograph the exact spot where you fell, the condition that caused your fall, such as a wet floor, torn carpet, or broken step, any visible injuries, your footwear, and the surrounding area, including any warning signs that were or were not present. These photographs may be the most important evidence in your case.

Step 4. Collect Witness Information

If anyone saw you fall or was nearby, ask for their name and contact information. Eyewitness testimony from someone who saw the dangerous condition or watched you fall can be powerful evidence in a premises liability claim.

Step 5. Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

The property owner’s insurance adjuster may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. Do not give one. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that minimize your claim or shift blame to you. Talk to me first.

Step 6. Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer Before the Evidence Is Gone

Surveillance footage is often recorded over within 24 to 72 hours. Hazardous conditions get repaired. Witnesses become harder to locate. The sooner you contact me, the better my ability to preserve the evidence that may prove your case.

Call (228) 868-0064 right now. The sooner we act, the stronger your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for most slip and fall and premises liability claims is three years from the date of your injury (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49), unless a limited exception applies. For example, if the injury victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be tolled until their eighteenth birthday. If you are filing a claim against a government entity, such as a city, county, or state agency, the deadlines are much shorter and the notice requirements are strict. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation, no matter how strong your case is.

Three years may sound like a long time, but I strongly encourage you not to wait. The most critical evidence in a slip and fall case, including surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness memories, fades quickly. Insurance companies also begin building their defense immediately after they receive notice of a claim. The sooner you contact me, the stronger your position.

Call (228) 868-0064 today. Do not let the clock run out on your claim.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partly at Fault for My Slip and Fall in Mississippi?

Yes, in most cases you can. Mississippi follows a pure comparative fault rule (Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-15), which means you can recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for your own fall. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, suppose you slipped on a wet floor in a Gulfport grocery store. The store failed to put out a wet floor sign and had not cleaned up the spill for over an hour. But you were also looking at your phone when you fell. A jury might find the store 80 percent at fault and you 20 percent at fault. If your total damages are valued at $200,000, you would recover $160,000 after the 20 percent reduction.

Property owners and their insurance companies will almost always argue that you were careless, that you were not watching where you were going, that you were wearing improper footwear, or that the hazard was obvious. Knowing how to counter these arguments effectively is something I have spent more than four decades learning how to do. My job is to make sure the fault is assigned accurately and that you are not blamed for more than is fair.

Call (228) 868-0064. I will protect you from unfair blame and fight for every dollar you deserve.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Slip and Fall and Trip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall and trip and fall accidents cause some of the most serious injuries I see in my practice. The impact of a sudden fall, especially for older adults or people caught completely off guard, can be devastating and life-altering. Common injuries include the following:

• Broken bones, including hip fractures, wrist fractures, and ankle fractures, which are among the most frequent fall injuries and can require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation
• Traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions to severe brain damage, caused when the head strikes the ground or another hard surface
• Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs, which can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and in severe cases paralysis
• Knee injuries, including torn ligaments and meniscus damage, which often require surgery and extended physical therapy
• Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears that occur when a person tries to catch themselves during a fall
• Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains that may not appear severe immediately but can cause significant long-term pain and limitation
• Facial injuries and lacerations caused by striking a hard surface, shelf, or display during a fall

Regardless of which of these injuries you have suffered, if it was caused by someone else’s negligence on their property, you deserve full and fair compensation.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Most Commonly Happen in Gulfport, Mississippi?

In my practice, I have handled fall accident cases involving nearly every type of property in Mississippi. Some of the most common settings include the following:

Can I Sue a Store for a Slip and Fall?

Wet floors from spills or mopping, merchandise left in walkways, uneven flooring, and poorly lit aisles are all common hazards in retail environments. Stores have a strong duty to inspect and maintain their premises regularly, and when they do not, serious fall accidents happen.

Is a Restaurant Liable If I Slip and Fall?

Grease, food, and beverages on floors, uneven transitions between flooring surfaces, and inadequate lighting near restrooms and exits create dangerous conditions in restaurants. I have represented clients injured in fast food restaurants, sit-down establishments, and everything in between throughout Gulfport and the Gulf Coast.

Can I Sue a Casino or Hotel for a Fall?

Mississippi’s casino and hospitality industry brings millions of visitors to the Gulf Coast each year. Wet pool decks, slippery lobby floors, unmarked elevation changes, and poorly maintained parking structures all present real hazards.

Casinos also operate extensive surveillance systems and security departments that document incidents, and I move quickly to ask that footage and incident reports be preserved before they are overwritten. Casino and hotel operators have a strong duty of care to their guests, and I know how to hold them accountable. Learn more on our casino injury lawyer page.

Who Is Liable for a Fall in a Parking Lot or on a Sidewalk?

Potholes, unreasonably dangerous curbs, inadequate lighting, and lack of proper drainage create dangerous conditions in parking lots and on sidewalks. Whether the responsible party is a private property owner, a business, or a government entity, I will identify who bears responsibility for your fall.

Is a Landlord Liable for a Fall at an Apartment Complex?

Landlords have a legal duty to maintain their properties in a safe condition. Broken steps, defective handrails, wet common areas, and poor lighting in stairwells are all conditions that can make a landlord liable for a tenant’s or visitor’s injuries.

Who Is Liable for a Fall at a Construction Site?

Construction sites present unique and serious fall hazards. When a worker or member of the public is injured due to a poorly maintained or unsafe construction site, multiple parties including general contractors, subcontractors, and property owners may bear responsibility.

Can I Sue the Government for a Fall on Public Property?

Dangerous sidewalks, poorly maintained public buildings, and hazardous public park conditions can all give rise to a premises liability claim against a government entity. Claims against government bodies in Mississippi involve strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines, which is why calling me quickly is especially important in these situations.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Slip and Fall Case in Gulfport, Mississippi?

Every slip and fall or trip and fall case is different, but in general I will pursue every category of damages available to you under Mississippi law. Depending on the facts of your case, that may include the following:

• Medical expenses, both past and future, including emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, medications, and any ongoing care related to your injuries
• Lost wages for time you were unable to work because of your injuries
• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries have permanently limited your ability to work or earn income
• Pain and suffering, including the physical pain and mental anguish caused by your injuries and your recovery
• Loss of enjoyment of life, for activities and experiences your injuries have taken from you, which Mississippi treats as part of pain and suffering ( Code Ann. § 11-1-69)
• Emotional distress damages where applicable
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one died as a result of a fall accident caused by another’s negligence

Property owners and their insurers are highly motivated to settle slip and fall claims for as little as possible. Having an experienced Gulfport slip and fall attorney on your side from the beginning ensures that every element of your damages is documented, calculated, and pursued aggressively.

Call (228) 868-0064 to find out what your slip and fall case may be worth.

I tripped on a crack in a parking lot/sidewalk. Do I have a case?

In Mississippi, it is very difficult to win a case based on minor cracks or small height differences in pavement. Mississippi courts have consistently ruled that property owners are not required to provide “perfect” surfaces. Under our state’s “Premises Liability” laws, a property owner is only responsible for injuries caused by an unreasonably dangerous condition.

Our Supreme Court has decided that most minor cracks, small dips, or slight elevations in a sidewalk or parking lot are “normally encountered dangers.” Because these are things people see every day, the law expects you to look where you are walking and navigate them safely. In past cases, Mississippi judges have dismissed lawsuits involving:

• Sidewalk slabs with a height difference of half an inch.
• Pavement expansion joints or cracks up to 3.5 inches wide.
• Standard curbs, steps, and door thresholds.

To have a successful claim for a trip-and-fall on pavement, we usually have to prove the defect was more than just “minor.” For example:

• The hazard was hidden or camouflaged (e.g., covered by water, leaves, or poor lighting).
• The surface was unexpectedly unstable (e.g., a sidewalk slab that looks solid but “rocks” when you step on it).
• The defect was unusually large or violated specific building codes.

If you tripped on a standard crack or a small uneven patch that was clearly visible, the court will likely view it as a “common hazard” and not a basis for a lawsuit. However, every situation is unique, so I look at photos, measurements, and lighting conditions to determine if your specific incident meets the legal threshold for a claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall Claim, or Can I Handle It on My Own?

Technically, you can pursue a slip and fall claim on your own. But the question is not whether you can. It is whether you should.

Property owners carry liability insurance specifically to handle these claims, and those insurance companies employ professional adjusters and defense lawyers whose entire job is to minimize what they pay out. When you go up against them without legal representation, you are at a serious disadvantage. They know the law, they know the tactics, and they know that an unrepresented claimant is far more likely to accept a low settlement out of frustration or financial pressure.

I work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay me nothing unless I recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk in calling me for a consultation, and the difference in outcome between a represented and unrepresented claimant in a premises liability case can be enormous.

Call (228) 868-0064. My consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless I win.

What If I Fell on a Government Property or Public Sidewalk in Gulfport, Mississippi?

Claims against government entities in Mississippi are subject to the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, which imposes specific requirements that are different from standard personal injury claims. You must serve a written notice of claim on the proper official at least 90 days before filing suit, and the lawsuit generally must be filed within one year of the date of your injury (Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-11). A properly filed notice pauses that one-year period for a limited time, but the rules are technical. If you miss these deadlines, your claim is likely barred entirely.

Government entities also enjoy certain immunities and damage limits that do not apply in claims against private parties. Recovery against a Mississippi governmental entity is generally capped at $500,000, and punitive damages are not allowed (Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-15). Navigating these rules requires an attorney who understands the specific legal framework that applies to public property claims in Mississippi. If your fall happened on a city sidewalk, in a public building, in a government-owned parking structure, or on any other public property in Gulfport or the surrounding area, call me as soon as possible.

Fell on public property in Gulfport? Call (228) 868-0064 right away. Deadlines are shorter than you think.

Why Do I Take Slip and Fall Cases Personally?

I started my own law firm because I believe that injured people deserve a lawyer who is fully present in their case, not a firm where clients become case numbers and calls go unreturned. When you hire me as your slip and fall attorney in Gulfport, you get exactly that. You get me.

Over the course of my career, I have seen firsthand what a serious fall accident can do to a person and their family. A broken hip that never fully heals. A head injury that changes someone’s personality. A knee that never lets them walk without pain again. These are not abstract legal concepts to me. They are the realities my clients live with, and I take them personally.

Property owners carry insurance precisely because they know accidents can happen on their premises. That insurance exists to compensate people like you. But insurance companies do not write checks out of goodwill. They fight, they delay, they dispute, and they look for any reason to deny or reduce a legitimate claim. My job is to be a more determined and better-prepared advocate than the defense on the other side of the table.

I have been licensed to practice law in Mississippi since 1981. I handle slip and fall and premises liability cases on a contingency fee basis, which means my interests are perfectly aligned with yours. I only get paid when you do. That arrangement keeps me motivated and keeps the relationship honest.

I am also a member of The Mississippi Bar and have served this legal community in ways that go well beyond the courtroom. I believe that being a good lawyer means being a good citizen, and I try to bring that same sense of responsibility to every client relationship.

“I genuinely care about what happens to the people I represent. That is not something I learned in law school. It is something I learned from my father, and from 40 years of sitting across from clients who trusted me with the hardest moments of their lives.”

Credentials At A Glance

• Active Mississippi Bar member since 1981, more than four decades of personal injury and premises liability experience
• Magna cum laude graduate, University of Mississippi School of Law
• Alonzo Westbrook Public Service Award, The Mississippi Bar, 2006
• Admitted to all state and federal courts in Mississippi
• Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
• Contingency fee basis, no fee unless I win your case
• Personal, one-on-one representation on every case

Ready to talk? Call (228) 868-0064. Your consultation is free and confidential.

What Happens If the Property Owner Claims the Hazard Was Obvious or That I Was Not Watching Where I Was Going?

This is one of the most common defenses in slip and fall cases, and it is one I am very experienced at countering. Property owners and their insurers routinely argue that the hazard was open and obvious, that you should have seen it, or that your own inattention caused your fall.

Mississippi law does recognize that a property owner may not be liable if the hazard was truly open and obvious and a reasonable person would have noticed and avoided it. However, this defense is not a blanket excuse. Courts consider whether the property owner created a condition that distracted visitors from noticing the hazard, whether the layout of the space made avoidance difficult, and whether adequate warnings were in place.

Even if some fault is assigned to you, Mississippi’s pure comparative fault system means you can still recover. If you are found 25 percent at fault and the property owner is found 75 percent at fault, you recover 75 percent of your total damages. I will work to make sure the fault allocation accurately reflects the true facts and that the property owner is not allowed to escape responsibility by exaggerating your role in the accident.

Do not let an insurance company talk you out of a valid claim. Call (228) 868-0064.

Which Communities Does a Gulfport Slip and Fall Attorney Serve?

I represent people injured in slip and fall accidents, trip and fall accidents, and all types of premises liability cases throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast and beyond. We serve clients throughout Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Waveland, Moss Point, Gautier, Hattiesburg, and communities across Mississippi, including Harrison, Jackson, Hancock, Stone, and Pearl River Counties. If you were injured in a fall accident anywhere in South Mississippi, call me. I will let you know whether I can help.

What Do My Clients Say?

“The hope and support I received from this man goes above and beyond what I could have ever expected. It has changed my life in ways that most people could not begin to fathom.” John L.

“Mike was engaged, compassionate, very knowledgeable, and always a step ahead. He has a unique ability to strategize and communicate at the highest level while making the attorney-client relationship personal.” Satisfied Client

“The ONLY law firm my family, friends and myself will EVER use. If you need someone on your side with integrity, honesty and an impeccable work ethic, then this is the firm for you.” Bonnie Y.

Did You Fall Because Someone Else Was Negligent?

A fall on someone else’s negligently maintained property is not a minor inconvenience. It is a serious event with serious consequences, and you deserve a serious lawyer. I have spent more than four decades in Gulfport, Mississippi standing up for injured people against property owners, corporations, and insurance companies that would rather pay you nothing. I know this area of law inside and out, and I know how to build a case that holds them accountable.

The call is free. The consultation is confidential. And if I take your case, you will not pay me a single dollar unless I recover compensation for you. Call me today at 228-868-0064.