Slip and Fall Claims

Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe — when they fail, they can be held liable.

Slip and fall accidents occur when a hazardous condition on someone else's property causes a person to lose their footing and suffer an injury. These incidents can happen anywhere — grocery stores, parking lots, restaurants, sidewalks, or private residences. Common hazards include wet floors without warning signs, uneven pavement, inadequate lighting, loose carpeting, and icy walkways. Injuries from slip and fall accidents range from minor bruises to severe fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. Under premises liability law, property owners and occupiers have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions and warn visitors of known dangers. To succeed in a claim, the victim must demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it within a reasonable time. Insurance companies defending these claims routinely argue the victim was not paying attention, was wearing improper footwear, or assumed the risk of the condition. Documenting the scene immediately with photographs is critical, as hazards are often corrected quickly after an incident. Securing incident reports, surveillance footage, and maintenance logs can make or break a case. Medical treatment records linking the fall to the injury are equally essential. Consulting an attorney promptly ensures evidence is preserved before it disappears.

For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.