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When Negligence Leads To A Slip And Fall, Our Attorneys Are Here To Help

Last updated on February 12, 2024

When you’re out and about – at a restaurant, a show, a grocery store or anywhere outside the home – you shouldn’t have to worry about dangerous property conditions. Tripping hazards, slippery floors, unmarked holes and other perils can have a life-changing impact, and they’re often the result of carelessness on the part of the property owner or manager.

If you suffered injuries in a slip-and-fall accident, and you believe a business or property owner was to blame, it’s critical to have an Ohio slip-and-fall lawyer evaluate your rights. Our legal team at Karp Steiger, has 50-plus years of collective experience handling premises liability cases, including slip-and-fall injury claims. We can help you pursue compensation from the right parties.

Where Do Slip-And-Fall Accidents Happen?

Slips, trips and falls can happen anywhere – public places, private residences, retail stores, workplaces or even outdoor areas. They’re particularly common in places like grocery stores, restaurants and parking lots where tripping hazards abound. Every property owner has a legal duty to keep their premises in safe condition, so no matter where you were injured, you should explore whether you have a claim for compensation.

How Do Slip-And-Fall Claims Arise?

These accidents can result from any number of negligent acts or omissions, including:

  • Potholes in parking lots
  • Snow and ice
  • Spills and wet or slippery floors
  • Lack of warnings for known hazards
  • Missing handrails
  • Uneven stairs
  • Debris in the walkway
  • Lack of handrails
  • Poor lighting
  • Failure to comply with building codes

Proving the cause of the injury is essential to building an effective claim.

What Are Some Common Slip-And-Fall Injuries?

The dangerous conditions mentioned above can lead to injuries such as:

Severe injuries can cause long-term complications that impact your day-to-day life as well as your ability to work and engage in activities you enjoy.

Who Can Be Held Responsible In A Slip-And-Fall Accident?

The responsible parties in a slip-and-fall case depend on the circumstances. You may have a claim against:

  • Property owners: They have a legal duty to maintain their premises safely, including addressing hazards and repairing defects.
  • Property occupiers/tenants: Those who control leased or rented property may also be responsible for maintaining safety.
  • Property management companies: If a professional company manages a property, they may be accountable for its hazards.
  • Contractors and maintenance personnel: If negligent repairs or failure to address known hazards cause a slip and fall, the hired personnel may be held responsible.
  • Government entities: For accidents on public property or government-owned premises, the responsible government entity may be accountable.
  • Independent contractors: If a third-party service provider caused or contributed to the hazardous condition, they may be liable for the injuries sustained.

Determining liability requires evaluating the specific circumstances, applicable laws and legal standards, and any agreements in place. Our slip-and-fall attorneys can evaluate which parties may be accountable for your accident.

How To Establish Negligence In A Slip-And-Fall Claim

In slip-and-fall cases, negligence is the legal basis for holding someone responsible for the injuries you sustained. Negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to hazardous conditions that cause or contribute to a slip-and-fall incident.

Our lawyers understand the intricacies of how to establish negligence. You can count on us to craft a strong case.

What Evidence Do I Need To Strengthen My Case?

When pursuing a slip-and-fall case, gathering and presenting the right evidence is crucial to strengthen your case and increase your chances of a successful outcome. To prove liability, various types of evidence can be utilized, including:

  • Photographs or videos of the hazardous condition and the accident scene
  • Witness statements from individuals who observed the incident or were aware of the dangerous condition
  • Incident reports or complaints filed with the property owner or manager
  • Maintenance or repair records that demonstrate negligence in addressing the hazard
  • Expert testimony, such as engineers or safety specialists who can provide professional opinions on the cause of the accident and the responsible party’s negligence

Our legal team can help you secure all the evidence you need.

Don’t Miss This Important Step After A Slip And Fall

If you’re hurt on someone else’s property, make sure to report the injury to the property owner or manager. Doing so will put them on notice that the incident occurred. Then, speak with a lawyer, who can help ensure that the property owners preserve evidence such as security camera footage.

What Compensation Is Available After A Slip-And-Fall Accident In Ohio?

You can pursue compensation for damages such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Rehabilitation and assistive devices
  • Home modifications
  • Punitive damages, in some situations

Our slip-and-fall attorneys can explore all types of potential compensation in your case.

What Is Ohio’s Statute Of Limitations For Slip-And-Fall Accident Injury Claims?

As with other personal injury cases, slip-and-fall claims are subject to a statute of limitations, which is a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for slip-and-fall claims in Ohio is generally two years from the date of the accident.

However, don’t wait until the deadline is looming. Take action now to start building a strong case.

How Our Slip-And-Fall Attorneys Can Help You

Our lawyers can provide numerous benefits and greatly enhance your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.  Here are some key advantages of working with our team:

  • We are well-versed in the nuances of slip-and-fall cases, allowing us to effectively handle your case and maximize your chances of success.
  • We can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, explain your legal rights and provide realistic expectations about potential outcomes.
  • We know the common challenges, potential defenses and tactics that insurance companies employ to minimize payouts. We can develop effective strategies tailored to your specific case to counter those tactics.
  • We can collect and analyze crucial evidence relevant to your case. This comprehensive approach helps build a strong evidentiary foundation to support your claim.
  • We will advocate for your rights and strive to negotiate a fair settlement that adequately compensates you.
  • If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. We’re very familiar with the local courts in Beachwood and Cleveland, which will prove immensely valuable should your case go to trial.

Additionally, we’re a small firm with all the resources you need as well as the personal attention you deserve.

Start Moving Forward Today

Our team can handle all aspects of your slip-and-fall case with diligence and care. Reach out to us today at 216-696-3515 for a free initial consultation.