Cincinnati Slip-And-Fall Accident Lawyers
Last updated on September 23, 2024
A slip-and-fall accident is often just that – an accident. At other times, however, when a property owner fails to keep the property safe, a slip-and-fall “accident” is the result of negligence. Slip-and-fall accident cases are difficult to prove. All of us have fallen at some time, and we know that it was an accident. Juries need to be absolutely certain that the slip-and-fall was truly the result of negligence.
At the Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima law firm, our personal injury lawyers have the experience to investigate premises liability accidents to determine how they happened and whether negligence was involved. We serve clients in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
Common Causes Of Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen in many places and for many different reasons. In one case, for example, a parking block that was used to mark a parking space came loose and swung over a sidewalk. Our client tripped over the block that should not have been there, fell, and was seriously injured. Our premises liability lawyers proved that the parking block had been loose for a long time and that, rather than fix it, the property owner just shoved it back in place.
This is just one of many types of slip-and-fall accidents that can occur. Our attorneys can help with slip-and-falls that happen due to:
- Wet floors: A leaky refrigeration unit can cause a slippery, dangerous floor. Spilled liquids such as grease, mud, oil, and water can all lead to a serious slip-and-fall accident.
- Dry surfaces: Just as wet floors can cause someone to slip, walking over dry surfaces such as dusty floors, powder and plastic wrappers can lead to an accident as they are often unstable surfaces that impact the grip of your shoes on the floor.
- Loose flooring: Improperly installed flooring, detached rugs, and uneven tiles can cause someone to trip or fall.
- Slanted or sloped walking areas: Any angled surfaces, such as ramps, may lead to serious slipping and falling accidents.
- Weather: Snow and ice that are not removed promptly after a storm is over can place passersby in grave danger from slippery ice.
- Discarded items: Debris left on a poorly lit walkway can cause injury or death.
- Inadequate lighting: Poor lighting can affect someone’s ability to clearly see any hazards in their way. Slip-and-falls can commonly occur due to bad lighting that prevents someone from protecting themselves.
Any of these hazards can lead to a serious slip-and-fall accident. If you were injured in such a situation, you should speak with a premises liability attorney as soon as possible to start a claim.
What Should You Do After A Slip-And-Fall Accident?
Knowing what steps to take following a slip-and-fall accident can help you protect yourself and build the foundation of a personal injury claim. Here’s what to remember:
- Inspect the scene of the accident: If you’re not in any immediate danger or at risk of injuring yourself further, you should immediately inspect the scene of your fall. Determining what caused your accident is crucial in pursuing a premises liability claim. By inspecting the area, you can look for potential causes – such as spilled liquid on the floor, uneven sidewalks or tripping hazards – and determine whether the cause was due to a property owner or employee’s negligence.
- Document the scene: As you investigate the scene, it’s important to remember to take photographic evidence of what you find that can prove the cause of your fall. Strong photo or video evidence can help show a judge and jury what occurred during your accident.
- Get medical care: If you’re injured after a slip-and-fall, you should document your injuries by taking photos and then seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel okay after the accident or cannot spot any visible injuries, you should still visit a doctor, as they can thoroughly examine your condition and determine if you have any injuries that need to be treated.
- Gather witnesses: Witness statements can help back up your story. If your slip-and-fall accident occurred in a public area, such as at a store, parking lot or amusement park, you should approach anyone who might have seen your accident and collect their contact information so your attorney can reach out to them for statements as you pursue your claim.
- File official reports: If your accident occurred in a store or other type of business, the owners may want to create an accident report for their own records. You can give them a statement about your fall, but remain as factual as possible and don’t exaggerate.
- Write it down: Sometimes, the best way to remember what happened after an accident is to write down the events as soon as possible. Documenting the details of your fall can help keep your story straight. You can also keep a record of your injuries as they develop over time, including any symptoms and pain you might experience. The more information you can remember, the more your attorney has to work with when building your case.
- Consult with an attorney: Slip-and-fall cases can be difficult to prove, as you have to gather strong evidence to support your claim. An attorney can take the lead in negotiating against the other party’s legal team and insurance company, who don’t have your best interests at heart. Your attorney will prioritize your needs and fight for your right to compensation.
Slip-and-fall accidents must be taken seriously. If you were injured due to a property owner’s negligence, remembering these steps can help you take action.
What Are The Premises Of Liability Laws In Ohio?
Slip-and-fall accidents fall under premises liability laws. In Ohio, the laws state that every property owner has the legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for people who visit their property. This responsibility is known as a “duty of care,” which covers anyone invited or permitted by the owner to be on the premises.
The property owner is obligated to maintain a safe property, which includes providing warnings for any dangerous conditions and taking the appropriate measures to repair or remove the dangerous condition as soon as possible. Pursuing a slip-and-fall case relies on proving that the property owner was negligent in maintaining safety on their property. You will need to demonstrate that:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property.
- The dangerous condition directly led to your accident and the resulting injuries.
- The property owner was aware of the dangerous condition but did not warn visitors of the hazard or did not take the necessary steps to repair or remove the hazard.
Premises liability claims require thorough investigation, which is why you must consult with a knowledgeable attorney who understands the laws as they apply to your slip-and-fall case.
Get Service From A Slip-And-Fall Attorney Today
Contact us by calling 513-496-0134 or by using our online contact form if unsafe premises caused your slip-and-fall accident. Our lawyers represent clients in Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties and the surrounding parts of the Cincinnati Tri-State area.
