SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS 

Slip and fall accidents can occur in a wide variety of locations, including stores, restaurants, office buildings, apartments, parking lots, and private homes. These incidents typically fall under premises liability, which concerns the responsibilities of property owners and occupants to maintain reasonably safe environments.

How Slip & Fall Incidents Happen

Slip and fall accidents often occur due to dangerous conditions such as:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Spilled liquids
• Loose rugs or carpeting
• Uneven surfaces
• Poor lighting
• Damaged walkways or staircases
• Cluttered aisles or obstructed pathways

These hazards can lead to serious injuries.

Typical Property Owner Responsibilities

While specific duties vary by jurisdiction, property owners or those in control of a property generally are expected to:

• Maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition
• Inspect the property regularly
• Address hazards within a reasonable time
• Provide appropriate warnings for risks that are not obvious

The exact duties may differ depending on the type of property and the relationship to the visitor.

Establishing Liability

Slip and fall claims typically require showing that:

1. A dangerous condition existed;
2. The property owner created it, knew about it, or should have known about it;
3. The hazardous condition caused the fall; and
4. The fall resulted in damages or injuries.

Evidence may include photos, incident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, or maintenance records.

Common Slip & Fall Injuries

These accidents frequently result in:

• Broken bones
• Sprains and strains
• Back and spinal injuries
• Head or brain injuries
• Knee, hip, or shoulder injuries
• Soft-tissue damage

Injuries may require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation.

What Individuals Commonly Do After a Fall

Following an incident, individuals often:

• Report the fall to the property owner or manager
• Request that an incident report be created
• Take photos of the hazard, if possible
• Collect contact information from witnesses
• Seek medical evaluation
• Preserve footwear or clothing involved in the fall

Proper documentation can be helpful in evaluating a claim.

Comparative or Shared Fault

In some jurisdictions, a person’s compensation may be adjusted if their own actions contributed to the fall—for example, if they were not paying attention or ignored posted warnings. The impact of shared fault varies by location.

Time Limits

All jurisdictions have deadlines for filing personal injury claims. These vary by area, making it important to understand local requirements.