Slip and Fall FAQs

A slip and fall case arises when someone is injured after slipping, tripping, or falling due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. For a situation to qualify as a slip and fall case, the injury must occur because of a dangerous condition that the property owner or occupier knew or should have known about, yet failed to correct or adequately warn visitors about.

Common hazards include wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, torn carpeting, or debris left in walkways. In these cases, the injured person may be able to pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages through a premises liability claim.

Business owners can be held liable for slip and fall incidents that occur on their premises if it can be shown they failed to maintain a reasonably safe environment for customers or visitors. This duty of care includes regularly inspecting the property, promptly addressing hazards, and providing adequate warnings for known dangers.

For instance, under most state laws, a grocery store must clean up spills in a timely manner or place warning signs if an area is wet. If a business owner breaches this duty and someone is injured as a result, the injured person may have grounds for a claim seeking compensation for their losses.

When a slip and fall occurs on government property, such as a sidewalk, public building, or park, different rules often apply. Government agencies are typically protected by sovereign immunity, which limits their liability.

However, most states allow for certain claims if it can be shown that the agency or its employees acted negligently. These claims often have strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines from the date of the incident. It is important to act quickly and follow all procedural requirements to preserve the right to pursue compensation.