Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury claims in the U.S. But determining who is legally responsible can be complicated. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe, but victims must also prove negligence.
Where Slip and Falls Happen:
- Grocery stores (wet floors)
- Sidewalks and parking lots (ice, cracks)
- Apartment buildings (poor lighting, stairs)
- Restaurants (spills, cluttered walkways)
What Makes the Property Owner Liable:
- The dangerous condition was known or should have been known
- No warning signs or safety measures were in place
- The hazard wasn’t fixed in a reasonable time
- The injured person wasn’t trespassing
Examples of Negligence:
- A grocery store ignores a spilled drink for hours
- A landlord doesn’t repair broken stairs
- A business fails to salt icy walkways
Victim’s Responsibilities:
- Must be acting reasonably (not distracted or reckless)
- Must prove that the condition directly caused the injury
- Should seek immediate medical attention
Evidence That Helps:
- Photos or video of the hazard
- Witness statements
- Incident reports
- Medical documentation
Tip: Always document the scene and report the fall — it can make or break your claim.