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:
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Grocery stores (wet floors)
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Sidewalks and parking lots (ice, cracks)
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Apartment buildings (poor lighting, stairs)
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Restaurants (spills, cluttered walkways)
What Makes the Property Owner Liable:
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The dangerous condition was known or should have been known
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No warning signs or safety measures were in place
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The hazard wasn’t fixed in a reasonable time
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The injured person wasn’t trespassing
Examples of Negligence:
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A grocery store ignores a spilled drink for hours
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A landlord doesn’t repair broken stairs
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A business fails to salt icy walkways
Victim’s Responsibilities:
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Must be acting reasonably (not distracted or reckless)
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Must prove that the condition directly caused the injury
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Should seek immediate medical attention
Evidence That Helps:
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Photos or video of the hazard
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Witness statements
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Incident reports
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Medical documentation
Tip: Always document the scene and report the fall — it can make or break your claim.
