Wet floors. Broken stairs. Uneven walkways. Poor lighting. Merchandise or debris left where people walk.
A slip or fall can happen in seconds, but determining who is responsible often requires looking at how the dangerous condition developed, how long it existed, who knew about it, and what was done to correct or warn about it.
The insurance company may argue that the condition was obvious, that the property owner did not know about it, or that you should have avoided it.
We investigate the condition that caused the fall, what the property owner or business knew or should have known, and the injuries that resulted. Because surveillance video, inspection records, and the condition itself can disappear quickly, preserving evidence early can make a significant difference.
Common Issues in Slip and Fall Cases
Whether the property owner knew about the hazard. A central issue in many cases is whether the business or property owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about the dangerous condition before someone was injured.
Arguments that you should have seen it. The insurance company may focus on where you were looking, what shoes you were wearing, whether you were distracted, or whether the condition was visible. We examine the entire circumstances of the fall rather than accepting those arguments at face value.
Missing or disappearing evidence. Spills are cleaned. Broken areas are repaired. Surveillance video may be overwritten. Witnesses become difficult to locate. That makes early investigation especially important.
Disputes over what caused the injury. The insurance company may question whether the fall caused all of your medical problems, particularly when there is a delay in treatment or a prior medical condition. Medical records and a clear history of what changed after the fall can become important.
How We Handle Slip and Fall Cases
We begin by investigating the property and the condition that caused the injury.
That may include photographs, surveillance footage, incident reports, inspection and maintenance records, witness statements, prior complaints, photographs of the hazard, and other evidence showing what happened.
We also investigate notice. Depending on the circumstances, evidence about how long a condition existed, whether employees created it, whether similar problems had occurred before, or whether reasonable inspections were being performed may become important.
At the same time, we document the injury itself. We review medical treatment, lost income, future care when applicable, and the ways the injury has affected your work and everyday life.
Our goal is to build both sides of the case: why the property owner may be responsible and what the injury has actually cost you.