Cincinnati Slip and Fall Attorney

Slip and Fall Attorneys

Doug Mann

Last updated on November 19th, 2024

What might seem like a simple stumble can lead to severe and costly injuries for some. Slip and fall accidents can disrupt your life, and they are more common than most people realize. About one million people visit U.S. emergency rooms each year due to slip and fall injuries, and many need ongoing treatment. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Cincinnati and someone else was to blame, you can seek financial compensation for your losses. While the road to financial recovery can be complicated, an attorney from Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz can help you understand and fight for your rights. Our Cincinnati slip and fall attorneys will assess your situation and advise on your best legal options.

Contact us today; consultations are always free.

Main Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere, from grocery stores to parking lots or even in the comfort of someone else’s home. You may need to investigate the reason for your slip and fall injury, as it will have implications in identifying liability. Here are some common causes of slips and fall injuries in Cincinnati.

Wet or Uneven Surfaces

By far the most common cause of slip and fall accidents, wet or uneven surfaces are responsible for approximately 55% of all slip and fall cases. These conditions include spills on grocery store floors, puddles on sidewalks, uneven tiles, or improperly maintained carpeting. In some instances, the property owner may fail to place warning signs, increasing the risk of injury.

Poor Lighting

Dimly lit stairwells, parking garages, and walkways can conceal hazards such as steps, uneven surfaces, or obstacles, leading to accidents. Property owners must ensure their premises are properly lit to reduce the risk of falls.

Cluttered or Obstructed Pathways

Items left in walkways, such as boxes, debris, or cords, can cause unsuspecting individuals to trip and fall. Property managers or owners who fail to clear these hazards may be held responsible for any injuries that result.

Weather Conditions

In Ohio, winter brings snow and ice, leading to slippery sidewalks and entrances. Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe walking conditions, and failure to do so may result in liability for injuries that occur on their property.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Injury

A slip and fall accident can be disorienting, particularly if the accident has left you burdened by medical debt and accumulating bills. However, you need to act quickly for several reasons and take certain steps to protect your rights. Here’s what you should do immediately after an injury:

• Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. A medical examination helps treat such injuries and also help document your injuries for future legal claims.
• Report the incident. Whether it occurred at a store, public place, or on private property, ensure that the accident is reported to the manager or property owner. Request a written report for your records, which is key for the timing of your claim.
• Document the scene. Keep a detailed video or photographic evidence of the accident site, focusing on the hazardous conditions that caused your fall, such as a wet floor, icy steps, or poor lighting.
• Identify witnesses. If others were present during the accident, collect their names and contact details. Witnesses can provide crucial testimony to support your claim.
• Contact our slip and fall lawyers. You need to consult with a slip and fall attorney to understand your options at this time. This will ensure you take the necessary steps to preserve evidence and legal grounds for seeking compensation.

Who’s Liable in a Slip and Fall Case?

Liability in a slip and fall case generally hinges on the concept of negligence. In Ohio, property owners and occupiers, such as store managers, have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If hazardous conditions are present, they must take steps to rectify the situation or provide adequate warning.

However, not every slip and fall accident results in automatic liability. To prove a property owner is responsible, you need to demonstrate that:

• The property owner knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition.
• The property owner failed to address the hazard in a timely manner or give a warning.
• Your injury resulted directly from this negligence.

For instance, if a store owner was aware of a spill on the floor but failed to clean it up within a reasonable time frame, they should be liable for any injuries resulting from a slip and fall. Ensure to consult with a lawyer who can help accurately determine who has responsibility in your case. Sometimes, multiple parties, such as property managers, maintenance companies, or even tenants, may share liability for your injuries.

How Negligence Can Be Proved in a Slip and Fall Case

Proving negligence is critical to securing compensation in a slip and fall case, but it can be a complex process. Ohio law requires the injured party to prove the following elements of negligence:

Duty of Care

The first step is to establish that the property owner had a duty to keep their premises safe. In most cases, property owners owe a duty of care to visitors, especially if they are on the property for business reasons, such as customers in a store.

Breach of Duty

Next, you must show that the property owner breached this duty by allowing a hazardous condition to exist. A breach could involve failing to fix a known issue, like a broken step or wet floor, or neglecting to warn visitors of potential dangers.

Causation

You need to show that the breach of duty directly led to your injury. For instance, slipping on an unmarked wet floor would establish a clear link between the property owner’s negligence and your accident.

Damages

Finally, you must show that you suffered damages as a result of your injury. An attorney can help gather the necessary evidence to prove damages and build a winning case.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Here are some of the most common injuries:

• Fractures. Falls are a leading cause of fractures, particularly among older adults aged 65 and above. The CDC reports that 95% of hip fractures for seniors are caused by falls, and these injuries often require surgery, along with extended rehabilitation.
• Spinal cord injuries. Falls can also result in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or chronic pain. These injuries often require lifelong care and can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life.
• Soft tissue injuries. While sprains, strains, and tears after a fall may seem less severe, they can lead to long-term discomfort and require ongoing medical treatment.
• Head injuries. Slip and fall accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may lead to long-term cognitive or physical impairments. Even mild head injuries like concussions can have lasting effects.

A Cincinnati slip and fall attorney has the experience and resources to evaluate the extent of your injuries and their impact on your daily life. This way, you can be confident that the value of your claim can provide you with fair and appropriate compensation for your losses.

Types of Compensation for a Slip and Fall in Cincinnati

Victims of slip and fall accidents in Cincinnati are entitled to various types of compensation, also known as damages.  These damages are meant to cover the costs associated with your injury and help you recover from its impact. Here are the most common types:

Medical Costs

This includes all costs related to your medical treatment, from emergency room visits to surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation. Compensation may also cover future medical expenses if your injuries require long-term care.

Lost Earnings

If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes any earnings you missed while recovering, as well as a potential loss of earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to economic damages, you may also seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your injuries. While it can be difficult to assign a monetary value to this, an experienced lawyer can help assess the impact of your injury on your quality of life.

Property Damage

If personal property, such as a phone or glasses, was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacements.

An attorney will ensure that all aspects of your accident, from your immediate medical needs to the long-term impact on your livelihood, are considered when calculating the compensation you deserve.

Consult Our Cincinnati Slip and Fall Lawyers Today

If you are nursing injuries after a slip and fall. You shouldn’t face the aftermath alone, especially for something that was not your fault. The attorneys at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz are ready to hear your story and help recover the compensation you deserve. Our Cincinnati slip and fall attorneys will handle the legal aspects of your case to hold the responsible parties accountable to ensure you get justice. 

Remember, time is limited, so reach out immediately to Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz to protect your interests and grounds to pursue legal recovery. Call us at 1.937.222.2222 today for a free case evaluation.