Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Claims

Property owner responsibility

Owners and occupiers may have duties to maintain reasonably safe premises, inspect for hazards, repair unsafe conditions, and provide appropriate warnings. The duty can depend on the property, the visitor’s status, the condition involved, and the circumstances surrounding the injury.

Common unsafe conditions

• Wet, icy, uneven, or broken walking surfaces
• Inadequate lighting, missing handrails, or unsafe stairs
• Debris, clutter, or merchandise left in a walkway
• Unmarked changes in floor level or other hidden hazards
• Inadequate security or other dangerous conditions in a building or parking area

Preserving evidence

Photographs of the condition, clothing and footwear, incident reports, inspection and maintenance records, surveillance video, witness information, and medical documentation can all be important. Conditions may be repaired or changed quickly, so early investigation can protect the facts.

Evaluating the injury and claim

We consider the full effect of the injury, including treatment, lost work, pain, limitations, and future needs, while also addressing arguments about notice, warnings, or comparative responsibility. Premises claims are fact-specific and subject to deadlines.

Questions about a premises injury?

Our Premises Liability FAQ explains common Ohio questions about responsibility, evidence, open-and-obvious conditions, insurance statements, damages, and deadlines.