Cleveland Slip & Fall Accident Attorneys

Helping Victims of Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents in Ohio

Slip-and-fall accidents are a leading cause of injury in the United States. If a property owner fails to address a spill or dangerous condition on the premises at an appropriate time, they may be held liable for any injuries caused by the condition.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we represent individuals who have been seriously injured in slip and fall accidents. Our Cleveland slip-and-fall accident lawyers have a proven track record of success in these cases, having recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We understand the unique challenges you are facing, and we are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Call 216-696-3232or contact us onlinetoday to request a free, no-obligation consultation with our team.

What is a Slip & Fall Accident?

Slip and fall accidents are a specific type of premises liability claim. They involve situations in which a person slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property and is injured as a result. These accidents can happen anywhere, but they are particularly common in retail stores, restaurants, and other public places.

Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven or damaged flooring
• Loose or missing handrails
• Cluttered walkways
• Insufficient lighting
• Unmarked steps or changes in elevation
• Debris or other hazards in walkways

Slip-and-fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to severe head trauma and broken bones. In some cases, these accidents can even be fatal. If you or someone you love was injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Who is Liable for a Slip & Fall Accident?

Liability for a slip-and-fall accident depends on the specific circumstances of the case. In general, however, the property owner or occupier can be held liable if the accident was caused by a dangerous condition on the property that the owner knew or should have known about.

There are three main types of people who can be held liable for a slip-and-fall accident:

• The property owner: In some cases, the property owner is the one who is responsible for maintaining the property and keeping it safe for others. In other cases, the property owner may have hired a property management company to handle these tasks. Either way, the property owner can be held liable for a slip-and-fall accident if the dangerous condition that caused the accident was the result of their negligence.
• The property occupier: The property occupier is the person or entity that is currently using the property. This could be the property owner, a tenant, or a business that is leasing the property. The property occupier can be held liable for a slip-and-fall accident if they were responsible for maintaining the property and keeping it safe for others.
• The property management company: In some cases, the property owner may have hired a property management company to handle the day-to-day maintenance of the property. If the property management company was responsible for maintaining the property and keeping it safe for others, they could be held liable for a slip-and-fall accident.

It is important to note that property owners and occupiers are not automatically liable for a slip-and-fall accident that occurs on their property. To recover compensation, you will need to prove that the property owner or occupier was negligent in some way. This means that you will need to show that they failed to take reasonable steps to keep the property safe and that this failure was the cause of your injuries.

What to Do After a Slip & Fall Accident

After a slip-and-fall accident, it is important to take certain steps to protect your health and your legal rights. If you are physically able to do so, you should:

• Report the accident to the property owner or manager
• Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries
• Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
• Seek medical attention, even if you do not think you were seriously injured
• Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments
• Keep a record of all your medical expenses and other accident-related costs
• Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company
• Do not post about the accident on social media
• Do not accept a settlement offer without first speaking to an attorney

It is also important to contact an experienced slip-and-fall accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. This can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you do not say or do anything that could hurt your case.

Slip & Fall Claim FAQs

Can I file a claim if I slipped on a public sidewalk in Cleveland?

Yes, but claims against government entities, such as the City of Cleveland, have special rules and shorter deadlines. You may be able to hold the city or another public entity liable if it failed to maintain the sidewalk safely, but you’ll need strong evidence and must act quickly.

How do I prove liability in a slip-and-fall case?

You must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to fix it or provide adequate warning. Evidence like surveillance footage, incident reports, and witness testimony is crucial.

What types of damages can I recover from a slip-and-fall claim in Ohio?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disability or disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life

How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit in Ohio?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a government entity is involved, you may need to file a notice of claim much sooner.

What if I was partially at fault for the fall?

Ohio follows comparative negligence laws. You can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Should I talk to the property owner’s insurance company?

Not without speaking to a personal injury lawyer first. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or get you to say something that hurts your case.

Do I need a lawyer for a slip-and-fall claim in Cleveland?

While it’s not required, having a lawyer significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Our Cleveland slip-and-fall attorney can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and fight for your rights in court if needed.

How Our Slip & Fall Accident Lawyers in Cleveland Can Help

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we understand the unique challenges you are facing after a slip-and-fall accident. We know that you are likely dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and other accident-related costs. We also know that the insurance company is not on your side.

When you choose our firm, you can rely on us to:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into the accident
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Work with experts to calculate the full extent of your damages
• Handle all communication with the insurance company
• Negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf
• Prepare your case for trial, if necessary

Our Cleveland slip-and-fall accident attorneys have a proven track record of success in these cases. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we are prepared to fight for you.

Contact ustoday at 216-696-3232to request a free case review.