Slip and Fall Lawyers in Cleveland

Helping Slip and Fall Victims Seek the Compensation They Deserve

Slip and falls are serious accidents that can result in injury, emergency room visits, missed work, and hefty medical bills. Under personal injury law, the victim might be entitled to pursue a claim if the slip and fall occurred on another’s property because of the owner’s negligence. In these types of cases, if the property owner is found to be at fault, the victim might be awarded compensation for damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain/suffering. The monetary recovery may not erase the experience or the lasting damage that resulted, but it can help the victim return their life to as close to normal as possible.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, speak with our legal team about your case. We have over 75 years of combined experience and can skillfully guide you through the legal process. When you retain our services, we can investigate the matter, speak with witnesses, review surveillance footage (if applicable), examine reports and documents, and complete all necessary groundwork. Our team will work tirelessly on your behalf to build a compelling legal strategy and seek fair compensation for the harm you suffered. For a free consultation, contact HMW Law by calling 216-369-1352 today.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?

It may sound obvious, but anywhere a person walks is a possible location for a slip and fall accident. Everyone is at risk of a slip and fall accident, no matter what age they are. However, elderly individuals are more likely to suffer severe injuries from a slip and fall accident.

Some of the most common places such accidents occur include:

• Parking garages: Because of the way they’re built, these structures don’t have a lot of natural light in them, which is why they usually have light fixtures. But if a light goes out and the garage owner is negligent in replacing it in a reasonable manner, a person walking through the structure may be unable to see hazards within and can trip and fall over whatever obstruction was in their path.
• Parking lots: Although these areas are out in the open and receive a lot of natural light (or have lamp posts installed that provide bright light at night), they are typically lined with asphalt. This material is prone to cracks and raised areas, which can be hazardous to people passing through. If the owner is aware of potential dangers but does not address the issue in a timely manner, they may be liable for damages arising from a slip and fall occurring in the lot.
• Workplaces: Employers are responsible for ensuring areas where people may walk through are clear of hazards and dangers. This requirement applies to all companies, not just those in industries such as construction that are inherently dangerous. Failure of an employer to maintain adequate workplace conditions or respond to hazards can give grounds for an injury claim should a slip and fall occur in the workplace.
• Sidewalks: The person or entity responsible for maintaining sidewalks – whether a property owner or the government – must repair or address hazards such as cracks or divots within a reasonable amount of time. If they don’t, and a person trips and falls, they may be responsible for damages resulting from the injury.
• Grocery stores: Spills on the floor, cracked walkways, or inadequately maintained entrances and exits can cause a person to slip and fall. If the store owner was negligent in fixing the hazards, the victim could pursue a claim against them.
• Staircases: A slip and fall accident can occur on a staircase if the structure is poorly constructed, the handrails are broken, the steps are cracked or inadequately maintained, or the steps are wet or icy, among other reasons. The property owner may be considered financially responsible for injury-related expenses and losses the victim suffered.

No matter where your slip and fall accident happened, our team can assist you. Slip and fall injuries can be devastating, and the medical bills plus lost wages from missing work can add up quickly. A slip and fall lawyer on our team will review your case and advise you on how to proceed.

What Are the Most Common Injuries After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Slip and fall accidents can cause many injuries. Depending on where you fall and how hard you fall, you could require medical attention and long-term medical treatment.

The most common injuries after a slip and fall accident include:

• Broken bones, including broken legs and broken wrists
• Sprains and fractures
• Bruises
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Hip injuries

It is always advisable to seek medical attention after a slip and fall injury. Even if you do not feel injured at the moment, you could have underlying or internal injuries that are not immediately obvious. Plus, having a record of your medical treatment will help you seek compensation and prove the property owner’s negligence in your personal injury claim.

Serious injuries may require additional medical treatment. Always keep a record of any medical appointments you attend due to your injuries. For instance, if you injure your back, you may have to visit a physical therapist on a regular basis. You can recover compensation for these medical appointments by filing a slip and fall claim.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that describes the party responsible for the safety of others when it comes to building and property maintenance. Generally, property owners are required to correct any condition on their property that could cause an injury. If owners fail to do this, they can be held liable for any injuries sustained on their property.

State law differentiates between static negligence and dynamic negligence. Static negligence is when the premises are not reasonably maintained, leading to dangerous conditions. Dynamic or active negligence is when the property owner allows or engages in dangerous activity that could injure people on the property.

Negligent security, dog attacks, unsafe railings, and inadequate lighting are also covered under premises liability. For slip and fall accidents, a premises liability claim can help you hold property owners accountable for your injuries while also seeking compensation.

Who Is Liable in a Slip and Fall Case in Ohio?

Various people or entities can be held responsible for slip and fall accidents. Private and commercial property owners, as well as the government, must ensure their property is safe for visitors and employees. If they are negligent in fulfilling their duties, the injured party may have grounds to bring a claim against them.

Determining who is liable for your slip and fall matter is essential for ensuring you take legal action against the correct party. Additionally, knowing what steps you must take to resolve your case is vital, as filing a claim against the government is different from doing so against a private or commercial property owner. It’s crucial that you discuss your case with us. Our Cleveland slip and fall attorneys can help ensure that your claim is submitted correctly.

What Must You Prove in a Slip and Fall Claim?

If you are seeking compensation in a personal injury claim, there are a few things you must prove to recover damages. A slip and fall injury lawyer on our team will help you develop your legal strategy and gather evidence to prove the extent of your injuries.

You must prove the following in a personal injury case:

•  The defendant is responsible for the danger that caused your injuries.
•  The defendant knew about the danger and did not take reasonable action to correct it.
•  The dangerous condition had been there long enough that the defendant must have known about it.

Liability law is complex, and proving these points can be difficult without an attorney on your side. If you are pursuing a Cleveland slip and fall case, you need a personal injury attorney to help you. For more information about how you can prove your case, contact our firm today.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim?

Like most personal injury cases, slip and fall claims are subject to a statute of limitations. Under state law, victims can no longer seek financial compensation in court once the statute of limitations runs out. There are certain exceptions that may apply in rare cases, although they are not common.

In Ohio, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. Although two years may sound like a long time, it is essential to start the personal injury claims process immediately so you can recover compensation in a timely manner. If your injuries were not immediately obvious or the liable party attempted to flee to avoid being served, your statute of limitations may be paused or extended. Reach out to a slip and fall injury lawyer on our team today for more information.

What Can a Personal Injury Attorney Do for Me?

We know that seeking just compensation is important for getting the necessary care you need to treat your injury. That is why our slip and fall lawyers in Cleveland can explore every legal option and do what is required to work toward obtaining a favorable result on your behalf.

We will work to gather evidence about your case, including photos, videos, and witness statements. Using this evidence, we can negotiate with the liable parties and their insurance company to get you the outcome you deserve. If negotiation doesn’t get you the maximum compensation in your case, we will take your lawsuit to court, fighting for you until you recover all of your damages.

Should I Consult a Personal Injury Attorney Today?

Being injured in a slip and fall accident can have devastating consequences. Your injuries could saddle you with thousands of dollars in medical debt, lost wages, lost earning potential, and more. You and your family members deserve to recover compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of someone else’s negligence.

At HMW Law, we are dedicated to providing aggressive legal representation for all our clients. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the justice system as you recover from your injuries, and we are here to make the legal process as smooth as possible for you. If you would like to receive a free consultation, contact our law firm by calling 216-369-1352 today.