Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are common in Ohio. Each year, slip and fall accidents claim the lives of thousands of people and injure many more. While some are minor, slip and fall accidents can also cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, fractures, and head injuries.

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to learn what your rights are and to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Slip and Fall Accidents

There are a wide variety of slip and fall accidents, and in Ohio, here are some of the most common types: 

• Falls on Slippery Surfaces: People usually slip on slippery ground when their feet lose grip on the surface on which they are standing or walking. They may fall forward, which could lead to serious injuries if they hit their head or body on the ground. Slips do not only occur when water is spilled on the floor; they can also occur in a rain puddle or on ice or snow.
• Falls Caused by Poor Lighting: Falls can be caused by a number of factors, including poor lighting. Poor lighting can make it difficult to see and avoid obstacles, which can lead to trips. In addition, poorly lit areas may conceal wet or icy conditions.
• Falls Caused by Inappropriate Warning Signs: Slips and falls can be caused by a lack of signage in Ohio. It can also happen when construction or renovation work is going on and the signs are not clear. For example, an inappropriate warning sign may lead to people not knowing where a construction site boundaries are, which can result in their slipping and falling. This is especially a problem for elderly residents or people who have eyesight problems. 
• Slips and Falls Caused by Uneven Floors or Stairs: A person can slip and fall if one step on a staircase is higher or lower than the others. Slips and falls can also occur when the surface of a floor is uneven, which makes it difficult for someone to stand or walk without putting pressure on one foot or shoe more than the other. It is also important to note that the state of Ohio has safety rules for businesses and residences that must be followed strictly even if renovation or reconstruction work is taking place.
• Trips: There are quite a number of trip hazards, which can lead to falls. Trip hazards can include things like objects lying around the walkway, cords, or pets. Tripping can cause a person to lose balance and fall down. Trips are a common cause of severe injuries when it comes to personal injuries.

Who is at Fault if You Slip and Fall in Ohio?

When you slip and fall in Ohio, you may be able to hold someone else responsible. In general, people who own or operate properties or businesses where someone slips and falls in Ohio are liable if they were more than 50% negligent in their property care. This means that even if the person who slipped and fell was partially at fault, the owner or operator of the property might be held liable. 

Given that the property owner or manager may be quick to heap blame on the victim, if you are injured as a result of a slip and fall in Ohio, speak with an attorney as soon as possible to find out your legal rights and to gather evidence that will help support your claim.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall Accident in Ohio?

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident in Ohio, there are specific damages that you can seek. These include:

• Compensation for Past and Future Medical Expenses: Medical expenses are the most common damages sought in personal injury claims. A person may be able to recover some or all of these expenses from the party responsible for their injury. There are a number of factors that can affect the amount that a person can recover, including the nature and severity of the injury, whether medical treatment was required, and whether any disability or disfigurement was incurred as a result of the injury.
• Loss of Income: A loss of income can occur when an individual is unable to work due to a health issue or an accident. A slip and fall can also cause a loss of income, as the individual may be unable to work for days or weeks due to their injuries. In Ohio, the laws protect individuals who suffer a loss of income due to a slip and fall. The way these laws are used depends on the situation, but they typically include ways to make up for lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refer to conditions or experiences that cause significant physical or emotional discomfort. In the context of tort law, pain and suffering can refer to both actual physical injury and psychological distress. Some factors that might contribute to determining the level of pain or suffering someone experiences include the severity of the injury, whether the individual feels isolated from others due to the injury, and how long it takes for the injury to heal. 
• Loss of Consortium: A loss of consortium occurs when a group of people united by shared interests or goals no longer exists. This can be due to a number of factors, including the members no longer being in contact with each other, an injury that makes a person unable to continue to work with the team, etc.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are money given to the victim to punish the defendant for what they did. This type of damage is usually awarded in cases where the defendant's negligence was egregious or showed a blatant disregard for the safety of the victim.

How can an Ohio Slip and Fall Lawyer Help?

Slip and fall lawyers can help injured people who have suffered injuries as a result or someone else's negligence. If you are ever in a slip-and-fall accident, contact the law office of Timonere Law immediately for a consultation. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing clients in slip and fall accidents throughout Ohio.