Slip and Fall Attorney in Columbus

Let Rourke & Blumenthal Fight for Your Compensation

It is fair to expect that public places or private locations you are invited to will be free of dangerous hazards and misplaced obstacles. You should be able to walk through a restaurant, a retail store, an office building, or even your friend’s home without the fear of suffering a serious slip and fall accident. If you do trip and become injured on someone else’s property, there is a team you can turn to for help.

At Rourke & Blumenthal, our Columbus premises liability lawyers believe that property owners and managers should be held accountable for the injuries their negligence causes. With more than 150 years of combined legal experience, we have dedicated the entirety of our practice to personal injury cases and have won more than $300 million in recoveries for our clients through successful verdicts and settlements. After slipping and falling due to the mistake of another, you should reach out to us right away to schedule a free consultation.

Rely on the expertise of a skilled Columbus slip and fall attorney at Rourke & Blumenthal. Contact us now or dial (614) 321-3212 to schedule your free consultation.

How Do Slip & Falls Happen?

Slip and fall accidents commonly occur when business owners and property managers fail to maintain acceptable levels of safety on their premises. Oftentimes, there are guidelines in place that they must follow to help ensure that no one is wrongfully injured. When these are ignored, a real risk of danger can become present.

In addition to poorly maintained floors, outdoor areas can also present dangers if not maintained. Snow, ice, and other weather-related hazards must be promptly managed to prevent accidents. Uneven pavements and potholes in parking lots are other common causes of slips and falls, particularly in busy commercial settings where maintenance may be neglected.

Hazards that can cause serious slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Cracked or uneven steps
• Missing handrails
• Torn or lifted carpeting and tile
• Inadequate lighting in dark rooms
• Cords across walking surfaces
• Non-obvious objects
• Scraps and debris

Injuries Caused By Slips and Falls

Any slip and fall accident can lead to serious, and even life-threatening, consequences. Elderly people and young children, in particular, are at risk of suffering debilitating injuries due to what might at first seem like a harmless trip.

Some of the more serious injuries that can occur include:

Who Could Be Held Liable For Slip and Fall Accidents?

Property owners, landowners, and tenants of a business currently in control of the premises have an important responsibility to ensure that the area is safe for visitors, guests, and the general public. If there are any safety hazards present, they need to make you and everyone else who enters the area aware of them. Dangers must also be remedied as soon as possible. For example, simply putting up a wet floor sign near a spill is not enough—it needs to be mopped up shortly after.

In Ohio, property owners are subject to premises liability laws that hold them accountable for accidents caused by unsafe conditions. These laws require evidence of negligence, making it crucial for injured individuals to gather information such as photos or eyewitness accounts. Consulting with a knowledgeable slip-and-fall lawyer is vital to understanding these legal intricacies and ensuring a fair opportunity for compensation.

Compensation In Slip & Fall Cases

When you team up with our slip and fall injury attorneys, you could possibly win recoveries that help pay for:

• Medical and rehabilitation bills
• Past and future lost wages
• Nominal damages for your suffering
• Punitive damages for the accountable party’s negligence

Understanding Ohio Slip & Fall Laws

Ohio's slip and fall laws can be complex, requiring thorough understanding and precise navigation. These laws are designed to protect individuals who suffer injuries due to another party's negligence. In order to hold a property owner accountable, it must be demonstrated that they failed to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition or failed to warn visitors of existing hazards. This standard of care is determined by several factors, including the visitor's status on the property—whether they were an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.

Additionally, Ohio adheres to a comparative negligence rule, which can affect the compensation you may receive. Under this rule, if you are found to be partly at fault for your slip and fall accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Being informed about these laws and rules is essential to building a strong premises liability case, and having a dedicated legal team by your side can make all the difference in navigating this process effectively.

Property and Slip & Fall Risks

Columbus, as a vibrant city with a mix of commercial, residential, and public spaces, presents various environments where slip and fall incidents can occur. Public areas such as the bustling North Market, the scenic Scioto Mile, or even the city’s renowned shopping districts can pose potential hazards if not adequately maintained. These venues attract large numbers of people, increasing the likelihood of slip and fall scenarios.

Furthermore, Columbus's seasonal changes, including snowy winters and rainy springs, can exacerbate slip risks. Property owners must remain vigilant in addressing weather-related hazards such as ice-coated walkways or wet lobby floors to prevent accidents. Understanding these local conditions can be critical for residents and visitors alike, emphasizing the importance of awareness and caution in high-traffic areas throughout the city.

Need legal help? Connect with an experienced slip & fall lawyer near you in Columbus. Dial (614) 321-3212 or complete an online form.

FAQs About Slip & Fall in Columbus

What Should I Do Immediately After a Slip & Fall Accident?

If you experience a slip and fall accident, your immediate steps can significantly impact your health and future legal proceedings. First, ensure you seek medical attention, even if injuries appear minor, as some symptoms may appear later. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and document everything, including taking photographs of the scene and collecting witness contact information. These actions help establish crucial evidence should you pursue legal recourse with a slip and fall lawyer in Columbus.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip & Fall Claim in Ohio?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including slip and fall cases, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have limited time to bring forth a case seeking damages for your injuries. However, certain exceptional circumstances might affect this timeframe, making it crucial to consult with a slip and fall lawyer promptly to ensure your rights are protected and your claim is filed within legal deadlines.

Can I File a Claim If I Slipped on Ice?

Slip and fall claims related to ice can be complex due to the natural accumulation rule recognized in Ohio. This rule implies that property owners might not be liable for injuries from naturally accumulating ice or snow. However, if the ice was formed as a result of owner negligence, such as poorly maintained gutters or uneven surfaces that have exacerbated the hazard, you might have grounds for a claim. Discuss your accident with a professional slip and fall attorney in Columbus at Rourke & Blumenthal to explore the specifics of your situation.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Slip & Fall Lawsuit?

In Columbus, victims of slip and fall accidents may pursue compensation for various damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some instances, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s conduct was especially negligent or reckless. Every case is unique, and working with knowledgeable slip and fall attorneys can help clarify what specific damages might be recoverable in your claim.

How Can a Slip & Fall Lawyer Help?

Partnering with a slip and fall attorney can provide invaluable support throughout the legal process. A dedicated legal team assists in gathering evidence, understanding Ohio’s comparative negligence rules, and effectively negotiating with insurance companies or opposing parties. Having legal representation ensures your rights are prioritized, potentially leading to better outcomes and satisfactory compensation for your injuries and related losses.

The wise choice is to retain a Columbus slip and fall attorney from our firm as soon as possible. When you work with Rourke & Blumenthal, you will be backed by a powerful team of knowledgeable and compassionate professionals who genuinely want to see you fairly compensated for your unwarranted injuries.