Examining Ohio Law: Premises Liability or "Slip and Fall" Cases

Premises liability, or "slip and fall" cases, arise when an individual is accidentally injured as the result of the negligence of a property owner. Most commonly, premises liability cases occur when a person falls due to a broken or cracked sidewalk, defective stairs or wet or slippery floors.

However, just because an individual slips and falls on another person's property does not automatically mean that the property owner is liable for negligence. In order to hold a property owner liable, the injured individual must prove that the owner knew or should have known of a "defect" in the property that caused the injury. Defects are those unsafe conditions, such as those discussed above, that pose an unreasonable risk of injury to those persons who enter onto the property.

If you have been injured as the result of a property owner's negligence, it is crucial that you discuss your situation with a knowledgeable attorney to determine the value of your claim. There is a current trend against premises liability claims, and Ohio's premises liability laws often favor owners over those injured by an accident. While owners may not be liable for mishaps due to environmental conditions such as rain or snow, victims and families can pursue claims for other dangerous conditions where the owner has been given repeat notice, or for hidden defects that seriously injure or kill someone. However, this determination is best made by an experienced personal injury attorney.

The lawyers of DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder have successfully represented people injured by negligently maintained or constructed premises across the state of Ohio. If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, contact an experienced Personal Injury Attorney today.