Slip & Fall Injury Attorney in Toledo

A slip and fall is more than an embarrassing stumble—it can turn your world upside down. Broken bones, head injuries, and long recoveries are all too common, leaving victims wondering how they’ll move forward. If your accident happened because a property owner failed to keep their space safe, you shouldn’t be left paying the price. The experienced attorneys at Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC know how to take on these complex cases and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Slip & Fall Accidents Matter

What may seem like a minor accident can have life-changing consequences. Slip and fall accidents can result in broken bones, head or brain injuries, spinal damage, and other serious medical conditions. These physical injuries might require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time off work, all of which can lead to significant financial and emotional burdens.

Beyond the physical harm, these accidents can also impact your quality of life. Chronic pain, emotional distress, and financial strain from mounting medical bills can make recovery even harder. That’s why it’s critical to hold negligent property owners accountable, not only for medical costs but also for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other impacts on your life.

Responsibilities of Property Owners in Ohio

In Ohio, property owners have a legal obligation, known as a “duty of care,” to maintain safe conditions on their premises for visitors. This includes:

• Regularly inspecting their property for hazards.
• Addressing potential dangers through timely maintenance or repairs.
• Providing clear warnings for hazards that may not be immediately obvious.

For example, property owners could be held liable for dangerous conditions such as wet floors, poor lighting, broken tiles, or uneven stairs. However, Ohio law also recognizes the concept of “open and obvious” dangers, meaning property owners may not be held responsible for hazards that a reasonable person could easily detect and avoid. Proving liability requires showing that the property owner either knew or should have known about the unsafe condition and failed to address it.

Challenges in Determining Fault

Establishing fault in a slip and fall case can be complex. Ohio follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning you could still seek compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation would be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Insurance companies often exploit this rule, attempting to shift blame onto the injured party. They might argue that improper footwear, lack of attention, or failure to notice an obvious hazard contributed to the accident. This is why gathering evidence is crucial in building a strong case. Key evidence might include photos of the hazard, witness testimony, maintenance records, and reports documenting the condition of the property at the time of the fall.

What to Do After a Slip & Fall Accident

If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, taking the right measures can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Here’s what you should do:

1. Document the Scene: Take photos of the danger that caused your fall and the surrounding area before any changes are made, such as cleanup or repairs.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem small, get looked at by a healthcare professional. This documents your injuries.
3. Preserve Evidence: Keep the shoes and clothing you had on at the time of the accident. Do not wash or alter them.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurers Without Legal Counsel: Don’t provide a recorded statement to the property owner’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney.
5. Contact an Attorney Quickly: Reach out to an injury attorney to review your case and understand your legal options.

How We Fight for You

Since 1973, Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC has fought for the rights of injured people in Toledo and across Ohio. We know the tactics insurance companies use, and we are prepared to counter them. Our attorneys will:

• Thoroughly investigate the accident scene and gather crucial evidence.
• Consult with safety and accident reconstruction professionals.
• Handle all communications with insurers and defense attorneys.
• Protect you from unfair blame and fight to prove the property owner’s negligence.
• Negotiate for the full compensation you deserve or take your case to trial.

Our communication lines are always open, and we will keep you informed every step of the way. Acting quickly strengthens your case, so don’t wait. Contact us today.