Slip and Fall Accidents: What You Need to Know About Personal Liability and Your Right to Recover
It can happen in a moment — a wet floor at the grocery store, an uneven sidewalk, a loose stair rail. You fall, you're injured, and suddenly you're facing medical bills, time off work, and uncertainty about what to do next. Many people are surprised to learn that slip and fall injuries can lead to serious legal claims — and that property owners may be personally liable for the harm caused. At Murphy Schmitt Hathaway, we’ve spent more than 40 years representing injured clients and holding negligent property owners accountable.
Slip and Fall Claims Are About Responsibility — Not Accidents
Property owners — whether private individuals, businesses, or landlords — have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises. This includes:
- Cleaning up spills or debris
- Repairing broken flooring, sidewalks, or stairs
- Providing adequate lighting
- Posting warning signs around known hazards
- Complying with building and safety codes
When they fail to meet that responsibility, and someone gets hurt as a result, they may be held legally liable for the injuries and losses that follow.
Slip and Fall Injuries Can Be Serious
Many people assume a fall is a minor incident. But statistics — and our years of experience — say otherwise. Slip and fall victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken hips, arms, or wrists
- Spinal injuries and back trauma
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Chronic pain and mobility issues
These injuries can lead to long-term complications, lost wages, and overwhelming medical expenses. That’s why getting legal help early is so important.
What Makes These Cases So Complex?
Proving liability in a slip and fall case isn’t always simple. The insurance company may argue that:
- The hazard was "open and obvious"
- You weren’t paying attention
- The property owner didn’t have enough time to fix the issue
That’s why you need a legal team that knows how to investigate the scene, preserve evidence, and present a compelling case.
At Murphy Schmitt Hathaway, we gather surveillance footage, maintenance records, incident reports, and witness statements — all the details that can make or break your claim.
Personal Liability: What It Means and Why It Matters
When a property owner or business fails in their duty to maintain a safe space, they can be held personally or professionally liable for your injuries. That liability may extend to:
- Individuals (e.g., homeowners)
- Corporations or business owners
- Property management companies
- Municipal or government entities
In many cases, insurance policies are involved, but they often try to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. That’s where our litigation experience makes the difference.
Compensation May Include:
- Medical bills and emergency care
- Surgery, rehab, and long-term treatment
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
We will fight to ensure no detail is overlooked and no dollar is left on the table.
Don’t Wait — Your Case Can Weaken with Time
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Surveillance footage is erased. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case.
The statute of limitations also places a strict time limit on how long you have to file a claim. Don’t let time work against you.
Murphy Schmitt Hathaway: Advocates with Experience and Compassion
With over four decades of personal injury litigation experience, we know how to win difficult cases — and we understand what our clients are going through. From your first consultation to your final recovery, we’re with you every step of the way.
