Lakewood

Joe and his team did a fabulous job winning our slip and fall case. I highly recommend this firm for any injury case you have. Others turned us down because slip and fall cases are difficult and rarely won. A big Thank You to Joe and his team!!

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Concrete staircase under construction with orange and white safety cones placed on the steps and edges, set against a blue sky background.

Hurt in a slip and fall, trip accident, or unsafe property incident in Cleveland? Property owners, businesses, and their insurers often try to downplay your injuries or deny fault, but we fight to hold them accountable. At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers, victims of slip and fall and premises liability accidents in Cleveland across Ohio trust us to secure real results.

We stand with you from day one through resolution, guiding you every step of the way. Our attorneys have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for injury victims statewide. You only have one chance to secure fair compensation. Make it count with a free consultation today.

Proven results. Millions recovered. No fee unless we win.

Leading Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Cleveland

Wet or Slippery Floors – Unmarked spills, freshly mopped surfaces without warning signs, and slick entryways are among the most common causes of preventable falls. Property owners are required to maintain safe, dry walking areas to protect guests and customers.

Icy or Snow-Covered Surfaces – Cleveland winters bring frequent ice and snow that make walkways hazardous. Businesses, landlords, and property managers must take reasonable steps to clear sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances to prevent slip injuries.

Uneven Sidewalks and Flooring – Cracked pavement, broken steps, loose tiles, torn carpeting, or uneven transitions create tripping hazards. When property owners fail to fix or warn about these dangers, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries.

Poor Lighting – Dim, burned-out, or poorly placed lighting in stairwells, parking garages, or hallways makes it difficult to see obstacles and uneven surfaces. Inadequate lighting is a leading factor in many trip and fall incidents.

Cluttered Walkways and Obstacles – Boxes, cords, merchandise, or debris blocking aisles and hallways are frequent hazards in stores, offices, and apartment buildings. Property managers are required to keep public pathways free of obstructions.

Unsafe Building Conditions – Collapsing stairs, rotted decks, broken handrails, and structural decay often cause severe falls. These unsafe conditions typically result from poor maintenance or ignored safety inspections.

Injuries from Cleveland Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries can range from mild to life-changing. Even what seems like a minor fall can lead to lasting pain, limited mobility, or permanent disability. Understanding the most common types of fall-related injuries helps victims recognize the seriousness of their situation and seek proper legal and medical help.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – A sudden fall can cause a person’s head to strike the ground or another object, leading to concussions, brain bleeding, or long-term cognitive and emotional difficulties. Even a brief loss of consciousness should be treated as a medical emergency.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis – Falling down stairs or from elevated surfaces can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or total paralysis. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation, assistive devices, and long-term care.

Broken or Multiple Fractured Bones – Slip and fall victims frequently suffer fractures to the wrists, hips, ankles, ribs, or shoulders. Older adults are especially vulnerable to hip fractures, which often require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.

Head and Neck Injuries – Direct head impacts or whiplash-type motion during a fall can cause concussions, neck strain, and chronic pain. These injuries may not appear immediately but can worsen over time without proper treatment.

Back Injuries and Herniated Discs – The sudden jolt from a fall can compress or twist the spine, leading to herniated discs, chronic lower back pain, and restricted movement that interferes with work and daily life.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage – Blunt-force trauma to the abdomen or chest during a fall can cause internal bleeding or damage to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries can be life-threatening if untreated.

Soft Tissue Injuries and Sprains – Torn ligaments, strained muscles, and severe bruising are common after slip and fall accidents. While sometimes overlooked, these injuries can lead to long-term pain and mobility issues if not properly diagnosed.

Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma – Falls on hard surfaces often result in facial fractures, broken teeth, or scarring. Victims may require dental reconstruction or cosmetic surgery to repair lasting damage.

Cuts, Lacerations, and Disfigurement – Sharp edges, broken glass, or jagged flooring can cause deep cuts or permanent scarring. Some injuries may also lead to nerve damage or infection.

Emotional Trauma, PTSD, and Anxiety – Victims of severe falls often experience emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or a lasting fear of walking on certain surfaces. These psychological effects can significantly impact quality of life.

Fatal Injuries and Wrongful Death – Severe head trauma or spinal cord damage from a high fall can be fatal. Families of victims may pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for financial losses, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.

Ohio Laws That Affect Slip and Fall Claims

Duty of Care Property owners, whether commercial, residential, or public, are required by law to maintain reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors. This duty includes cleaning up spills, fixing hazards, and providing adequate warnings of known dangers.

Negligence Must Be Proven – To recover compensation, you must show that the property owner or occupier knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it or provide proper warning. Negligence can involve ignored maintenance, poor inspections, or unsafe design.

Warning Signs and Barriers – Visible warning signs, cones, or barriers must be placed promptly when hazards exist. If no signs were posted or they were unclear, your claim is typically stronger. Even when warnings are present, they must be visible and appropriate for the risk.

Comparative Negligence Rule – Under O.R.C. § 2315.33, you may still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% responsible for not noticing a spill, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage.

Liable Parties May Include:

  • Retail stores, grocery stores, and shopping centers
  • Apartment landlords and property management companies
  • Restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues
  • Office buildings and commercial complexes
  • Private homeowners (in certain circumstances)
  • Municipalities or government agencies responsible for sidewalks, public buildings, or parks

Evidence is Critical – Slip and fall cases often rely on timely evidence. Photos of the scene, video surveillance, incident reports, and witness statements can make or break your claim. Prompt medical documentation also helps connect your injuries to the fall.

Compensation Available – Successful slip and fall claims may include recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. In severe cases, victims may also recover compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement.

Evidence in Cleveland Slip and Fall Cases

The strength of your evidence often determines the success of your Cleveland slip and fall claim. Every photo, report, and witness statement helps establish what happened and who is responsible. Thorough documentation makes it much harder for property owners, managers, or insurers to dispute liability or reduce your compensation.

Essential Evidence to Collect

  • Photos and Video – Take clear pictures or videos of the hazard that caused your fall, such as spilled liquids, uneven flooring, torn carpeting, broken steps, or poor lighting. Include close-up and wide shots that show the surrounding area and any missing warning signs.
  • Property Owner or Manager Information – Record the names, titles, and contact details of the property owner, manager, or supervisor on duty. If the incident occurred in a business, note the store name, address, and time of day.
  • Witness Information – Gather names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the fall or the dangerous condition. Their independent accounts can confirm what happened and whether the hazard existed before your injury.
  • Incident or Accident Report – Request that the property manager or employee complete a written report of the fall. Ask for a copy or take a photo of the document for your records. Always note who you spoke to and when.
  • Medical Records and Bills – Keep all emergency room records, X-rays, imaging results, prescriptions, physical therapy notes, and doctor recommendations. These documents prove both the extent of your injuries and their direct connection to the fall.
  • Footwear and Clothing – Preserve the shoes and clothes you wore at the time of the accident, especially if your footwear has slip-resistant soles. Do not wash or alter them, as they may serve as evidence.
  • Personal Recovery Journal – Document your daily pain levels, mobility challenges, emotional distress, and any disruptions to work or daily routines. This helps demonstrate the full human and financial impact of your injury.

Evidence That Strengthens Cleveland Slip and Fall Claims

  • Surveillance Footage – Request any available security video from the property or nearby businesses. Footage showing the fall or the condition of the floor before it was cleaned or repaired can be critical.
  • Maintenance and Inspection Records – Obtain documentation of cleaning schedules, maintenance logs, and inspection reports. These records can show whether the property owner knew about the hazard and ignored it.
  • Incident Reports and Employee Statements – Internal reports and staff statements may reveal prior complaints or unsafe conditions that were not addressed in time.
  • Prior Complaints or Violations – If the property has a history of similar hazards, previous incidents, or building code violations, this pattern can demonstrate negligence.
  • Expert Testimony – Engineers, safety experts, or accident reconstruction specialists can analyze surfaces, lighting, and building design to show how the hazard directly caused your fall.

Get Expert Legal Help After a Slip and Fall Accident

From your first call through resolution, our team stands by you every step of the way. At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle the legal work so you can focus on healing and recovery.

Our Cleveland slip and fall injury lawyers:

  • Conduct detailed investigations into how and where the fall occurred
  • Gather and preserve critical evidence such as photos, reports, and surveillance footage
  • Establish liability by proving the property owner’s negligence or unsafe conditions
  • Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies
  • Collect and organize medical records, bills, and documentation of ongoing care
  • Work with safety experts, engineers, and medical professionals to strengthen your case
  • Pursue maximum compensation through settlement or trial preparation
  • Provide clear, compassionate guidance throughout the entire legal process

Find a Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Office Near You

Take the Next Step with an Experienced Cleveland Slip and Fall Lawyer

Your next decision matters. Property owners and insurance companies are already working to limit their responsibility, and you need an experienced legal team protecting your rights. At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers, our Cleveland slip and fall attorneys bring decades of combined experience, a proven record of results, and a deep understanding of premises liability law. We know how insurers and corporations try to deny or minimize claims, and we fight back with thorough investigations, strong evidence, and skilled advocacy. With millions recovered for injury victims across Ohio, our mission is to secure the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term recovery needs. From your first call through final resolution, we stand by your side every step of the way.

Call us at 800-LAW-OHIO (800-529-6446) or schedule your free consultation today. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win.