"When I was injured due to inadequate security at a retail center in Columbus, I felt completely lost. This firm quickly stepped in, investigated the facts, and held the property owner accountable for their negligence. They treated my case with dignity and professionalism, securing a settlement that covered my medical bills and lost wages. I highly recommend them for any crime-related injury on someone else's property."
Injury Due to Cracked - Broken Sidewalks Trip and Fall: Personal Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Individuals throughout The State of Ohio
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Ohio Injury Due to Cracked - Broken Sidewalks Trip and Fall: Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Cracked - Broken Sidewalks Trip and Fall Injury throughout the State of Ohio.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule a Free Consultation with on of our Experienced Trip and Fall Personal Injury Attorneys.
Ohio Broken Pavement Trip and Fall Attorney: Injured on Cracked Sidewalks or Uneven Asphalt?
Cracked, broken, or uneven sidewalks and parking lots are common outside of Ohio businesses, but they are not excusable. When a property owner fails to repair or warn against hazardous outdoor surfaces, the resulting trip and fall injuries can be severe.
Our Ohio Personal Injury Attorney team focuses on premises liability claims involving defective exterior grounds. We understand the specific nuances of Ohio law regarding sidewalk ownership and the liability of commercial property owners for failing to maintain a reasonably safe premises for their customers and visitors.
Commercial Property Liability in Ohio for Defective Pavement
While liability for sidewalks in front of private residences can be complex, commercial property owners (such as grocery stores, shopping centers, or office buildings) owe a high duty of care to their invitees (customers, clients, and guests).
This duty includes:
Inspection: Regularly inspecting their parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways to discover dangerous conditions like cracked pavement or broken concrete.
Repair or Warning: Promptly repairing known or foreseeable hazards, or placing clear warnings (cones, signs) until repairs can be made.
If a property owner or business fails to take these reasonable steps, and you are injured due to a defect like a raised sidewalk section or a hidden pothole, they may be found negligent and liable for your damages.
The "Open and Obvious" Defense and the "Minor Variation Rule"
Property owners frequently use two key defenses in these cases:
The "Open and Obvious" Doctrine: This asserts that the cracked or broken sidewalk was clearly visible, and a reasonable person should have avoided it.
The "Minor Variation Rule" (often referred to as the "2-inch rule"): Ohio case law has historically held that minor defects—often variations in pavement height under two inches—may not impose a duty of care, as these are considered common and foreseeable imperfections.
How We Overcome These Defenses:
Attendant Circumstances: We demonstrate that other factors (attendant circumstances) made the defect not open and obvious. Examples include poor lighting, distractions (like advertising or displays), or the defect blending with the surrounding pavement.
Proof of Unreasonable Hazard: We use expert testimony and measurements to prove that the broken pavement was a significant and unreasonable hazard that the business had an affirmative duty to address, regardless of its exact height. The $2$-inch height is a general guide, not an absolute bar to recovery.
Key Evidence to Establish Negligence
Building a strong case against an Ohio business requires immediate investigation to prove they had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition:
- Photographic Evidence: Documenting the size and depth of the cracked sidewalk, pothole, or uneven surface immediately after the fall.
- Maintenance Records: Obtaining records of past repairs or complaints to prove the business was aware of the hazard (actual notice).
- Inspection Protocols: Reviewing the business's inspection logs to show a failure to regularly check the exterior grounds (constructive notice).
- Witness Accounts: Collecting testimony from people who saw the accident or who previously noticed the dangerous condition.
Seeking Maximum Compensation Under Ohio Law
A trip and fall on defective exterior pavement can lead to severe injuries such as fractures, knee or ankle damage, concussions, or head trauma. We are dedicated to maximizing your compensation for all damages suffered:
- Medical Expenses: Hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll of your injury.
The Statute of Limitations is Critical (R.C. 2305.10)
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those involving trip and fall accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury. It is vital to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and evidence is preserved.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury from a trip and fall on cracked or broken sidewalks at an Ohio business, do not delay. Contact our experienced legal team for a free, confidential consultation.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule your Free Consultation.
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
What Our Clients Say
After prolonged exposure to toxic mold at my workplace, I started experiencing severe health issues. Proving the connection to the business's negligence felt impossible until I hired this firm. They were brilliant, connecting my health problems to the landlord's failure to address water damage. They gave me my health and my life back by securing a significant settlement. For mold-related injury cases, they are unparalleled."
"My accident at a poorly maintained apartment complex pool in Dayton was terrifying. I suffered a serious head injury. This law firm was incredible; they immediately started investigating the pool's safety records and maintenance log. Their work resulted in a successful claim against the property management. If you've been injured at a pool in Ohio, you want this firm on your side."
"The defective stairs at a restaurant in Toledo caused a significant knee injury. The property owner initially refused to pay, but this firm took on the challenge. They brought in experts to show the code violations and built an undeniable case. Thanks to their legal expertise, I received a fair settlement that allows me to focus on my recovery. They truly excel with cases involving unsafe property conditions."
"My child was tragically bitten by a dog at a neighbor's property in Akron. Navigating the aftermath and dealing with the owners was incredibly stressful. The team at this law firm was compassionate yet fiercely effective. They understood Ohio's dog bite laws thoroughly and fought to ensure my child received the necessary medical care and compensation for their trauma. They are the best dog bite attorneys in the state."
"I had a terrible slip and fall accident on a wet floor at a grocery store in Cincinnati that led to a serious fracture. The store tried to deny responsibility, but this firm's meticulous preparation and dedication proved the store's negligence. They were communicative throughout the entire process, making a stressful situation much easier to handle. Choose them if you need a top-notch slip and fall lawyer."
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PH: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 • OFFICE LOCATION • 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Columbus, OH 43220