"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 Loose Rug - Mat Trip and Fall: Personal Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Individuals throughout The State of Ohio
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Ohio Injury Due to Loose Rug - Mat Trip and Fall: Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Loose Rug - Mat 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 Loose Rug and Mat Trip and Fall Attorney: Injured by a Shifting Hazard?
Loose rugs, bunched-up mats, and curling floor runners are common features in the entryways and hallways of Ohio businesses. However, when these items lack proper non-slip backing, shift, or bunch, they transform into dangerous trip and fall hazards.
If you suffered a serious injury at an Ohio business because a mat slid out from under you or you tripped over a bunched-up rug, our experienced Personal Injury Attorneys are here to help. We focus on premises liability claims, specifically targeting the negligence involved in failing to secure or maintain safe floor coverings.
The Duty of Care for Floor Coverings in Ohio
Under Ohio premises liability law, business owners owe the highest duty of ordinary care to their customers (invitees). This duty requires them to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn of hazards that the invitee should not be expected to discover.
A loose or bunched rug is not an inherent part of the floor; it is an item placed by the business. Therefore, the business has a heightened duty to ensure that floor mats, runners, and rugs are safely maintained to prevent tripping hazards.
We work to prove the business was negligent by establishing:
Improper Maintenance: The business failed to use non-slip backing, tape, or other measures to secure the mat, allowing it to move or buckle.
Creation of the Hazard: An employee improperly placed the mat, or allowed it to remain bunched up or curled for an unreasonable period of time.
Notice: The business knew (actual notice) or should have known (constructive notice) that the rug was loose or bunched, but failed to fix it or warn guests. Many businesses' own employee training manuals specifically instruct staff to check mats for bunching.
Challenging the "Open and Obvious" Defense
Property owners often argue that a rug lying on the floor is an "open and obvious" condition, relieving them of liability under Ohio law. However, a loose or bunched rug is often not open and obvious for several reasons:
- The Hazard is Dynamic: A mat that is normally flat may suddenly slide or bunch just as a person steps on it—the hazard is the movement, not just the presence of the mat.
- Color and Lighting: The rug may blend into the floor, or poor lighting may make a slight curl or bunching difficult to see.
- Attendant Circumstances: Customers are expected to look at products, signs, or be aware of other people. These attendant circumstances may distract a person from noticing a subtle defect like a slightly bunched rug.
Our firm thoroughly investigates these factors to defeat the "open and obvious" defense and hold the negligent business accountable.
Building Your Case: Proving a Rug Caused Your Fall
To successfully pursue a trip and fall claim involving a loose rug or mat, we immediately focus on evidence unique to these incidents:
- Mat Condition: Documenting the condition of the rug itself—was it worn? Did it have non-slip backing? Was it designed for commercial use?
- Surveillance Video: Obtaining any surveillance footage that shows the moment of the fall, as well as how long the rug was bunched or loose prior to the accident.
- Employee Testimony: Interviewing employees or securing depositions to determine training protocols regarding floor safety and when the area was last inspected.
- Witness Accounts: Gathering statements from witnesses who noticed the loose mat before your fall.
Compensation for Trip and Fall Injuries
A sudden trip and fall on a shifting or bunched rug can cause serious injuries, particularly to the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions. We fight to recover comprehensive compensation for injuries such as:
- Broken Hips or Pelvis Fractures
- Ankle and Wrist Fractures
- Head Injuries and Concussions
- Severe Back and Neck Injuries
Your potential damages under Ohio law may include:
- Medical Expenses: All bills for emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Act Quickly: The Ohio Statute of Limitations
Under Ohio Revised Code 2305.10, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Time is not only important for meeting this deadline but also for preserving key evidence, as businesses quickly remove or replace defective rugs and delete surveillance footage.
If you were injured in a trip and fall accident due to a loose rug or mat at an Ohio business, contact our experienced team immediately to protect your right to compensation.
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