"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 Poor Drainage Slip and Fall: Personal Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Individuals throughout The State of Ohio
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Ohio Injury Due to Poor Drainage Slip and Fall: Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Poor Drainage Slip and Fall Injury caused by standing water on walking surfaces throughout the State of Ohio.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule a Free Consultation with on of our Experienced Slip and Fall Personal Injury Attorneys.
Ohio Poor Drainage Slip and Fall Attorney: Injured by Standing Water?
Standing water on sidewalks, ramps, or in parking lots is often a direct result of poor drainage—a maintenance failure that creates a severe slip and fall hazard. When rain or spills fail to drain properly and accumulate into large puddles, the property owner may be held liable for resulting injuries.
If you suffered a serious injury after slipping on standing water caused by a defectively maintained drainage system at an Ohio business, our experienced Personal Injury Attorney team can help. We focus on premises liability claims, targeting negligence related to maintenance and structural defects.
Business Liability for Standing Water Under Ohio Premises Law
Ohio commercial property owners owe a duty of ordinary care to their invitees (customers and guests). While property owners are generally not liable for every patch of water, they are liable when poor drainage creates an unnatural and dangerous accumulation of water.
A business may be held liable for a slip and fall injury on standing water if we prove the water accumulation was not a natural occurrence but the result of a defect in the property's structure or maintenance, such as:
- Defective Gutters or Downspouts: Directing large amounts of water onto a walking surface where it cannot drain.
- Clogged or Broken Drains: Failing to clean or repair drain systems, causing water to back up and pool.
- Uneven or Depressed Pavement: Neglecting to repair pavement that allows water to pool into deep, hazardous puddles instead of running off.
In all cases, we must prove the business had Actual Notice or Constructive Notice of the defect causing the poor drainage and failed to remedy it.
Challenging the "Open and Obvious" Defense
Defendants often argue that a large puddle or area of standing water is "open and obvious" and should have been avoided. However, this defense can often be defeated in poor drainage cases:
- Hidden Depth: The surface of the water can conceal the unevenness or depth of the underlying pavement defect, making the hazard worse than it appears.
- Icy Conditions: In colder months, the standing water caused by poor drainage often freezes, creating an unexpected patch of unnatural ice—a clear exception to the "natural accumulation" rule.
- Poor Lighting: Shadows, glare, or dim lighting can prevent a customer from seeing the water or accurately judging the walking surface's condition.
We work to demonstrate that the poor drainage defect created an unreasonable risk of harm that the business had a duty to address, restoring their liability for your injury.
Evidence, Compensation, & Ohio's Statute of Limitations
To successfully pursue a claim, we immediately focus on evidence proving the drainage system's failure:
- Engineering Reports: Consulting with civil engineers to assess the slope of the pavement and the function of the drain system.
- Maintenance Records: Obtaining logs that show the frequency of drain cleaning and reports of prior flooding or pooling issues (establishing notice).
- Photos & Video: Documenting the extent and depth of the standing water and the surrounding structural defects.
Under Ohio's Modified Comparative Negligence law (R.C. 2315.33), we aggressively defend against claims of victim fault, ensuring maximum recovery for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The statute of limitations (R.C. 2305.10) for personal injury claims is generally two years in Ohio. Delay can jeopardize your case, as property owners often quickly repair drainage issues after a fall.
Contact Our Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you were seriously injured in a slip and fall on standing water caused by poor drainage on a business property, contact our dedicated legal team.
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