A Single Fall Can Change Everything

Slip and fall accidents often happen without warning, but the consequences can last for months or longer. Many people suffer broken bones, head injuries, back and spinal injuries, or long-term mobility limitations after a fall. Some require surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing medical treatment. Others face missed work, lost income, and difficulty managing daily responsibilities while trying to heal.

These cases are frequently more complex than they appear. Property owners and insurers often assume falls are the injured person’s fault, even when unsafe conditions existed. They may argue the hazard was “open and obvious,” deny it was present, or claim they had no notice. A slip and fall attorney in Cleveland, OH can help preserve evidence, document the conditions that caused the fall, and pursue accountability based on what the property owner should have done to prevent harm.

The Stuckey Firm works with you, not just for you. We take time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and build a legal strategy aligned with your recovery and long-term needs. When an injury disrupts your life, you should not also have to carry the burden of proving your case. We handle the legal work so you and your family can focus on recovery, not conflict. 

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

A slip and fall accident claim is a type of premises liability claim that seeks compensation when someone is injured because a property was not kept reasonably safe. These accidents can occur in grocery stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, parking garages, office buildings, event venues, or private residences. Common hazards include wet or slippery floors, icy sidewalks, uneven pavement, loose carpeting, broken stairs, poor lighting, and debris in walkways.

To succeed in a slip and fall claim, it is often necessary to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or provide adequate warning. Ohio negligence principles guide how liability is evaluated. The Ohio Revised Code provides the legal framework that applies to many premises liability and personal injury claims.

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How a Personal Injury Attorney Helps With Slip & Fall Cases

  • Preserving Evidence Early: Conditions at a fall scene can change quickly, and surveillance footage may be erased. A slip and fall attorney can act promptly to document hazards, request video footage, and preserve critical proof.
  • Building a Strong Liability Case: Property owners often deny responsibility or claim lack of notice. Legal representation helps establish what the owner should have known and why the hazard should have been addressed.
  • Documenting the Full Extent of Injuries: Slip and fall injuries can lead to chronic pain, disability, and lost income. A thorough legal approach documents medical treatment, wage loss, and long-term limitations so the claim reflects the full impact.
  • Trial-Ready Preparation When Needed: Some slip and fall claims resolve through negotiation. Others require litigation when responsibility is denied. Trial-ready preparation strengthens leverage and protects your right to pursue accountability.

Our team prepares cases with trial readiness from day one. And while lawsuits are sometimes necessary, many are resolved through settlement long before trial becomes an issue.

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Do I Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer?

You should consider legal guidance if you were injured in a fall that required medical care, caused missed work, or resulted in ongoing symptoms. You may also need help if the hazard was not documented, the property owner denied responsibility, or an insurance company pressured you to settle quickly.

Slip and fall cases often depend on evidence that disappears fast, including video footage, maintenance records, cleaning logs, and witness statements. Speaking with a slip and fall lawyer early can make a meaningful difference, even if you are unsure whether the hazard was “serious enough.” Falls can cause catastrophic injuries, particularly for older adults or anyone who suffers a head or spinal injury.

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Cases Won Real Outcomes for Real People

$3.6 Million

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports...

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports that characterized their elderly father as a reckless motorcyclist. After a complex accident reconstruction identified the negligence of multiple parties, the case was settled during a second private mediation.

Motorcycle Accident | Marysville, Ohio

$1.6 Million

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as...

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as a result of the injury. Unfortunately, Ohio has a cap of $250,000 for non-economic damages, with no exceptions, for cases against political subdivisions. Through a comprehensive case work up and well versed arguments presenting a real threat to challenging the constitutionality of caps on damages, we were able to negotiate a higher settlement than what was provided under the law.

Pedestrian Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$1.3 Million

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with three young adult siblings.  TSF was engaged to serve as local counsel to assist with the litigation, mediation, and resolution of the case.

Truck Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$600,000

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left and turned in front of a motorcyclist, causing serious injury. An accident reconstructionist was retained to disprove inflammatory witness accounts of speed, as motorcyclists are commonly accused of speeding due to the sound of their bike. 

Motorcycle Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$500,000

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic...

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with an oncoming motorist. Client sustained serious injuries requring extensive hospitalization and rehab.  He and his wife heavily relied upon counsel to guide them through the maze of medical bills and insurance claims so they could focus on healing and recovery.  Settlement was further maximized through negotiations with multiple lienholders.

Car Accident | Galion, Ohio

$135,000

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert...

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert to demonstrate permanency of scarring to enhance case value

Dog Bite | Marysville, Ohio

$100,000

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash...

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash and injury to college aged passenger. Policy limits settlement offer obtained despite minimal medical treatment options and $5,000 in medical bills. Client was unsure how to protect her concern for permanent injury and retained counsel to help her obtain expert testimony to document permanent injury to justify the policy limits settlement.

Car Accident | Mentor, Ohio
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Slip Fall Accident Case What to Expect

Step One: Initial Review and Early Guidance

We begin by learning where the fall occurred, what caused it, and how you were injured. We provide early guidance on medical documentation, evidence preservation, and insurance communication to protect your claim from the start.

Step Two: Evidence Collection and Property Investigation

We gather incident reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, and proof of lost income. We also pursue surveillance footage, maintenance logs, cleaning schedules, and evidence of prior complaints or similar hazards.

Step Three: Claim Development

Once the extent of your injuries is clear, we prepare a demand that reflects medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term effects. The claim is supported by documentation and aligned with your recovery goals.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some claims resolve through negotiation. Others require litigation when the property owner denies that the hazard existed or disputes the severity of the injury. We prepare every case with trial readiness so your options remain protected.

Why Slip and Fall Claims Are Often Disputed

Slip and fall cases are frequently challenged because property owners and insurers assume falls can be blamed on the injured person. Common defenses include arguing the hazard was obvious, claiming there was no time to fix it, or suggesting the injury was preexisting. Missing evidence, such as a lack of photos or delayed incident reports, is often used to reduce claim value.

This is why early documentation matters and why working with a legal team familiar with how these cases are evaluated can make a difference. The Supreme Court of Ohio Law Library offers general information about how civil claims work in Ohio and the principles that apply to premises liability cases.

“I had an excellent experience working with J. Michael Vervoort at The Stuckey Firm. From the very beginning, he was professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to helping me. He kept me informed, explained every step clearly, and worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome.”

—A.M.

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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-First, Attorney-Driven Practice

The Stuckey Firm is a client-focused personal injury firm built on trust, collaboration, and direct attorney involvement. We work with you so you understand your options and remain in control of key decisions.

Thorough, Trial-Ready Case Preparation

Slip and fall cases often require quick evidence collection and careful investigation. We build claims with detailed documentation, credible proof, and trial-ready preparation, especially when property owners deny responsibility.

Credibility That Supports Fair Outcomes

Our attorneys are respected statewide for bringing well-prepared and principled claims. That credibility matters when insurers attempt to undervalue injuries or pressure clients into unfair settlements. You deserve a legal team that treats your injury seriously and builds your claim with care and purpose.

Meet Your Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys

Proven Leaders in Ohio Personal Injury Law

Our team of local attorneys were hand-selected for their experience and leadership in client service, top legal organizations, and our communities.

Founder

Nathan J. Stuckey

  • Immediate Past President of Ohio Association for Justice
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
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Partner

Sydney S. McLafferty

  • Past President, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Active Member, American Association of Justice
  • National Women’s Trial Lawyers, Top 25
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Partner

J. Michael Vervoort

  • Board Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
Read Michael's Bio

Attorney

Paul (PJ) Jacob Ratcliffe

  • Member, West Virginia Association for Justice
  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
Read Paul's Bio

Attorney

Christian W. Sorg

  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, Clark County Bar Association
  • Founding Board Member, Recon & Sniper Foundation
Read Christian's Bio

Attorney

James E. Heath

  • Past President, Clark County Bar Association
  • Board Member, Clark County Sportsman’s Club
  • Former Captian, U.S. Army JAG Corps
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Of Counsel

Christian R. Patno

  • Of Counsel
  • President, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
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Slip Fall Accident Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a valid slip and fall case?

You may have a claim if an unsafe condition caused your fall and the property owner knew or should have known about it. Evidence, documentation, and injury severity often determine claim strength.

What if the property owner says the hazard was obvious?

“Open and obvious” arguments do not automatically eliminate liability. A lawyer can evaluate whether warnings were required, whether the hazard was unavoidable, and how responsibility should be assessed.

What compensation may be available?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. The amount depends on the injury and its impact on daily life and mobility.

What should I do after a slip and fall accident?

Seek medical care and report the incident to the property owner or manager. If possible, take photos, gather witness information, and keep records of your injuries. Avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance.

How long does a slip and fall claim take?

Timelines vary depending on injury severity and whether liability is disputed. Some claims resolve in months, while others take longer if litigation is necessary.

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Get Help After a Slip & Fall Accident

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident and are unsure what to do next, help is available. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation and speak with a slip and fall attorney in Cleveland who will provide clear guidance and steady support.

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