A Fall Can Create Lasting Harm

A slip and fall can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last for months or longer. Many people experience broken bones, traumatic head injuries, back and neck damage, and long-term mobility limitations after a fall. Some require surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing pain management. Others face missed work, reduced income, and daily challenges while trying to heal.

Slip and fall cases are often more complicated than they first appear. Property owners and insurance companies frequently treat falls as the injured person’s fault, even when unsafe conditions existed. They may argue the hazard was “open and obvious,” deny that the condition existed at all, or claim they had no notice of the danger. Working with a slip and fall lawyer in Columbus can help preserve evidence, document what happened, 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 case strategy aligned with your recovery and long-term needs. After a serious accident, the burden is often on the injured person to fight for what they need. We take that burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing and supporting your family. 

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 due to unsafe property conditions. These accidents commonly occur in grocery stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, parking lots, office buildings, event venues, or private homes. Hazards may include wet or slippery floors, icy sidewalks, uneven pavement, loose carpeting, broken stairs, poor lighting, or debris left in walkways.

Slip and fall claims typically require showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it or provide adequate warning. Ohio negligence principles govern how liability is evaluated. For direct access to statutes related to civil liability and premises responsibility, the Ohio Revised Code provides the legal framework used in many injury cases.

The Benefits of Working With a Personal Injury Attorney for Slip & Fall Accidents

  • Early Evidence Preservation - Fall scenes can change quickly, and surveillance footage is often overwritten within days. A slip and fall attorney in Columbus, OH can act promptly to request video footage, document hazardous conditions, and preserve evidence before it disappears.
  • A Stronger Liability Strategy - Property owners often deny notice or shift blame to the injured person. Legal representation helps establish what the owner should have known, how long the hazard existed, and why it should have been addressed.
  • Accurate Injury and Damage Documentation - Falls can lead to long-term pain, disability, and loss of income. A thorough legal approach documents medical treatment, wage loss, future care needs, and ongoing limitations so recovery reflects the full impact of the injury.
  • Trial-Ready Leverage When Needed - While some slip and fall claims resolve through negotiation, others require litigation when responsibility is denied. Trial-ready preparation strengthens your negotiating position and protects your ability to pursue accountability in court.
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Does My Situation Require a Slip and Fall Lawyer?

You should consider legal guidance if you were injured in a fall that required medical treatment, 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 the insurance company pressured you to accept a quick settlement. Slip and fall claims often depend on evidence that disappears quickly, including surveillance footage, maintenance records, incident reports, and witness statements. That is why speaking with slip and fall lawyerd in Columbus 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, hip, or spinal injury.

Slip & Fall Accident Claims What to Expect

Step One: Case Review and Immediate 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 so your claim is protected from the start.

Step Two: Evidence Collection and Property Investigation

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

Step Three: Claim Development and Demand

Once the injury picture is clearer, we build a demand that reflects medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term limitations. We present a claim supported by documentation and aligned with your recovery goals.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some claims resolve through negotiation. Others require litigation because 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.

While we build every case to withstand court scrutiny from the beginning, filing a lawsuit often leads to a settlement rather than a trial.

Why Slip and Fall Claims Often Get Challenged

Slip and fall cases are frequently challenged because property owners and insurers assume the fall will 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. Insurers may also rely on missing evidence, such as a lack of photos or delayed reporting, to reduce claim value.

This is why early documentation matters and why working with a legal team experienced in these cases is important. Public resources such as the Supreme Court of Ohio Law Library offer general information about how civil claims are evaluated in Ohio and why evidence plays a critical role.

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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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“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 through my personal injury case. His attention to detail and determination gave me confidence, and he worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome for my situation. I highly recommend Michael and The Stuckey Firm to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney—you’ll be in great hands!”

—A.M.

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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

What Makes Us Different

The Stuckey Firm is a client-first personal injury practice built on trust, collaboration, and attorney-driven representation. We work with you, not just for you, ensuring you understand your options and remain involved in key decisions.

Trial-Ready, Thorough Preparation

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

Proven Results and Representation

Our attorneys are respected statewide and known for bringing well-prepared, meritorious claims. That credibility matters when insurers try to undervalue injuries or pressure clients into unfair settlements. We pursue outcomes grounded in real recovery and long-term needs. You deserve a legal team that takes your injury seriously and builds your claim with purpose and care.

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
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Attorney

Paul (PJ) Jacob Ratcliffe

  • Member, West Virginia Association for Justice
  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
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Attorney

Christian W. Sorg

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

Slip & Fall Accidents 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. The strength of the case depends on evidence, documentation, and injury severity.

What if the property owner says the hazard was obvious?

Ohio premises liability law allows property owners to raise “open and obvious” defenses, but that does not automatically eliminate liability. A lawyer can evaluate whether warnings were required or whether the hazard was unavoidable.

What compensation may be available in a slip and fall case?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Recovery depends on the injury, treatment, and lasting 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 to insurers without legal guidance.

How long does a slip and fall claim take?

The timeline depends on injury severity and whether liability is disputed. Some claims resolve in months, while others take longer if litigation is necessary or medical recovery is ongoing.

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Get Answers After a Slip & Fall Accident

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident and are unsure what to do next, we are here to help. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation and get clear guidance on your options and the steps that can protect your claim.

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