Call 24/7 Give The Stuckey Firm a phone call at (304) 407-3177
Contact Us

When a Fall Creates Lasting Consequences

A slip and fall can happen in an instant, but the injuries may affect your life for months or longer. Many people suffer broken bones, head injuries, back injuries, or lasting mobility problems after a fall. Recovery may involve surgery, physical therapy, chronic pain management, and time away from work or family responsibilities.

Slip and fall claims are often challenged from the start. Property owners and insurers often argue that the injured person was at fault, claim the hazard was obvious, or deny having been aware of the dangerous condition. In reality, many falls are caused by hazards that could and should have been addressed. A slip and fall attorney in Wheeling, WV, can help document what happened, preserve evidence, and pursue accountability based on the property owner’s responsibility to maintain safe premises.

At The Stuckey Firm, we work with you, not just for you. We take the time to understand your situation, clearly explain your options, and develop a strategy aligned with your recovery and long-term needs. The legal process can feel intimidating, especially when you are already dealing with medical treatment and financial pressure. Our role is to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery and your family’s well-being.

doctor looking at someones elbow

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 conditions on another person’s property. These accidents commonly occur in grocery stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, parking lots, office buildings, event venues, or private residences. Hazards may include wet or icy walkways, uneven pavement, loose flooring, broken stairs, poor lighting, debris, or inadequate maintenance. To succeed, a claim generally must show that the property owner knew—or should have known—about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it or warn visitors. West Virginia negligence principles guide how liability is evaluated. The West Virginia Code provides the legal framework for civil liability, and resources from the West Virginia Judiciary can help explain how injury cases move through the court system.

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

  • Fast Action to Preserve Evidence. Fall scenes can change quickly, and surveillance footage is often overwritten. A slip and fall attorney can act promptly to preserve critical proof.
  • A Liability Strategy Built on Facts. Property owners often deny responsibility. Legal representation helps establish what the owner should have known and why the hazard should have been addressed.
  • Full Documentation of Injuries and Losses. Falls can lead to long-term pain, disability, and lost income. Taking a thorough approach, medical treatment, wage loss, and ongoing limitations will be documented.
  • Trial-Ready Leverage When Needed. Some claims settle through negotiation. Others require litigation when liability is disputed. Trial-ready preparation protects your options.

Does My Situation Call for a Slip and Fall Attorney?

You should consider seeking legal guidance if your fall required medical treatment, caused missed work, or resulted in ongoing symptoms. Help may also be important if the hazard was not documented, the property owner denied responsibility, or the insurance company pressured you to settle quickly.

Slip and fall claims often depend on evidence that can disappear quickly, including surveillance video, maintenance records, and witness statements. Speaking with a slip and fall lawyer early can make a meaningful difference, even if you are unsure whether the hazard seemed “serious enough.” Falls can cause catastrophic injuries, especially when head, spinal, or orthopedic injuries are involved.

logomark Contact us media

Talk with a local attorney today.

Available 24/7 (304) 407-3177

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
View All Case Results

The Slip and Fall Claim Process 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 guidance on medical documentation, evidence preservation, and insurance communication to protect your claim from the start.

Step Two: Evidence Collection and Property Investigation

Our team gathers incident reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, and proof of lost income. We also seek surveillance footage, maintenance logs, cleaning schedules, and evidence of prior complaints or recurring hazards.

Step Three: Claim Development and Demand

Once your injuries are better understood, we build a demand that reflects medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impact. The claim is supported by documentation and aligned with your recovery goals.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some slip and fall claims resolve through negotiation. Others require litigation when property owners dispute liability or minimize the severity of injuries. We prepare each case with trial readiness in mind, ensuring your options remain protected.

We prepare every case with a court-ready approach because that is how real accountability is built. But many lawsuits still settle without trial.

Background media

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.

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

Founder

Nathan J. Stuckey

  • Immediate Past President of Ohio Association for Justice
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
Read Nathan's Bio

Partner

Sydney S. McLafferty

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

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

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
Read James's Bio

Of Counsel

Christian R. Patno

  • Of Counsel
  • President, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Read Christian's Bio

Why Slip and Fall Claims Are Often Disputed

Slip and fall cases are frequently challenged because property owners assume falls will be blamed on the injured person. Insurers may argue that the hazard was obvious, claim there was no opportunity to rectify it, or suggest that the injury pre-existed. Missing evidence is often used to weaken claims. That is why early documentation matters. Understanding how civil claims proceed can also be helpful; public information from the West Virginia Judiciary provides clear and accessible explanations of the legal process.

Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

How We’re 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, so you stay informed and involved in key decisions.

Trial-Ready, Thorough Preparation

Slip and fall claims require prompt investigation and careful documentation. We build cases with credible evidence and trial readiness, especially when property owners deny responsibility.

Proven Advocacy You Can Rely On

Our attorneys are respected across West Virginia and Ohio for bringing well-prepared, meritorious claims. Credibility is crucial when insurers attempt to undervalue injuries or pursue unfair settlements.

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. Evidence and injury severity are critical factors.

What if the property owner claims the hazard was obvious?

West Virginia law allows these arguments, but they do not automatically defeat a claim. Liability depends on the circumstances and whether the hazard was reasonably preventable.

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, depending on the nature and severity of the injury, as well as its long-term impact.

What should I do after a slip and fall accident?

Seek medical care, report the incident, and document the scene if possible. Avoid recorded statements to insurers before receiving legal guidance.

How long does a slip and fall claim take to resolve?

Timelines vary depending on the severity of the injury and the outcome of liability disputes. Some claims are resolved within months, while others may take longer if litigation is required.

Attorney Media

Get Answers After a Slip and 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 with a slip and fall attorney in Wheeling, WV, and get clear guidance on your options and the steps that protect your claim.

Talk With a Local Attorney Get a Free Case Review

If you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options

Call Us 24/7: (304) 407-3177
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit Information

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy (opens in a new tab) and Terms of Service (opens in a new tab) apply.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (304) 407-3177.
Contact Us