Ohio Slip and Fall Lawyer
With decades of combined experience, Gervelis Law Firm stands among Ohio’s most trusted names in personal injury representation. Our record of success in complex liability claims, backed by compassion and consistent results, has earned our firm recognition as a leader in protecting the rights of those who have been injured.
Legally Reviewed by:
Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.
Last Updated:
- November 25, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is a Slip and Fall?
- Common Hazards & Accident Scenarios
- What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall in Ohio?
- How to Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Accident
- What Compensation Can I Recover in a Slip and Fall Accident?
- Gervelis Law Firm: Trusted Ohio Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
- Slip and Fall Accident FAQs
Slip and fall accidents happen instantly. One misplaced step on a wet floor or icy walkway can result in life-changing injuries, substantial medical bills, and weeks or months of lost income. From Columbus to Akron to Youngstown, these accidents disrupt lives and families.
At Gervelis Law Firm, clients find clarity and strength during uncertain times. Our practice areas include personal injury and premises liability, serving individuals who were hurt on someone else’s property and need answers about what comes next. Whether the accident occurred at a grocery store or apartment complex, the firm investigates every detail to determine how negligence occurred—and how to make it right.
What Is a Slip and Fall?
A slip and fall, often referred to as a trip and fall, occurs when hazardous property conditions cause a person to lose their balance and fall. These incidents can happen anywhere, including retail stores, hotels, restaurants, gyms, sidewalks, apartment buildings, and parking lots.
Under Ohio premises liability law, property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe environments for guests and customers. Failing to do so may make them responsible for resulting injuries. Still, the accident victims must prove that the property owner’s negligence—not simply the fall itself—caused the harm.
In other words, a fall alone does not automatically equal liability. You must prove there was a hazardous condition that the owner knew or should have known about and failed to take reasonable steps to correct or warn of the danger. The experienced attorneys at Gervelis Law Firm understand these nuances and can build strong cases supported by the evidence.
Common Hazards & Accident Scenarios
Slip and fall accidents can result from numerous hazards in both public and private spaces. Across Ohio, these incidents frequently occur in environments where safety maintenance lapses or quick cleanup is neglected.
Common causes include the following:
- Wet or slippery floors from spills, leaks, or freshly mopped surfaces without warning signs
- Uneven flooring caused by loose tiles, torn carpeting, or raised thresholds that catch a person’s foot
- Poor lighting that hides obstacles or damaged steps
- Broken or missing handrails along staircases
- Outdoor hazards such as potholes, cracked sidewalks, or snow and ice that were not cleared properly
- Parking lot dangers, including melted or refrozen ice patches that blend into the asphalt
Imagine a shopper slipping in a grocery store aisle due to an unattended spill, or a tenant falling on a poorly maintained staircase inside an apartment complex. Both scenarios demonstrate negligence—conditions that should have been corrected or clearly marked for safety.
Gervelis Law Firm’s attorneys understand how to investigate all types of accidents, whether they occur at a retail location, a local gym, or a city-owned building. They know how to uncover evidence, obtain surveillance footage, and document the chain of responsibility to ensure fair compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10, individuals injured in a slip and fall have two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit. This window ensures that claims proceed while evidence remains fresh and eyewitness memories are still reliable.
By contacting a lawyer soon after the incident, you give your legal team time to collect proof, such as video footage, maintenance logs, or weather reports, before it’s lost. Involving the attorneys at Gervelis Law Firm as early as possible is important to preserve key evidence and protect your rights under Ohio law.
How to Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Accident
Every slip and fall claim centers on negligence—whether a property owner or occupier failed to exercise reasonable care. To establish liability, you must prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care: Property owners, business operators, and landlords owe visitors a duty to maintain safe premises. The degree of care depends on the visitor’s role: invitees, such as shoppers or tenants, receive the highest level of protection, while trespassers receive limited protection.
- Breach of Duty: A breach occurs when the owner fails to act responsibly, such as neglecting to repair a broken step, clean up a spill, or post warnings about a known hazard.
- Causation: The dangerous condition must be directly linked to the injury. Attorneys use photos, witness statements, inspection records, and expert testimony to demonstrate this connection.
- Damages: The injured person must have suffered measurable harm, such as medical costs, lost income, or lasting pain.
At the Gervelis Law Firm, our attorneys understand that details matter—from the slope of a walkway to the timing of a cleanup request. They also know that proving negligence requires more than telling a story. It requires evidence, strategy, and persistence.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of their injuries. Compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: For those unable to work due to the injuries
- Pain and suffering: Resulting from the physical effects of the injuries
- Emotional and psychological trauma: Emotional impacts on daily life or relationships
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: Resulting from severe injuries
- Loss of consortium: Reflects how the injury affects family relationships
- Out-of-pocket costs: Including travel for treatment, assistive devices, or home modifications
- Property damage: Damage to personal belongings caused by the fall
- Punitive damages: Awarded in rare cases where gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety is proven
Ohio’s comparative negligence law applies when fault is shared. If a person is found partially responsible for the fall, their compensation is reduced by their share of fault. For example, if they were 10% at fault, their award would be reduced by 10%. However, recovery is still possible as long as they are not more than 50% responsible.
Gervelis Law Firm can calculate the damages, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and build a case based on evidence that reflects the true impact of their injuries.
Our firm also helps families seek justice for loved ones’ deaths through wrongful death claims. These cases honor the lives lost by preventable means and ensure accountability.
Gervelis Law Firm: Trusted Ohio Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
With offices throughout the state, including Columbus, Akron, Youngstown, Toledo, Canfield, and Warren, Gervelis Law Firm provides local representation backed by statewide experience.
Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case, examining evidence, consulting experts, and negotiating directly with insurers to secure fair settlements. When necessary, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring readiness from day one.
Every client receives ongoing communication, case updates, and straightforward explanations at each step. Our firm’s testimonials and case results highlight real stories of justice obtained across Ohio. Additionally, our clients never pay fees upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
For the team at Gervelis, personal injury law is a commitment to helping people rebuild after hardship. Our attorneys, including Mark S. Gervelis, David Michael Tschantz, and Stephanie M. Mehle, represent clients with dedication, integrity, and a proven track record of results.
Slip and fall accidents can leave lasting effects, but with the right legal guidance, recovery is possible. Contact Gervelis Law Firm today or call 866-792-2728 for a free consultation.
Slip and Fall Accident FAQs
What if My Fall Happened at Work?
Falls at work may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits rather than a traditional personal injury claim. In Ohio, workers’ compensation covers medical care and lost wages but doesn’t require proof of fault. A lawyer can help determine whether you should pursue a separate premises liability claim if a third party caused or contributed to the hazard.
Can I Sue the City or County if I Fell on Public Property?
Yes, under certain conditions. Government entities in Ohio may be liable for negligence on public property, but these cases have unique filing rules and shorter notice periods. Contacting an attorney early ensures compliance with the state’s procedural requirements.
How Long Do Slip and Fall Cases Take in Ohio?
Case timelines depend on the complexity of proving default under Ohio law, the extent of the injuries, and the progress of negotiations with insurers. Some cases are resolved within a few months, while others may take a year or longer if litigation becomes necessary. A skilled Ohio slip and fall lawyer can ensure that every detail is handled efficiently and effectively.
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From our main office in Canfield and offices conveniently located throughout the state, we are uniquely positioned to provide aggressive, experienced and effective legal representation for individuals and families throughout all of Ohio. Find out how an experienced car accident lawyer can help you with your case. Contact our law firm today.
