Rhode Island Slip-and-Fall Injury Lawyer

The Rhode Island slip-and-fall lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush have fought for years for our clients’ rights to be compensated for slip-and-fall injuries suffered in everyday settings like supermarkets, hotels and nightclubs.

PRIVATE PREMISES

Private homeowners and landlords have a responsibility to prevent guests or other people from slipping and falling on their premises. If they don’t, conditions like these can cause slip-and-fall accidents and injuries on their property:

  • Slippery surfaces around swimming pools or decks
  • Pool drownings
  • Unmarked or uneven steps or stairs
  • Smoke or burn injuries from BBQ or outdoor fire pit
  • Structural collapse of home, deck, driveway, shed, etc.
  • Dangerous, uneven surfaces like cracked driveways, patios or entrances
  • Insufficient lighting
  • Slippery areas in the house from floods or liquid spills
  • Unsafe children’s play areas or equipment
  • Improperly cared for sports areas, sports courts or workout equipment

Common Slip And Fall Injuries​

What kinds of injuries do slip-and-fall victims suffer? This depends on the surface they fell on and what part of their body struck that surface or object, as well as a slew of other factors. Below are some of the injuries our Rhode Island slip-and-fall accident lawyers have seen.

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken or fractured bones, noses
  • Head injuries, from mild to serious
  • Major joint damage to knees, shoulders, ankles, and hips
  • Severe burns, scarring
  • Eye or vision damage
  • Jaw and teeth injuries

Slip-And-Fall Lawsuits Based On Premises Liability​

If you have been injured on someone else’s property in Rhode Island, you may be able to bring a premises liability claim. These claims are essentially personal injury claims against negligent property owners.

Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability claims in our state. The owners of property where someone suffered another type of injury, such as drowning or burns, can also face accountability under this law.

The basis for this type of claim is that owners of property, such as retail establishments, business offices, restaurants, government entities, landlords, hotels and homeowners, have a legal duty to keep their property free of hazards that might harm people. Property owners generally can be held liable if they knew or reasonably could have been expected to know about the hazardous condition and failed to take appropriate action.

When you bring a claim for compensation in a premises liability case, your Rhode Island slip-and-fall accident lawyer must prove certain things to establish negligence on the part of the property owner, specifically that they breached their duty to you.

a group of people talking

Who Can’t File A Premises Liability Claim?

Be aware that there are some situations where an injured party cannot bring a premises liability action. For example, someone who was not a customer, resident, client or an invited guest, or was deemed to have been on the property illegally, is not qualified to bring a claim.

There are thorny issues around the ability of trespassers to file a claim for injuries against a property owner. One way a trespasser can file a claim is if the property owner knew that the person was trespassing and allowed it to occur.

There’s also a special exception to the ban on trespassers filing a claim for a child’s injuries. Property owners may still be held liable under premises liability law if trespassing children were lured onto the property and injured from an “attractive nuisance.” Children may be attracted to risky things on someone’s property, such as an unfenced swimming pool or an abandoned, old refrigerator with a door. Rhode Island law does not give property owners a pass if they failed to take steps to prevent children from accessing these hazards and a child was injured.

Even if you think you might have been trespassing while you were injured, it’s important that you talk to a Rhode Island slip-and-fall lawyer. The law here is complicated, and our lawyers may find that you have a legitimate case.

a lawyer writing in a notebook

Common Slip-And-Fall Defenses​

If you have been injured on someone else’s property in Rhode Island, you may be able to bring a premises liability claim. These claims are essentially personal injury claims against negligent property owners.

Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability claims in our state. The owners of property where someone suffered another type of injury, such as drowning or burns, can also face accountability under this law.

The basis for this type of claim is that owners of property, such as retail establishments, business offices, restaurants, government entities, landlords, hotels and homeowners, have a legal duty to keep their property free of hazards that might harm people. Property owners generally can be held liable if they knew or reasonably could have been expected to know about the hazardous condition and failed to take appropriate action.

When you bring a claim for compensation in a premises liability case, your Rhode Island slip-and-fall accident lawyer must prove certain things to establish negligence on the part of the property owner, specifically that they breached their duty to you.

Wrongful Death Slip-And-Fall Lawsuits​

Sadly, government data reveals that a leading cause of death and the leading cause of death from injuries in adults 65 and older is unintentional falls. A fractured hip from a slip-and-fall may not sound life-threatening, but for an older person, it can start them on a path to death.

The mortality rates from hip fractures are frightening: 21 percent of patients who have a hip fracture surgically repaired die within one year. For those not addressing the injury with surgery, the one-year mortality rate jumps to about 70 percent.

Of course, young people can also suffer slip-and-fall injuries that tragically result in death. 

If you have lost a family member from injuries related to a slip-and-fall accident, you may be able to seek compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. In these cases, family members can receive damages that include medical costs, lost future earnings, pain and suffering and even funeral expenses.

Time Limits On Filing Claims When You’re Injured On Someone’s Property​

If you or a family member suffered an injury while on someone else’s property, it’s important to contact a Rhode Island slip-and-fall attorney right away. The Rhode Island state of limitations for civil cases bans personal injury lawsuits after three years. Our lawyers can help you determine the start date — typically the date of the accident — so you are prepared to file within this three-year period.

How A Lawyer Can Help If You’ve Suffered A Slip-And-Fall Injury​

Lawyers who represent clients in slip-and-fall accidents can help you determine whether you have a case and the best course of action for obtaining compensation. They will review medical records, property ownership documents and insurance coverages to assess how to proceed with your case. 

The lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush go beyond this. We care about our clients and support them with compassion. Engaging in a lawsuit while recovering from a slip-and-fall injury or the tragic loss of a loved one can be upsetting and even traumatizing. It’s our job to support you emotionally as we fight for you and your family. 

We are proud to have represented many Rhode Islanders and secured favorable results in premises liability and slip-and-fall cases, including a woman who recovered $375,000 after a slip and fall in a supermarket.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Rhode Island slip-and-fall injury lawyer.

Related Content

a woman holding her neck after an accident

Marasco & Nesselbush Rhode Island

a car driving on a road in rhode island

Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer

Rhode Island Wrongful Death Lawyer

Client Reviews

Kimberly M.
Kimberly M.
Read More
They work very hard on your behalf and will always return emails and phone calls. More than that, they will regularly reach out to give you updates on your case or to check in and see how you are doing. On a scale of 1 - 10: if I could give you 10+ I would! They have been wonderful!!
Amanda C.
Amanda C.
Read More
I’ve felt comfortable and have built trust with them. They work hard and it shows. I am super thankful to have worked with them.
Tev I.
Tev I.
Read More
Not many were willing to take this unique case on, but M&N and my attorney has earned my respect and gratitude for their efforts. Thank you, again!
Teague J.
Teague J.
Read More
Marasco & Nesselbush has the best team in their industry! I was treated professionally from the beginning to end. There was no question or concern that was not meet with a timely and satisfying answer. Even when I had small needs outside of my case. I HIGHLY recommend this team of professionals. Their values and determination can not be beat!
Ann B.
Ann B.
Read More
Everyone at Marasco & Nesselbush has provided me with superb attention and support throughout my case and time with them. I was so grateful for their professionalism and care. Thanks and much appreciation!
Kitty
Kitty
Read More
When an accident happens, it's hard enough to get through that, then trying to find a great lawyer to help is even harder, but y'all made the whole process easy, and provided comfort and understanding. You also provided ease and determination with no back down attitudes. I will definately be recommending and will always be appreciative for the care you showed my son and my self! Thank you!
Chris A.
Chris A.
Read More
Ryan and his team were very polite and knowledgeable. Most importantly they were extremely responsive whenever I had questions or concerns through out the entire process. Certainly would recommend to a family member or friend.
Previous
Next

WERE YOU IN AN ACCIDENT IN RHODE ISLAND??

Fill out the form below to reach out to our team to start the process of scheduling a free case evaluation.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Schedule your free case review - Modal

Are you an existing client?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.