Understanding Your Rights, Options, and What to Do Next
Slip and fall accidents happen in a matter of seconds — but the effects can last a lifetime. From medical bills to lost wages and serious injury, a fall caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property can be life-changing.
At
Steele Ritchie LLC, we’ve represented injured clients throughout
Mobile, Alabama, helping them navigate complex premises liability laws and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Here’s a comprehensive Q&A guide covering the most common questions we get about slip and fall accidents in Alabama.
Q: What qualifies as a slip and fall case in Alabama?
A slip and fall case — also known as a premises liability claim — arises when a person is injured due to a dangerous or hazardous condition on someone else’s property.
This could include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven pavement or cracked sidewalks
- Poor lighting in stairwells
- Loose rugs or flooring
- Failure to clean up spills or debris
To have a valid case, you must prove that the
property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn about it.
Q: Who is responsible if I fall on someone else’s property?
Property owners (including store managers, landlords, and homeowners) have a legal duty to
maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. If they
fail to fix a known hazard or don’t provide adequate warning, they may be held responsible for your injuries.
However, Alabama law also considers:
- Your
reason for being on the property (customer, guest, trespasser, etc.)
- Whether you were
aware of the hazard
- If your own actions contributed to the accident
Every case is fact-specific, which is why it’s important to consult an experienced slip and fall attorney.
Q: What should I do immediately after a slip and fall?
Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Document the scene:
- Take photos of the area where you fell
- Get names/contact info of any witnesses
- Report the incident to the property owner or store manager
- Do not sign anything from the business or insurance company without legal advice
- Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible
These steps can protect your health and your right to compensation.
Q: How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Alabama?
In Alabama, the
statute of limitations for personal injury claims — including slip and fall cases — is generally
2 years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file a claim within that time, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
It’s also important to act quickly because:
- Evidence can disappear
- Witness memories fade
- Surveillance footage may be erased
Talking to an attorney early gives you the best chance at a strong case.
Q: What kinds of compensation can I receive?
If your slip and fall injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In rare cases involving egregious misconduct,
punitive damages may also be awarded.
At Steele Ritchie LLC, we work to build a case that accounts for the full scope of your damages — not just the immediate bills.
Q: What if I was partly at fault for my fall?
Alabama follows a
“contributory negligence” rule. This means that
if you are found to be even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Because of this strict standard, property owners and insurers often try to shift blame to the injured person. That’s why it’s critical to work with a law firm experienced in defending against these tactics — like our team at Steele Ritchie.
We carefully investigate the scene, gather witness statements, and consult experts to build a solid liability case.
Q: Can I sue a business for a slip and fall injury?
Yes. Businesses are
legally responsible for maintaining safe premises for customers and employees. If they fail to clean up spills, fix uneven flooring, or address other hazards, they can be held liable.
We’ve represented clients injured in:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants and cafes
- Shopping malls
- Office buildings
- Parking lots
If your injury occurred at a business and they were negligent, you may have a valid claim.
Q: Are landlords liable for tenant slip and fall injuries?
In some cases, yes. Landlords have a duty to maintain
common areas like hallways, staircases, and parking lots. If a known hazard causes injury and the landlord failed to address it, they may be liable.
However, tenants may be responsible for hazards
inside their own rented unit. The situation can be complex, and determining liability often depends on lease terms and maintenance responsibilities.
Our firm can help evaluate your case and determine who is responsible under Alabama law.
Q: What if the fall results in a serious injury or death?
Slip and fall accidents can lead to life-altering injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken hips or fractures
- Internal bleeding
- In some cases,
wrongful death
These incidents are especially devastating for elderly victims, who are more susceptible to long-term harm. If a loved one suffers severe injury or dies due to a fall, you may be eligible to file a
wrongful death claim.
We provide compassionate representation for families facing this tragic outcome.
Q: How can Steele Ritchie LLC help me?
We bring decades of experience to every personal injury case we handle.
When you work with our firm, we’ll:
- Investigate the cause of your fall
- Preserve critical evidence and testimony
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Fight to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries
We don’t get paid unless you do. That’s our commitment to you.
Fallen Because of Negligence? Let’s Talk.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to take action.
Contact Steele Ritchie LLC in Mobile, Alabama for a free consultation and let us guide you through the next steps.
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Your recovery is our priority — and we’re ready to help.
Call us today!
