Slip & Falls Information Center

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Frequently Asked Questions about Slip and Fall Accidents

Q: What is a "licensee?"

A: Under common law principles, a licensee is a person who enters the premises with the landowner's express or implied permission for his or her own purposes rather than for the landowner's benefit. An example of a licensee is a social guest. An owner or occupier of land has a duty to warn a licensee of a dangerous condition that creates an unreasonable risk of harm if it is known to the owner or occupier and not likely to be discovered by the licensee.

Q. I was invited to a neighbor's house for a party and was injured while I was there. Can I recover for my injuries?

A: Under common law principles, a property owner's duty to an entrant depends on the entrant's legal status as an invitee, licensee or trespasser. A social guest, such as a person invited to a party, is considered a licensee. In this example, the neighbor had a duty to warn you of a dangerous condition that creates an unreasonable risk of harm if it is known to the neighbor and not likely to be discovered by you, the guest. Thus, if you were injured on a hidden condition, such as a loose floorboard that the neighbor knew about, but did not warn you about, you may be able to recover for your injuries. The neighbor does not have a duty to inspect for defects nor to fix known defects.

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Duties to Entrants Owed By Landowners and Occupiers

Under common law principles, which are still followed by many states today, property owners and occupiers owe different duties or have special responsibilities depending on how the people entering their property are classified. Entrants to land are classified as invitees, licensees and trespassers. Because how you are classified dictates what duty the landowner owed to you, your classification may ultimately affect your ability to recover for your injuries. An attorney with experience handling slip and fall cases can explain the classifications to you and how they affect your potential case.

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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accident are extremely common and can happen in a variety of locations, including grocery stores, restaurants, office buildings and shopping malls or outdoors in parking lots or on sidewalks. While slipping and falling in a public place can be embarrassing, it can also be quite painful, resulting in serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney.

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Slip and Fall Accidents Involving Snow or Ice

Icy and snowy conditions are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. Slick surfaces on sidewalks, outdoor steps and parking lots can be hazardous for pedestrians, especially if the hazardous condition is not obvious, as is the case with black ice. If you or a loved one was injured after slipping and falling on an icy sidewalk, an experienced personal injury attorney can explain your legal options.

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Liability of Retail Stores and Other Businesses

Retail stores and other businesses typically attract a large number of people who enter onto their premises to browse and shop or conduct other business. A large number of customers and other commercial traffic enter stores, offices and businesses every day, and slip and fall accidents are common in these venues. If you were injured after slipping or tripping and falling in a retail store or other business, the storeowner or business operator may be liable for your injuries. Contact a personal injury attorney for an analysis of your claim.

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