Who Should I Sue If I Slip & Fall on Public Property?

A simple walk can turn disastrous in an instant. A fall or slip incident occurring on another person’s property can result in severe injuries, mounting medical bills and a lengthy, challenging recovery. The immediate aftermath is often confusing, and you may be left wondering who is responsible for your suffering. If you’ve been injured on public property, the entity that owns or controls the property may be held accountable. At the Law Offices of Shane O’Donnell, we help clients understand what parties could be liable for their slip and fall accident. These can include:

• Property Owners: The government entity or owner responsible for maintaining the premises.
• Contractors: Third-party companies hired for maintenance or repairs.
• Manufacturers: Companies that produced defective flooring, cleaning products or equipment.

Our attorneys offer further insight into what this means for your case.

How Does Premises Liability Work in Indiana?

In Indiana, slip and fall cases are governed by premises liability law. This legal principle requires property owners and occupiers to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors. If they don’t address a hazardous condition they knew about—or should have known about—they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. Proving negligence is key to a successful claim, and it requires a clear understanding of the legal duties owed to you.

What Parties Can Be Liable For a Slip and Fall Accident?

Determining who is at fault is one of the most critical steps in a personal injury case. The responsible party isn’t always obvious, and sometimes multiple parties can share liability.

Property Owners

The government entity (city, county or state) or other party that owns the land is often the primary defendant. They have a duty to keep their property free of hazards like uneven pavement, icy sidewalks, poor lighting or wet floors.

Contractors and Maintenance Companies

Public properties often hire external companies for services like cleaning, landscaping or snow removal. If a contractor’s negligence creates a dangerous condition, such as failing to clear ice or leaving a floor dangerously wet without a warning sign, they can be held responsible for your injuries.

Manufacturers

In some cases, the fault may lie with the manufacturer of a product used on the property. If defective flooring material, a faulty handrail or a slippery cleaning product directly caused your fall, the manufacturer could be found liable under product liability law.

How to Establish Liability for Your Injuries

To secure compensation, you and your legal team must prove four key elements to establish the defendant’s liability:

• Duty of Care: You must show that the responsible party owed you a legal duty to maintain a safe environment.
• Breach of Duty: It must be proven that the party breached this duty through a negligent act or failure to act. For example, they failed to repair a known hazard or warn visitors about it.
• Causation: There must be a direct link between the party’s breach of duty and the injuries you sustained.
• Damages: You’ll need to demonstrate that you suffered actual harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, as a result of the fall.

Seek the Compensation You Deserve

A slip and fall accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. Identifying the responsible party and proving negligence requires careful investigation and a deep understanding of Indiana law. You don’t have to face this challenge alone. By obtaining the right legal counsel, you can take the necessary steps to hold the liable parties accountable.

If you have been injured on public property, contact the Law Offices of Shane O’Donnell today. We are committed to providing the unwavering legal support you need to pursue the results that will protect your future.