If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Oklahoma and it was caused by somebody else’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit and recover damages. Many people are reluctant to pursue legal action for slip-and-fall accidents because they feel embarrassed or assume it was their fault. However, holding a party accountable for not maintaining their property encourages property owners to maintain safe premises and prevents future injuries.

Although slip-and-fall accidents are common, pursuing recovery of your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages requires the help of experienced personal injury attorneys. The attorneys at Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle specialize in handling cases caused by a slip or trip and fall.

Oklahoma Premises Liability

Under Oklahoma law, property owners are required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. To be liable, the property owner must (i) cause the dangerous condition by their negligence, (ii) be aware that the condition was a problem and disregarded it, and (iii) been aware that the condition cause potentially dangerous outcomes (such as your injury). Many property owners argue that they were unaware of the dangerous condition and could not have discovered it in time to prevent your injury. Work with an experienced slip-and-fall attorney to prepare for this type of defense and prove the property owner’s liability.

What are the Top Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents?

There are a wide variety of negligent behaviors that can result in a slip or trip accident, but here are a few of the top causes:
1. Wet surfaces
2. Uneven, broken, or warped surfaces
3. Unmarked hazards
4. Debris on the ground or cluttered surfaces
5. Weather conditions (icy sidewalks)
6. Poor visibility or inadequate lighting
7. Lack of or insufficient handrails
While these hazards might seem obvious and easily preventable, proving negligence by the property owner can be complex.

How do You Establish Negligence by a Property Owner?

Your personal injury attorney will establish that the owner of the property breached their “duty of care” by allowing the hazardous condition to exist. Additionally, the hazardous condition must have been the cause of your injuries. If possible, the victim of a slip-and-fall injury should take photos of the area where the accident occurred, including the hazardous condition. You should file an accident report and obtain the contact information for any witnesses to your accident. It is also helpful if you keep the clothing and the footwear you were wearing at the time the accident occurred.

Who May Be Liable for My Accident?

Determining who is liable for your slip-and-fall accident is critical. Your attorney will investigate all potentially liable parties, which may include:
• Property Owner: Oklahoma property owners owe a duty of care to all guests, employees, and visitors. If your injuries are caused by the breach of this duty of care, the owner of the property may be held responsible for your damages.
• Maintenance Company: If the negligence of a third-party company contracted to maintain or clean the premises created the hazardous condition, they can be liable for your injuries.
• Product Manufacturers: Defective flooring, faulty handrails, or other substandard manufactured materials can cause injuries and result in liability.
• Contractors/Subcontractors: A company hired to renovate, expand, or repair the premises can cause unsafe conditions, which result in liability if they cause an injury.
These are just a few examples of parties potentially liable for a slip-and-fall injury.

Contact Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys

At Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle Law Firm, our OKC personal injury lawyers work individually with each of our clients to address specific needs that each client has in their respective case. Issues like recovery, medical bills, and loss of wages are addressed in each individual case. Helping our clients with these issues and others is what eliminates the stress for our clients and helps them return to their everyday lives. Our firm’s focus is to make sure that all our clients’ needs are met and that each of our clients is adequately compensated for their loss, pain, and suffering. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.