Rhode Island Slip & Fall Lawyer

First, seek medical attention right away. Second, if you can, take photos of the hazard and the accident scene before the condition is fixed. Third, get the names and contact information for any witnesses. Finally, report the incident to the property owner or manager, but provide minimal detail and do not admit fault.

Yes. Rhode Island uses the rule of pure comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault for the fall (e.g., 20% responsible), you can still recover the remaining portion of your damages (80%). We fight aggressively to minimize any percentage of fault placed on you.

In most cases, no. Your claim is paid by the insurance policy covering the property, such as the owner’s commercial liability policy or a homeowner’s policy. Our job is to negotiate and secure maximum compensation from the insurance company.

This is the heart of a premises liability case. We prove “constructive knowledge” by showing one of two things: 1) The hazard existed for a long enough time that a reasonable owner performing routine inspections would have noticed it, or 2) The owner created the hazard themselves (e.g., a maintenance crew mopped without putting up a sign).

The defense will use factors like footwear or distraction to argue for comparative negligence. While these factors might reduce your final award, they rarely prevent you from recovering some compensation under Rhode Island law. We will argue that the primary cause of the fall was the owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment.

A slip occurs on a smooth or slick surface (like wet tiles, oil, or ice). A trip occurs when your foot catches on an object or irregularity (like uneven pavement, a loose cable, or a torn carpet). Both are covered under premises liability law.

Simple claims against private businesses may settle in a few months. However, complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputes over the owner’s knowledge, or claims against a municipality can take 18 to 30 months to resolve, especially if litigation and expert testimony are required.

Any injury resulting from the fall qualifies, but common severe injuries we handle include: broken hips, ankle fractures, knee injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, concussions, and severe head trauma (especially from hitting one’s head on the ground).