Tempe Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer

Slips and falls can be dangerous, and depending on the situation, you might be entitled to compensation. Building owners and managers must maintain a safe environment, and there can be obvious hazards that they neglect, which can make them liable for any damages suffered. Contact our SL Chapman Trial Lawyers today to see if you’re eligible for compensation. Our Tempe, AZ slip and fall accident lawyer is here to help!

Tempe, AZ Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer

When people mention slip and fall accidents, the common image that comes to mind is someone slipping on the wet floor of a grocery store. This is just one example, and there can be many slip-and-fall causes. They’re not just limited to businesses either. For example, apartment building owners have a responsibility to make sure their premises don’t have issues like wobbly railings or slippery stairs. Debris and insufficient lighting can also cause slips and falls, and if there’s evidence that the property owner is responsible, then their insurance company may have to pay.

Proving liability isn’t always straightforward, and insurance companies may try to argue that a victim was partly or completely responsible for the accident. Insurance adjusters are often trained to deny claims or to offer the lowest amount possible. Even when a dollar figure sounds good at first, there’s a good chance that it won’t cover both your temporary and long-term needs.

Our law firm believes in helping victims and their families obtain the maximum compensation. When a nasty slip and fall leaves you with several broken bones, the responsible party should be the one to pay your medical bills and make up for any lost wages. We know how to negotiate and gather the right evidence to strengthen your case.

Experience Matters In Slip And Fall Accidents

Most legal cases have challenges that require a level of experience and action. Our Tempe slip and fall accident lawyers give clients peace of mind because they have the tools and knowledge to make things happen.

• Our managing lawyer, Robert W. Schmieder, is able to handle complex legal matters, including catastrophic injuries. Some slips and falls go beyond issues like broken bones. Permanent spinal damage and traumatic brain injuries are prime examples. These cases often require extra time and effort, but Robert has helped victims recover millions in damages.
• We’re proud to have numerous positive 5-star reviews from clients. Our clients appreciate how we provide a tailored approach to every case. Our clients also appreciate how easy we make the communication process.
• Many of our attorneys have practiced law outside of Arizona, including in states like Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and West Virginia. We understand that the law can vary depending on the location, and we’re able to adjust strategies accordingly.

Property owners need to make sure that their premises are safe. If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries due to a property owner’s negligence, contact SL Chapman Trial Lawyers and ask to speak with our Tempe slip and fall accident lawyer!

Types Of Slip And Fall Cases We Handle

Slip and fall accidents happen in many different settings, and they often leave people facing medical bills, lost income, and ongoing challenges. At our firm, we regularly handle a wide range of slip and fall cases, each involving different conditions and circumstances. By addressing the common scenarios, we can help people see where liability may exist and what options may be available for recovery. Contact us today to speak with a Tempe slip and fall lawyer and to get your case started.

Falls In Retail Stores And Supermarkets

Accidents frequently occur in stores where spills, loose mats, or poorly maintained flooring create unsafe conditions. These cases often involve collecting records, such as maintenance logs or security footage, to show how long the hazard was present and whether staff failed to take proper action. In some cases, store policies or employee statements also reveal whether safety procedures were being followed at the time of the accident.

Accidents In Restaurants And Bars

Crowded dining areas, wet restroom floors, or spilled food can all cause a serious fall. We often see incidents where staff knew about a hazard but failed to clean it up in time, or where lighting and design of the space increased the risk of someone getting hurt. Injuries in these settings can disrupt a person’s ability to work or enjoy daily life, which makes pursuing compensation even more important.

Falls In Apartment Complexes And Rental Properties

Tenants and visitors can suffer injuries in common areas like stairwells, parking lots, or hallways if property owners do not keep the space safe. Cases like these may involve proving that the landlord or property manager did not properly inspect or repair the area, which contributed to the fall. Broken handrails, cracked pavement, and poor lighting are examples of conditions that often lead to injury claims.

Workplace Slip And Fall Accidents

Even though many workplace injuries fall under workers’ compensation, some situations also involve third-party liability. For example, if a contractor left an unsafe condition on a jobsite that caused a fall, we may be able to pursue claims outside of workers’ compensation benefits. These cases often require reviewing contracts, maintenance agreements, and other documents to establish who was responsible for site safety. Your Tempe slip and fall lawyer can assist with proving this type of reasoning.

Outdoor Slip And Fall Incidents

Sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways can become dangerous when not properly maintained. Uneven pavement, poor lighting, or water accumulation are all factors we often see in these cases. Outdoor conditions frequently raise questions about which party—property owner, maintenance company, or municipality—was responsible for upkeep. Identifying the correct party is essential to moving forward with a strong claim.

Slip and fall accidents may sound simple, but they often result in serious injuries that affect daily life. Each type of case comes with its own challenges, and pursuing a claim requires attention to the details that establish liability. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in one of these situations, working with a Tempe slip and fall lawyer can make a meaningful difference. At SL Chapman Trial Lawyers, we focus on building strong cases and guiding clients toward the recovery they deserve. Reach out to us today to discuss your situation and learn how we may be able to help.

Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents happen every day and often lead to injuries that affect our ability to work or live comfortably. These incidents can occur almost anywhere — at a store, workplace, or someone’s property. While every situation is different, several common causes appear frequently in claims handled by a Tempe slip and fall lawyer.

1. Wet Or Slippery Floors

Wet floors are one of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents. Spills, mopping, and rainwater tracked inside can make surfaces unsafe. When property owners fail to post warning signs or clean up promptly, people are more likely to get hurt. Businesses and landlords have a duty to keep public areas safe from avoidable hazards.

2. Uneven Or Broken Flooring

Uneven flooring, loose tiles, or damaged carpets create tripping risks. These hazards are especially dangerous in dimly lit areas or when flooring transitions between materials. Failing to repair worn flooring or cover damaged areas can make a property owner liable for injuries caused by preventable falls.

3. Poor Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for spotting obstacles, stairs, and elevation changes. Dimly lit hallways, stairwells, or parking lots increase the chance of tripping or misstepping. Lighting problems are often overlooked but play a major role in many premises liability cases handled by a Tempe slip and fall lawyer.

4. Clutter And Obstacles In Walkways

Boxes, cords, tools, and other items left in walkways can lead to serious accidents. Property owners and businesses must maintain clear, hazard-free paths in common areas. Even a small object on the floor can cause a person to trip and suffer head, back, or joint injuries.

5. Unsafe Stairs And Handrails

Loose handrails, uneven steps, and missing non-slip surfaces can make stairs dangerous. Stair-related falls often lead to more severe injuries due to the height and force of impact. Property owners who fail to repair structural issues or provide sturdy handrails may be held responsible for resulting harm.

6. Weather-Related Hazards

Rain, snow, and ice can cause slick outdoor surfaces. While the weather cannot be controlled, property owners are still expected to take reasonable steps, such as clearing walkways, applying salt, or using warning signs. Neglecting these precautions increases the likelihood of slip and fall injuries on their premises.

7. Neglected Maintenance

Cracked sidewalks, loose thresholds, or potholes on private or commercial property often go unrepaired. Over time, these hazards create unsafe conditions for visitors. Regular maintenance is one of the simplest ways to prevent falls, yet many property owners delay repairs until after an accident has already occurred.

Staying Informed And Protected

Slip and fall accidents may seem straightforward, but the consequences can be serious. Medical costs, missed work, and long-term pain often follow these preventable incidents. Working with a Tempe slip and fall lawyer can help us understand how liability applies and what evidence may support our case.

At SL Chapman Trial Lawyers, we’ve seen how quickly a simple fall can impact a person’s daily life. If we’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to seek guidance, document what happened, and understand our legal rights. Taking these steps can help us move forward with clarity and confidence.

Who Is Responsible For A Slip And Fall Injury

When someone is hurt in a slip and fall accident, one of the first questions they often ask is who is legally responsible. These situations can involve property owners, businesses, or other parties who control the area where the injury occurred. Many people search for clear and direct answers, especially those looking for a Tempe slip and fall lawyer, because understanding responsibility helps them know what steps to take next. Below, we break down common questions and provide straightforward explanations based on what we see in real cases.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Slip And Fall Injury

Responsibility usually depends on who controls or maintains the property. This can include business owners, landlords, homeowners, or companies responsible for keeping the area safe. If someone fails to correct a hazard or warn visitors about it, they may be responsible for the injury. We look at factors such as how long the hazard existed, whether the owner knew about it, and whether reasonable steps were taken to fix the issue.

What Conditions Make A Property Owner Responsible

Property owners can be responsible when unsafe conditions lead to injury. These conditions might include wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken railings, poor lighting, or debris in walkways. When someone is hurt, we look at whether the danger was something the owner should have identified and corrected. We also review whether the person who fell had a reasonable expectation that the area would be safe. These factors help determine whether the property owner failed to meet basic responsibilities.

Does It Matter If I Was Partly At Fault

Many people worry that if they were distracted or didn’t notice the hazard, they cannot recover damages. In many cases, responsibility can be shared. This is known as comparative fault, and it allows an injured person to pursue compensation even if they were partly at fault. The amount recovered may be adjusted based on the level of responsibility assigned. This is one reason many people reach out to a Tempe slip and fall lawyer to understand how fault may be divided.

Can A Business Be Responsible For A Slip And Fall Injury

Businesses are often responsible for slip and fall injuries that occur on their property. They are required to keep their floors, walkways, and customer areas safe. If employees fail to clean up a spill, leave obstacles where people walk, or ignore unsafe conditions, the business may be held responsible. We often review store footage, cleaning logs, and employee practices to understand what happened and whether proper steps were in place to protect visitors.

What If The Slip And Fall Happened In A Rental Property

When someone is injured on rental property, responsibility may fall on the landlord, property manager, tenant, or a combination of these parties. The key question is who was responsible for the area where the hazard existed. For example, a landlord may be responsible for common areas, while a tenant may be responsible for hazards inside their leased space. Clarifying these details helps identify the correct party to hold accountable.

Sorting out responsibility after a slip and fall can be stressful, especially when medical bills and missed work add pressure. At SL Chapman Trial Lawyers, we work closely with people who want clear answers and steady guidance throughout the process. If you need support from a Tempe slip and fall lawyer, reach out to us so we can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.