Who is Responsible for a Slip and Fall on Ice in Ohio? 
Slip and fall accidents on ice can happen anywhere, from sidewalks to parking lots, and even inside business premises. The party liable for the incident is typically determined by a few key factors. Understanding Ohio’s laws regarding property maintenance and liability can help you identify who may be responsible for your injuries. The following entities could be found liable for your slip and fall accident: Property Owners and Their Responsibility
Under Ohio law, property owners are required to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. This includes taking precautions against known hazards, such as icy walkways or parking lots. If you slip and fall on ice while walking on someone’s property, the owner may be held responsible if they failed to clear the ice in a reasonable amount of time after the hazard appeared. For example, if you were walking on a sidewalk in front of a private residence or business, and the property owner knew about the icy conditions but did nothing to address the issue, they could be found negligent. However, liability also depends on how much time passed before the fall and whether the owner had enough time to clear the ice.Business Owners and Commercial Properties
Business owners have a heightened duty of care toward their customers, meaning they are responsible for maintaining their premises to ensure the safety of those entering their property. If you slip and fall on ice in front of a store, restaurant, or any other commercial establishment, the owner of that business may be responsible for your injuries, especially if they failed to take necessary steps to clear the ice or warn visitors of the danger.
Dan Ryan
Attorney
Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Attorney
Our objectives remain clear in every case we pursue: To give every client, without delay, excuse or equivocation, our full attention, sound advice and forceful representation.
About Our FirmGovernment Entities and Public Sidewalks
In some cases, a slip and fall on ice may occur on public property, such as a city sidewalk, a public park, or near public transportation facilities. In these situations, the local government might be liable for the accident. However, government entities enjoy certain legal protections, which makes suing them more complex. Ohio law grants limited immunity to governmental entities, so bringing a lawsuit against a city, county, or state for a slip and fall accident on public property requires following specific rules. There are strict deadlines and procedural requirements when filing a claim against a government body, which is why it is important to act quickly and consult with an attorney.Comparative Negligence and Its Impact on Liability
Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that the degree of fault for the accident will be assessed. If you are partially responsible for the fall—such as wearing inappropriate footwear or walking too quickly on a known icy patch—the compensation you may receive could be reduced according to the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if a property owner fails to salt an icy sidewalk, but you were wearing sandals in freezing temperatures, the court might find that you were partly responsible for your fall. In this case, any damages awarded to you may be reduced based on how much fault the court assigns to your actions.
The attorneys at Ryan Injury Lawyers treat you like family. They are extremely professional, kind, respectful and intelligently know the law. Highly recommend. They are well above par.
- Zora S.
Great service and very professional. They actually make themselves available when you call. I will be referring Ryan to all of my friends and colleagues.
- Lashawn H.
How to Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall on Ice Case
To prove negligence in a slip and fall case, you must show that the property owner or business was aware or should have been aware of the dangerous icy conditions and failed to address the hazard in a reasonable amount of time. Here are a few key pieces of evidence that can support your case:- Photographs and Video Evidence
- Witness Testimonies
- Maintenance Records
- Expert Testimony
What Compensation Can You Seek for Injuries?
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident due to ice, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. This can include both economic and non-economic damages:- Medical Expenses: Compensation for immediate medical treatment, as well as any future medical costs related to the injury, such as physical therapy or surgeries.
- Lost Wages: If you had to miss work due to the injury, you can seek compensation for lost wages or salary during your recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Rehabilitation Costs: If the injury requires rehabilitation, you can seek compensation for those services as well.
- Property Damage: If your personal property (such as your phone or glasses) was damaged during the fall, you could be reimbursed for the cost of repairs or replacement.