Washington DC Slip and Fall Lawyer

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve spent decades representing individuals harmed on unsafe property. We understand how a single moment—a fall in a grocery store, a trip on a broken sidewalk, or a slick office lobby—can lead to painful injuries and serious disruptions. If you’re recovering from a fall and unsure what to do next, you’re not alone—and we’re here to guide you through the legal process.

Slip and Fall Lawyer Washington DC

A slip and fall incident might sound minor, but these accidents often result in significant harm. Whether it’s broken bones, head trauma, or lasting joint injuries, many victims face long recovery periods and mounting medical bills. Our Washington DC slip and fall lawyer helps evaluate whether a property owner failed in their duty to maintain a safe environment.

We often see fall-related injuries happen in places that don’t seem dangerous—until they are. These include:

• Supermarkets and convenience stores where spilled liquids are left uncleaned
• Apartment buildings with broken staircases or poor lighting
• Office buildings where maintenance lapses cause trip hazards
• Public sidewalks and parking lots with ice, cracks, or poor drainage

The legal foundation of these cases lies in premises liability. This area of law holds property owners accountable if someone is injured due to dangerous conditions they knew about—or should have known about—and failed to correct in time. To move forward with a claim, it’s important that the incident be well-documented and reported immediately, as delays can affect the strength of your case.

Depending on where the incident occurred and who owns the property, different rules may apply. For example, public entities like the city may have shorter deadlines for filing claims. If the accident happened at a business, security footage or maintenance logs might be critical in proving fault.

Common Injuries From Falls That Can Impact Daily Life

Some fall-related injuries require more than a simple bandage or a few days of rest. We often help clients dealing with:

• Hip fractures, especially among older adults, which may require surgery or long-term care
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from hitting the head on hard surfaces
• Spinal cord injuries or herniated discs resulting in nerve pain or mobility issues
• Knee or ankle injuries that require physical therapy or surgery

The physical pain is often just one part of the recovery. Victims may be forced to miss work, make lifestyle changes, or face financial challenges due to ongoing care costs. It’s in these situations where having legal support matters.

Legal Support Built Around You

At Cohen & Cohen, we focus on your recovery and fight for fair compensation. Our team has recovered millions on behalf of injury victims throughout the region. We’re known not just for results, but for compassion and straightforward communication. Clients often come to us confused or frustrated—and they leave feeling supported and informed.

Whether it’s holding a negligent business accountable or addressing unsafe residential conditions, our attorneys bring experience and dedication to every case.

Speak With Our Team Today

If you’ve suffered an injury due to a fall, we can help you evaluate your legal options. As a trusted Washington DC slip and fall lawyer, Cohen & Cohen is ready to listen and fight for what you’re owed. Contact us for a free consultation. Let’s talk about how we can help.

Types Of Slip And Fall Cases We Handle

A fall can happen in seconds but leave behind lasting injuries. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with individuals who’ve experienced serious physical setbacks because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Whether you slipped in a store aisle or tripped on uneven pavement, we understand how quickly life can change. Many people don’t realize they may have a legal case until medical bills and missed work begin to pile up. That’s where we step in.

Falls Due To Wet Or Slippery Floors

One of the most common causes of injury involves walking surfaces that are slick or poorly maintained. A freshly mopped floor in a store, spilled drinks in a restaurant, or rainwater tracked into a lobby can all lead to serious harm if no warning signs are posted. Businesses have a responsibility to either clean these hazards quickly or clearly mark them to prevent injury. When they don’t, they may be held liable.

Falls On Broken Or Uneven Sidewalks

Sidewalks, driveways, and walkways should be safe to walk on. We’ve handled cases involving cracked pavement, missing bricks, and uneven transitions between sections of a walkway. In some cases, property owners or municipalities have ignored these conditions for long periods, putting pedestrians at risk. When someone falls because of a poorly maintained sidewalk, we help determine who was responsible for keeping it safe and accountable for the injuries.

Accidents On Poorly Lit Stairways

Stairways require proper lighting, handrails, and uniform steps to be safe. A dimly lit staircase, broken railing, or inconsistent step height can lead to a misstep and a dangerous fall. Many clients we’ve worked with in these cases have suffered back injuries, fractures, or worse. These cases often involve landlords, business owners, or property managers who neglected basic safety measures.

Falls In Parking Lots Or Garages

Parking lots and garages may seem like safe, everyday spaces—but poor lighting, hidden potholes, or ice buildup can turn them into danger zones. We handle cases where falls occurred due to poor design or a lack of upkeep in these areas. Commercial property owners have a duty to maintain these spaces, particularly in bad weather when hazards increase.

Falls Inside Rental Properties

Tenants and their guests are entitled to safe conditions inside and around their homes. Common areas like lobbies, hallways, or outdoor steps must be maintained by the landlord. We’ve assisted clients injured in apartment buildings where carpeting was loose, stairs were unstable, or common areas were not well-lit or cleaned. If the property owner was aware of a hazard and failed to correct it, legal action may be appropriate.

Cases Involving Elderly Or Vulnerable Individuals

Older adults are especially susceptible to serious injury from falls. We handle claims where unsafe conditions contributed to injuries in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or while visiting public venues. These cases can involve unique medical concerns, and we work to highlight the full impact on the injured person’s health and independence.

Talk To Us About Your Injury

Every fall case is different, but one thing stays the same—property owners have a responsibility to provide safe environments. As a trusted Washington DC slip and fall lawyer, Cohen & Cohen knows how to evaluate these claims and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and more. Contact our team today for a free case review. We’re ready to help you move forward.

Fall Accident Statistics

According to information updated in 2017 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the total number of unintentional injury deaths was 135,928. The number of motor vehicle traffic deaths was 33,736 with the number of unintentional fall deaths close behind at 31,959.

In 2013, more than 2.5 million older adults visited emergency rooms in the U.S. when they were injured in non-fatal falls. 734,000 people were checked-in to hospitals because of falls and fall-related injuries.

According to information compiled by the National Business Group on Health fact sheet, from 1997 to 2007, falls were the top cause of injury for people of all ages. The injuries that were sustained ranged from mild to severe and life-threatening.

If you are one of the many unfortunate people who have been injured as the result of a slip (or trip) and fall accident, talking to an experienced slip and fall law firm Washington D.C. residents have gotten help from in the past, may help you to make better-informed decisions about what your next steps should be. If you or a loved one was hurt in a slip and fall accident, you may have the legal right to get compensation from the person or company that owns the property, or the property manager, where your injury occurred. When you discuss your particular situation and injury with a lawyer who has fought slip and fall cases before, s/he may be able to help you to determine whether your case is one worth pursuing through the legal system.

If you or someone you love has been injured because of a slip and fall or a trip and fall accident, the sooner you contact a slip and fall law firm Washington D.C. slip and fall victims have relied on in the past, the sooner your lawyers will be able to start building and strong and compelling case to try to get you compensation for your injuries.

Washington Slip and Fall Law Infographic

7 Steps Our Lawyer Recommends After An Accident

Slip and fall accidents are often unexpected and overwhelming. One moment, you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re dealing with pain, shock, and confusion. Whether the fall happened at a grocery store, office building, or parking lot, what you do in the minutes and hours afterward can have a big impact—both on your health and your legal rights. At Cohen & Cohen, we work with individuals hurt in preventable falls, and we know the early steps matter.

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Some conditions, like concussions or internal injuries, don’t show symptoms right away. Getting treated also creates a medical record, which could be essential if you need to file a claim later.

Document the Scene

If you’re physically able, take photos of the exact location where you fell. Include close-ups of the hazard, whether it’s a wet floor, uneven pavement, or broken stair. Capture the surroundings too—lighting conditions, warning signs (or lack of them), and anything else that helps paint a full picture of what caused your fall.

Speak to Witnesses

If anyone saw the fall, ask for their name and contact information. A witness statement can help support your account and clarify how the fall occurred. This is particularly helpful in situations where property owners deny responsibility.

Report the Incident

Notify the property manager, store supervisor, or building owner right away. Ask them to create an official incident report, and request a copy for your records. Keep communication factual and avoid assigning blame or accepting fault at the scene.

Keep Your Clothing and Footwear

Clothes and shoes may carry physical evidence that supports your claim. If your clothing was torn, or if your shoes show signs of slipping or impact, don’t throw anything away. Store them safely in case they become relevant later.

Write Down Your Own Account

As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the incident. Include the time, place, what you were doing before the fall, and how you felt immediately after. Memories fade, and having your own notes can help fill in the gaps if you’re asked to recall events weeks or months later.

Washington DC Slip and Fall FAQ

Slipping and falling may seem like a minor event, but these accidents can lead to serious injuries that disrupt every aspect of life. Broken bones, concussions, back injuries, and chronic pain are just a few of the outcomes we often see. In many cases, these incidents happen because someone failed to take care of a property properly—leaving wet floors, icy sidewalks, or loose carpeting unaddressed. When this happens, you may be able to file a claim to recover damages. Below, we answer key questions about these accidents and what steps can be taken after one occurs.

Who is legally responsible for a slip and fall injury?

The person or entity responsible is typically the property owner, manager, or tenant, depending on who had control over the space at the time of the incident. This could include a business owner, landlord, government agency, or private homeowner. Liability depends on whether they were aware—or should have been aware—of the hazard that caused the fall and whether they had enough time and opportunity to fix it. If someone failed to act in a reasonable way to prevent harm, they may be held legally accountable for resulting injuries.

What types of injuries are common in these incidents?

Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common include wrist fractures, hip fractures, sprained ankles, back strain, concussions, and spinal cord injuries. In older adults, falls can be particularly dangerous, sometimes leading to hospitalization or permanent disability. Even seemingly minor injuries can develop into long-term health issues if not treated properly. These injuries often require expensive medical care, physical therapy, or even surgery, making legal claims an important way to help cover those costs.

Why would someone file a claim after a slip and fall?

A personal injury claim can help cover medical bills, lost income from time off work, and other expenses related to the accident. It also provides a way to hold the responsible party accountable for failing to maintain a safe environment. By taking legal action, you may also help prevent future accidents by encouraging safer property conditions. Filing a claim is not about being difficult—it’s about getting the help you need when someone else’s carelessness led to harm that could have been avoided.

How can legal assistance help with a fall-related injury?

A law firm can help by reviewing photos, surveillance footage, incident reports, and medical records to build a strong case. At Cohen & Cohen, we support people who have suffered due to unsafe property conditions. As your Washington DC slip and fall accident lawyer, we’ll handle communication with insurers, interview witnesses if necessary, and help you understand what compensation may be available. We focus on protecting your rights while you concentrate on healing and getting back to your normal routine.

Who can bring a slip and fall claim?

Anyone injured in a fall caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property may be eligible to bring a claim. This includes shoppers in stores, visitors at private homes, tenants in apartment buildings, and employees in workplace settings. In rare cases, claims may be brought on behalf of children or elderly individuals by their legal guardians. Each case depends on the facts, and local laws limit how long you have to take action. The sooner you speak to someone about your situation, the better your chance of preserving key evidence.

Talk With Our Slip And Fall Attorney

If you believe your injury could have been prevented, it’s worth having a legal conversation. Our  lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine whether the property owner may be liable. Not every case leads to a lawsuit, but legal advice helps you decide the best path forward.

Being injured in a fall can cause more than physical pain—it can disrupt work, increase medical bills, and lead to long-term stress. Our  Washington DC slip and fall lawyer can help clarify your options and advocate for fair compensation. If you’re unsure about what to do next, reach out to Cohen & Cohen for guidance. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.

Cohen & Cohen Washington Slip and Fall Lawyers

1730 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Suite #410 Washington, DC 20036

Washington Slip and Fall Lawyers Google Review

“Excellent lawyers! I would recommend Jill and Kris a thousand times! My personal injury claim was settled in a short amount of time without any worries. Kris made sure to keep in contact with me with updates regarding my case via phone calls and emails. Jill also went above and beyond to negotiate appropriately for my case. I am forever grateful for Cohen & Cohen law firm!” – Tara M.

Contact Cohen & Cohen Washington Slip and Fall Lawyers Today!

Even when it seems obvious that a person had slip and fall, or trip and fall accident because of someone’s negligence, it can be quite complex to prove this. If you are in the unfortunate situation of needing an attorney on your side after the trauma of a slip and fall accident, call a top slip and fall attorney Washington DC has to offer at Cohen & Cohen, today.

Legal cases tend to be complicated and hard to navigate. Do not try to do this alone when you are injured and/or inexperienced with legal proceedings. A good slip and fall attorney is an important person to have on your side. Do not trust the future well-being of your case with just anyone- call a top Washington personal injury lawyer at Cohen & Cohen, today.