Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall claim in Rhode Island is a colloquial name for a personal injury lawsuit aiming to hold a property or business owner responsible for failing to keep the premises safe for visitors.

What Constitutes a Slip and Fall Case in Rhode Island?

A slip and fall case is a lawsuit that stems from an incident where a visitor gets hurt due to a dangerous condition on the premises. While it often involves slipping and falling, it is by no means restricted to that narrow scenario. Examples of slip and fall cases include:

• Tripping on a hidden obstacle
• Sliding on an icy parking lot or sidewalk
• Falling into a hidden sinkhole
• Falling through a weak floor or step

To have a slip and fall case, you must be able to prove, at a minimum, that:

1. Duty of care. The property owner or manager owes a duty to inspect the premises and address any hazardous or dangerous conditions. This duty varies depending on the jurisdiction and whether it is a commercial property that allows invitees (e.g. shoppers) or a homeowner who invites licensees (e.g., friends and family) onto the property.
2. Hazardous condition. A hazard or an otherwise dangerous condition existed on the property.
3. Knowledge. The property owner or manager had previous knowledge or notice of the hazardous condition.
4. Damages. The victim was allowed on the property (even though the condition existed) and suffered an injury. Damages include economic damages (e.g., wage losses and medical bills) and non-economic (pain and suffering). In some jurisdictions, depending on the facts and circumstances, punitive damages may be sought to punish the wrongdoer and to prevent similar behavior in the future.



These cases often require the expertise of a Rhode Island slip and fall attorney to navigate complex legal requirements and prove liability.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Rhode Island

To have a slip and fall case where you can obtain compensation for your injuries, an unsafe or hazardous situation must have existed. Common situations include but are not limited to:

• Wet floors or bad flooring 
• Poorly lit areas or unmarked step-offs
• Poorly maintained sidewalks
• Unsafe stairs, broken or missing handrails
• Poorly operating escalators or poorly maintained elevators
• Boxes or other items poorly placed or left in the path of foot traffic
• Mishandled or mislabeled liquids, food, or chemicals (can cause burns)
• No warning or hazard signs

If you’ve experienced any of these conditions, a lawyer for slip and fall can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of slip and fall accidents occur yearly, with thousands resulting in death and even more resulting in serious, complicated injuries. The type and extent of the injury depends on the accident itself as well as the location, the environment, what the victim was doing, the victim’s age, the victim’s overall health or pre-existing conditions, and more. As such, injuries range from bruises to death. Many of the following types of injuries result from slip and fall accidents:

• Broken bones or multiple fractures
• Bruises, sprains, strains, or soft tissue damage
• Bone or joint dislocation
• Ruptured or herniated disks
• Cuts, lacerations
• Neck and back injuries
• Head injuries



Slip and fall accidents can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Hiring a slip and fall lawyer in Rhode Island ensures you receive adequate representation to address these consequences.

Contact a Slip and Fall Personal Injury Lawyer in Providence Today

At Conte Law, our slip and fall accident attorneys in Rhode Island have the resources and skill to competently represent you. Upholding your rights and obtaining fair and full compensation is what we do. To find out if you have a viable slip and fall injury case or to simply learn more about your legal options, contact us at (888) 333-9833, or fill out an online form to schedule a Free Case Evaluation.

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Our RI & MA personal injury lawyers will be with you every step of the way, helping to secure the financial compensation you deserve.