Danville Premises Liability Attorney

What Makes a Slip & Fall Case Strong

Slip and fall cases can fail or succeed on a handful of practical questions. Answering them early helps determine whether a claim is worth pursuing.

• What caused the fall? A spill, a damaged surface, poor lighting, ice, clutter, torn carpet, or a missing handrail each creates a different liability story.
• Was it predictable in that setting? A grocery aisle, a restaurant walkway, and a parking lot during winter weather come with known risks.
• What did the business do to prevent it? Routine inspections, cleanup procedures, maintenance logs, and warning practices matter.
• How long was the hazard there? A newly created condition is different from one that existed long enough that a reasonable inspection would have found it.
• What proof exists right now? Video, incident reports, photographs, employee names, and witness contact information are often the difference between a viable case and a denial.

Haydon Blackmon PLLC focuses on these questions early so the claim is built on facts, not assumptions.

Early Steps That Can Make or Break a Slip & Fall Claim

Premises cases move quickly behind the scenes, especially at large retailers and chain restaurants. Reports are generated, internal notes are written, and insurers begin shaping the file. The early work matters because it affects what can be proven later.

Haydon Blackmon PLLC typically starts by requesting and securing key materials such as surveillance footage, incident documentation, and witness information, then digging into the maintenance and inspection history tied to the hazard. When outside companies are involved, such as cleaning crews or property management contractors, the investigation expands to identify everyone who may share responsibility.

This early effort also includes building a clean timeline: when you arrived, where you walked, what conditions existed, how staff responded, and how quickly medical symptoms appeared. That timeline becomes the backbone of the claim.

Damages That May Be Available in a Premises Liability Claim

Medical Expenses

Medical costs are often the first thing people think of, but they can extend well beyond the ER visit. A claim may include ongoing treatment, therapy, specialist care, and future medical needs tied to the fall, especially when recovery takes months or requires surgery.

Lost Wages & Reduced Earning Capacity

Time off work adds up quickly, particularly when the injury limits standing, walking, lifting, or driving. In more serious cases, the fall can affect what kind of work you can return to, how many hours you can handle, or whether you can do your prior job at all.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Slip and fall injuries often create expenses that don’t show up on a single hospital bill. This can include travel costs for appointments, paid help at home, medical supplies, and other recovery-related expenses that become part of daily life while you heal.

Property Damage

Falls can damage personal items, especially when they happen suddenly or on hard surfaces. Depending on the situation, the claim may include reimbursement for items like glasses, phones, hearing aids, or other property damaged during the incident.

Pain & Suffering

A fall can cause more than temporary pain. Some injuries lead to long recovery periods, limited mobility, or ongoing discomfort that changes the way you sleep, move, and function day to day. Pain and suffering damages are meant to account for that human impact, not just the financial costs.

Emotional Distress & Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Falls can affect confidence and independence, especially for older adults or anyone who becomes cautious about walking in public places. Anxiety, disrupted sleep, and fear of another fall can be part of the aftermath, along with the loss of activities you used to enjoy.

Permanent Disability, Scarring, or Disfigurement

Some slip and fall injuries heal, but not completely. Fractures, spinal injuries, head injuries, and serious soft tissue damage can leave lasting limitations. Lacerations and surgical procedures can also cause scarring that impacts comfort, appearance, and daily life.

Loss of Consortium

In appropriate cases, Kentucky law allows compensation for the way an injury affects a spouse and the relationship as a whole. That can include the loss of companionship, support, and the strain that comes with long-term recovery or disability.

We can help you fight for accountability from negligent property owners. Call (502) 490-2214 or message us online to arrange a free case review.