When you slip and fall on someone else’s property, the pain and medical bills are just the beginning. You may face lost wages, mounting expenses, and an insurance company determined to minimize your claim. At Odom Law Firm, we understand the physical and financial toll these accidents take on your life. Our slip and fall lawyers and premises liability attorneys in Fayetteville have recovered millions for slip and fall victims across Arkansas, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Odom Law Firm for Your Slip and Fall Case
Since 1982, Odom Law Firm has focused exclusively on personal injury law, helping Arkansas clients secure justice and financial recovery after fall accidents. With over 100 years of combined experience, our trial-tested attorneys guide clients through every step, from accident investigation to negotiation and, if necessary, courtroom advocacy.
People who slip or are injured on unsafe property trust our team because:
- We act quickly to preserve evidence, document the scene, and build a strong case against negligent property owners.
- Thorough collaboration with medical experts lets us prove liability and lasting impact of your injuries.
- Our trial skills, preparation, and willingness to litigate send a message to insurance companies that we are prepared to win at trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
- Clients pay nothing out of pocket; we only collect a fee if we win.
- Every client receives personal communication and a free legal consultation before committing to a claim.
We help injury victims and families seek the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain after a fall, working tirelessly to maximize every recovery.
Why Property Owners Are Liable for Slip and Fall Injuries
Arkansas law holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe premises. This legal duty exists because property owners control the conditions on their land. They have the ability to identify and fix hazards before someone gets hurt.
Under the Arkansas premises liability law, property owners owe different levels of duty depending on your status when injured. If you were an invitee—someone invited onto the property for business purposes, like a customer at a grocery store—the property owner must maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition. They must also warn you of known dangers.
If you were a licensee (someone on the property with permission but not for business purposes), the owner must still warn you of known hazards. Even trespassers receive some protection, though the duty is lower. Understanding your legal status is critical to proving property owner negligence.
To hold a property owner liable for your slip and fall injury, you must prove negligence. This means showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. You must also show they failed to fix it or warn you about it. Finally, you must prove that failure directly caused your injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand these legal standards and know how to build a strong case that proves each element.
Common Slip and Fall Accidents in Fayetteville
Slip and fall accidents happen in countless locations throughout Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. We’ve represented clients injured in:
- Grocery stores with wet floors from spills or cleaning
- Retail stores with cluttered aisles and tripping hazards
- Restaurants where food and grease create slippery surfaces
- Apartment complexes with poorly maintained stairs and walkways
- Commercial office buildings with inadequate lighting or broken handrails
- Seasonal hazards, including ice, snow, and wet leaves on sidewalks and parking lots
Each location presents unique challenges for proving liability. A grocery store manager might claim they didn’t know about a spill, but our investigation reveals they failed to conduct regular safety inspections. An apartment complex might blame a tenant for leaving a hazard, but our evidence shows the owner failed to maintain the property. We know how to investigate these cases thoroughly and hold property owners accountable. Our Fayetteville personal injury lawyers have successfully handled hundreds of premises liability claims.
What You Must Prove to Win Your Slip and Fall Claim
Winning a slip and fall case requires proving four essential elements of negligence.
First, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. This might involve security camera footage showing the hazard existed for hours. It could include maintenance records showing the owner ignored repair requests. Expert testimony about industry standards for property inspection also helps establish this element.
Second, you must prove the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix the hazard or warn you about it. A wet floor sign might have prevented your fall. Regular maintenance could have fixed the broken step. We gather evidence showing what the property owner should have done but didn’t. This is where negligence claims often succeed or fail.
Third, you must establish that the hazardous condition directly caused your injury. Medical records documenting your injuries help here. Expert testimony connecting your fall to the hazard is also critical. Insurance companies often dispute this connection, claiming your injury resulted from a pre-existing condition or your own carelessness. Our medical malpractice attorneys work with medical experts to establish causation.
Fourth, you must prove your damages—the actual losses you suffered. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We document every expense and work with medical experts to calculate the full value of your claim. This includes future medical care and lost earning capacity. Our team has recovered substantial personal injury settlements for clients with serious injuries.
How Insurance Companies Defend Slip and Fall Cases
Insurance companies use various tactics to minimize what they pay on slip and fall claims. Understanding these strategies helps you protect your rights from the moment of your injury.
Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements immediately after your accident. They hope you’ll say something that undermines your claim. They may misrepresent what you said or use your words out of context. We advise clients never to give recorded statements without legal representation. This is a critical step in protecting your slip and fall claim.
Insurance companies frequently argue comparative fault. They claim you were partially responsible for your fall. They might suggest you weren’t paying attention, were wearing inappropriate footwear, or should have seen the hazard. Arkansas comparative fault law allows property owners to reduce their liability if they can prove you were partially at fault. We counter these arguments with evidence of the property owner’s negligence.
Insurance adjusters also dispute the severity of your injuries. They suggest your medical treatment was unnecessary or excessive. They may hire their own medical experts to contradict your doctors’ findings. Our team works with trusted medical professionals who can testify about the true extent of your injuries and necessary treatment. We’ve successfully defended against these tactics in hundreds of cases.
Finally, insurance companies make lowball settlement offers early in the process. They hope you’ll accept before understanding your claim’s full value. We never rush to settle. Instead, we thoroughly investigate your case, gather all evidence, and calculate your damages before negotiating with the insurance company. Our case results demonstrate our commitment to maximizing client recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Claims
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Arkansas?
Arkansas law gives you three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, don’t wait to contact us. Evidence disappears quickly—security camera footage is deleted, witnesses move away, and memories fade. The sooner we begin investigating, the stronger your case becomes. Our Fayetteville personal injury lawyers can help you meet all critical deadlines.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Arkansas follows a comparative fault rule that allows you to recover even if you were partially responsible for your fall. You can recover as long as you were less than 50% at fault. If you were 30% at fault and the property owner was 70% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages. We fight to minimize any comparative fault argument and maximize your recovery. This is where experienced premises liability representation makes a critical difference.
What damages can I recover in a slip and fall case?
You can recover economic damages, including all medical expenses, lost wages, and costs related to your injury. You can also recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In serious cases, we’ve recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury, the clarity of liability, and the insurance coverage available.
Do I need a lawyer for my slip and fall claim?
While you can handle a claim alone, insurance companies have significant advantages. They employ experienced adjusters trained to minimize payouts. They understand legal standards that apply to your case. An attorney levels the playing field. We know the tactics insurance companies use, we understand Arkansas premises liability law, and we have the resources to investigate thoroughly and prove your case. Our Fayetteville personal injury attorneys provide the expertise you need.
How much does it cost to hire Odom Law Firm?
We represent slip and fall clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no expenses out of your pocket. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or a trial verdict. This means you can afford quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation. Call us for a free consultation today.
How long does a slip and fall case take?
Most slip and fall cases settle within 6 to 12 months. Some resolve faster if the liability is clear and the insurance company recognizes the strength of your case. Others take longer if the property owner disputes liability or if your injuries require extended treatment. If we must litigate, the case may take 1 to 2 years. We keep you informed throughout the process and never rush to settle before your case is fully developed. Our litigation experience ensures thorough case preparation.
Contact Odom Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Fayetteville or anywhere in Arkansas, contact Odom Law Firm for a free consultation. Call 479-442-7575 or reach out online through our website. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and answer your questions—all at no cost to you. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
