Winter is fast approaching, which means you will start coming across slick sidewalks, wet floors, and other hazardous conditions. Although landlords, business owners, and local municipalities have an obligation to maintain their premises and address dangers that arise in a timely fashion, breaches happen. Fortunately, if you slip and fall because of another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages by filing a personal injury claim. Here is what you should know about filing a slip and fall suit in Ohio. 

There Is a Strict Filing Deadline

Slip and fall victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to bring their personal injury case to court. This may seem like a considerable amount of time, but if you spend six months recovering and six more months negotiating with the insurance adjuster, that’s 12 months you will never get back. Because the deadline will undoubtedly approach faster than you anticipate, it is wise to seek legal counsel as soon as possible following the accident. 

There Is a Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Ohio has a modified comparative negligence system, which means claimants who are partially liable for their injuries are also partially responsible for the damages. Under this system, the plaintiff’s total payout will be reduced by his or her own percentage of fault; however, claimants who are found to be more than 51% liable are barred from recovering any compensation whatsoever.

In slip and fall cases, there are a few ways the plaintiff could be deemed partially at fault. For example, the defendant might argue that the claimant was wearing inappropriate footwear, ignored cones and signage, was trespassing at the time, or was not paying attention to his or her surroundings. 

If you want to file a personal injury claim in Ohio, turn to Pater, Pater & Halverson Located in Hamilton, this full-service firm has been serving clients throughout the area for more than a century. Today, their legal team is backed by more than 90 years of combined experience. In addition to personal injury law, they practice estate planning, business law, criminal defense, and domestic relations. To learn more about their knowledgeable attorneys, visit their website. When you’re ready to schedule a case review to discuss your slip and fall, call (513) 867-1411.