Slip And Fall Attorney in Washington, D.C.

Every slip & fall case is different. But in all personal injury claims in Washington, D.C., there are a few elements that we look at to see if you might have a case. We check to see if:

• There were damages. Personal injury lawsuits in Washington, D.C. are filed to recover “damages.” These include costs like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An injury must have significant associated costs to qualify for a lawsuit, which vary by state.
• Someone else was at fault. To get compensation from someone else’s insurance company in Washington, D.C., they must have acted negligently in a way that caused or contributed to your injuries.
• There’s enough insurance coverage. Personal injury lawsuits in Washington, D.C. are usually filed against insurance companies, not individuals. Those responsible must have enough insurance coverage to cover the injured person’s medical expenses or to fully compensate them for their injuries.

Not sure if you have a case in Washington, D.C.? Get in touch. We're here to help.

If you are involved in a slip and fall accident in Washington, D.C., it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your health and your ability to pursue compensation for any injuries. 

If you're injured, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries don’t seem severe. Some injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent. Be sure to document any injuries with your healthcare provider. Keep records of doctor visits, treatments, and any medical advice given.

If the accident happened on someone else’s property, such as a store, office, or public place, report the incident to the property owner or manager right away. Request a copy of the accident report, if available. In some cases, such as accidents in public buildings, a formal incident report should be filed with the appropriate authorities.

Next, use your phone or a camera to take clear, detailed pictures of the area where you fell, including the hazard that caused the accident (wet floors, uneven pavement, or poor lighting). Capture photos of any visible injuries, including bruising, cuts, or swelling, which may worsen over time. Note environmental conditions that contributed to your fall (e.g., weather, poorly maintained floors, lack of warning signs).

If anyone witnessed the fall, ask for their contact information. Witness testimony can be crucial in proving liability. If possible, ask witnesses to write down what they saw while the details are still fresh in their minds.

Be careful not to admit fault for the accident, even if you think you might have contributed to it. 

You will also want to preserve all evidence. If you were wearing specific shoes or clothing that may have contributed to the fall, don’t wash or dispose of them. These items could serve as key evidence in your case. Save receipts for any expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, prescriptions, and transportation costs if you had to seek medical care.

Let your own insurance company know about the incident, especially if your injuries require medical treatment. Your health insurance may also cover some costs initially. Don’t sign anything from the insurance company of the property owner before consulting with an attorney, as it could limit your ability to recover fair compensation.

Finally, contact Morgan & Morgan. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Washington, D.C. can guide you through the legal process, especially if you plan to pursue a slip and fall claim. They can help investigate the cause of the fall and determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights to make sure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and the specifics of your case. However, some exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors, government entities, or when the injury wasn’t discovered right away.

It's important to file your claim as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.

Since deadlines can vary by state and situation, it's best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident to understand the specific timeline for your case. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

The timeline for resolving a slip and fall case depends on different factors such as the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the property owner’s insurance company is willing to settle for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Some slip and fall cases are resolved in a few months, while others can take a year or more if litigation is necessary. At Morgan & Morgan, we strive to resolve cases as quickly as possible while still pursuing maximum compensation for our clients in Washington, D.C.

Our army of over 1,000 trial-ready attorneys is prepared to fight to the very end for the compensation our clients in Washington, D.C. need and deserve to move forward with their lives. 

When you work with Morgan & Morgan, your attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case at every step of the way.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced slip and fall attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in Washington, D.C., and similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

We take pride in ensuring that negligent property owners in Washington, D.C. are held accountable for the harm they’ve caused. Don’t bear the burden of your injuries on your own because of someone else’s negligence. Contact Morgan & Morgan in Washington, D.C. today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

Morgan & Morgan’s slip & fall lawyers in Washington, D.C. work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

The amount of compensation you can recover from a slip and fall lawsuit depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and the impact on your life. Generally, compensation may cover medical bills related to your injuries, lost wages from missed work while recovering, financial relief for the physical and emotional trauma caused by the accident (pain and suffering), diminished quality of life, permanent disability, or even future loss of earning capacity.

Since every case is unique, the amount of compensation will vary. An experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan in Washington, D.C. can assess your case and give you a clearer picture of what you may be entitled to. You can learn more with a free case evaluation.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan in Washington, D.C. are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation. Hiring one of our slip and fall lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer, you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Your case in Washington, D.C. will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

After your initial consultation, your care team will schedule regular meetings to discuss your case, provide updates, and prepare you for any upcoming proceedings. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and keeping you informed every step of the way. These meetings can be handled in person, virtually, and by phone, depending on your case’s requirements and your ability to do so.

What happens if you slip and fall in your apartment building in Washington, D.C., and end up injured? It might not be immediately clear whether you can sue your landlord. This depends on the laws in Washington, D.C.

Generally, a landlord is responsible for maintaining all of a property’s common areas in a reasonably safe condition.

As with other property owners, if a landlord knows an unsafe condition exists, or should have known about it, and does nothing to fix it, then the landlord might be responsible for paying damages to the injured party.

Proving this depends on the circumstances of each case. To determine this, courts will look at such factors as the length of time the unsafe condition existed and the severity of the hazard. In certain circumstances, landlords can also be held liable for slip and falls that occur within a tenant’s apartment.

When a new tenant moves into a Washington, D.C. apartment, the landlord must inform the tenant of any known defects on the premises. The failure to inform a tenant of defects that the tenant could not have discovered during a reasonable inspection of the property could mean the landlord is liable if a slip & fall accident occurs. Additionally, a landlord may be held liable for slip and falls within a tenant’s apartment when there is a violation of a building code or ordinance. As always, it depends on the circumstances of the case and local Washington, D.C. laws.

Yes, you can still file a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., even if you didn’t report the slip and fall accident right away. However, reporting the incident as soon as possible strengthens your case, as it creates an official record of what happened. If you didn’t report it immediately, you’ll need to provide other compelling evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements from people who saw the accident, medical records that tie your injury directly to the fall, or photographs or videos showing the hazardous condition.

A Morgan & Morgan attorney in Washington, D.C. can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case, even if there was a delay in reporting the incident.

Airbnb is a popular alternative to traditional hotels and other standard accommodation options for travelers worldwide, including those visiting or staying in Washington, D.C. Staying in homes and other properties listed on the platform is often more affordable than hotels or resorts. But what happens if you or your family get injured on someone else’s property? Whose insurance covers slip-and-fall accidents?

Airbnb is known for providing its hosts with Host Protection Insurance, which is the primary insurance policy in effect for hosts during a guest’s stay and carries $1 million worth of coverage per stay. This means that if you’re injured on a host’s property, you’d likely seek compensation for your medical bills and other expenses from Airbnb’s insurer. Airbnb’s million-dollar insurance policy applies on a per-occurrence basis for an accident involving bodily injury or property damage, according to Airbnb materials on its site.

Yes, you can file a slip-and-fall lawsuit if your injury occurred on government property in Washington, D.C., but there are specific rules and deadlines to follow. When filing a claim against a government entity in Washington, D.C., you must first submit a notice of claim—typically within six months to one year, depending on the jurisdiction. If the government denies your claim or does not respond, you may then proceed with filing a lawsuit. Due to these stricter procedures, it is important to consult an attorney experienced in handling slip-and-fall cases on government property.

Trip, tumble, slip, and fall accidents can happen anywhere —from grocery stores and shopping malls to sidewalks and workplaces. Understanding the most common causes can help victims recognize when they may be entitled to compensation.

Wet or Slippery Surfaces 

The most common cause of slip and fall accidents is wet or slippery floors. Water, oil, or other liquids—whether from spills, leaks, or cleaning activities—create hazardous conditions that can catch people off guard. Businesses and property owners are responsible for ensuring that floors are kept dry or clearly marked with warning signs when they’re wet.

Uneven Flooring or Sidewalks 

Cracked, uneven, or poorly maintained flooring and sidewalks are frequent culprits in slip and fall accidents. This includes torn carpets, broken tiles, unstable or loose floorboards, and even raised sidewalks due to tree roots and weathering. Property owners are expected to repair or mark uneven surfaces to prevent accidents.

Inadequate Lighting 

Poor lighting can make it difficult for people to see obstacles, uneven surfaces, or wet spots, increasing the likelihood of a slip and fall. This is especially dangerous in areas such as parking lots, stairwells, hallways, and entrances and exits.

Inadequate lighting often results from poor property maintenance, and the responsibility lies with the property owner to ensure all areas are well-lit and safe for visitors.

Clutter and Obstacles 

Debris, wires, merchandise, or other items left in walkways create tripping hazards in high-traffic areas. It’s critical for property owners and employees to keep floors clear of obstacles.

Defective or Broken Staircases 

Broken handrails, loose steps, or uneven stair heights are common causes of falls on staircases. Property owners and managers must ensure that staircases are maintained and compliant with safety codes to prevent accidents. A fall down stairs can lead to particularly severe injuries, such as head trauma or spinal damage.

Weather Conditions 

Rain, snow, and ice can create hazardous conditions, especially when not properly managed. Icy sidewalks, slippery entryways, and rain-soaked floors increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. While property owners can’t control the weather, they are responsible for taking reasonable steps to minimize danger, such as shoveling snow, salting icy areas, and providing mats for wet shoes.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall or another accident on someone else’s property in Washington, D.C., you have the right to hold the property owner accountable for their negligence. Property owners in Washington, D.C. have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries that occur as a result.

Premises liability law holds property owners in Washington, D.C. responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions. This applies to various settings, such as homes, businesses, apartment buildings, and public spaces in the city. The key to a successful premises liability claim is proving that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injury.

You must demonstrate that:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care: This duty varies depending on your status as a visitor. For example, customers are owed the highest duty of care in retail spaces, while trespassers are generally afforded less protection.
• They breached that duty: The property owner failed to fix or warn you about hazardous conditions, such as a wet floor or broken handrail.
• The breach caused your injury: There must be a clear connection between the unsafe condition and your injury.
• You suffered damages: You must show that your injury led to damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

To do this, gather evidence, such as photographs or videos of the hazard, witness statements, incident reports, and medical records from your injuries and treatment. Report the accident to the property owner to create a record of the incident. Finally, contact a slip and fall lawyer at Morgan & Morgan in Washington, D.C..

Premises liability claims can be complex, and having an experienced attorney in Washington, D.C. by your side will increase your chances of a successful outcome. At Morgan & Morgan, we have over 35 years of experience handling premises liability cases, and we know what it takes to hold negligent property owners accountable. Our attorneys work diligently to gather evidence and build a compelling case that proves the property owner’s responsibility for your injury.

If negotiations with the property owner’s insurance company in Washington, D.C. don’t result in a fair settlement, your attorney may advise filing a premises liability lawsuit. This formal legal action seeks to hold the property owner legally and financially responsible for your injury. 

Compensation can cover various damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, and pain and suffering.

A slip and fall injury might seem minor at first, but the consequences can be long-lasting and severe. These accidents can lead to physical, emotional, and financial challenges, affecting nearly every aspect of your life. At Morgan & Morgan, we understand the profound impact slip and fall injuries can have, and we are here to help victims in Washington, D.C., recover the compensation they deserve.

Physical Impact 

The most immediate and noticeable effect of a slip and fall injury is the physical harm it causes. Injuries can range from minor bruises to severe, life-altering conditions, such as:

• Broken bones: Fractures in the arms, wrists, ankles, or hips are common, especially in older adults.
• Head injuries: Slip and fall accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures, which may lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: A fall can damage the spine, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis in severe cases.
• Soft tissue injuries: Ligament tears, sprains, and strains can cause ongoing pain and require months of rehabilitation. These injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, or extended hospital stays, all of which can disrupt your daily life and limit your independence.

Emotional Impact 

The emotional toll of a slip and fall injury can be just as significant as the physical damage. Victims in Washington, D.C. may experience:

• Anxiety and fear: After an accident, it’s common to feel anxious about walking in public places or even within your own home, fearing another fall.
• Depression: The loss of mobility or independence can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression, especially if the injury prevents you from working or enjoying activities you once loved.
• Social isolation: If your injury limits your ability to engage in social activities, you may feel cut off from your community, contributing to loneliness and emotional distress. These emotional struggles are a legitimate and important part of the recovery process, and victims deserve compensation for the mental anguish caused by a slip and fall accident.

Financial Impact 

The financial burden of a slip and fall injury can be overwhelming. Costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care add up quickly, and without adequate compensation, victims may find themselves facing serious financial difficulties. Key financial challenges include:

• Medical bills: Hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing medical care can quickly become expensive, especially if your injury requires long-term treatment.
• Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may lose weeks or even months of income. In some cases, victims may be unable to return to their previous job or may face reduced earning capacity due to their injury.
• Rehabilitation costs: Long-term physical therapy, home modifications, and assistive devices (such as wheelchairs or walkers) can create additional financial stress. A successful slip and fall claim can help cover these expenses, allowing victims to focus on their recovery without the added burden of financial worry.

Impact on Quality of Life 

A serious slip and fall injury can significantly reduce your quality of life. You may face challenges in performing daily activities, such as:

• Loss of mobility: Injuries like fractures or spinal damage can limit your ability to move freely or care for yourself.
• Chronic pain: Many slip and fall injuries result in ongoing pain that affects your ability to sleep, work, or enjoy recreational activities.
• Loss of independence: Some victims may require assistance with personal care or mobility, forcing them to rely on others or move into assisted living facilities.

In some cases, these changes are permanent, and victims are left with a diminished quality of life that impacts their ability to engage in hobbies, maintain relationships, and enjoy their day-to-day experiences.

To successfully prove that a property owner’s negligence caused your slip and fall accident in Washington, D.C. you’ll need to gather solid evidence, including:

• Photographs or videos of the hazardous condition: Capture images of the wet floor, broken steps, uneven surfaces, or any other dangerous condition that caused your fall in Washington, D.C.
• Witness statements: Collect statements from anyone who saw the accident or can confirm the hazardous condition.
• Incident reports: If the accident happened at a business or other commercial property in Washington, D.C. ask for an incident report and make sure to obtain a copy.
• Medical records: Ensure your medical records document your injuries and the treatment you’ve received, as well as how the injury affects your daily life.
• Maintenance logs or inspection reports: These can show whether the property in Washington, D.C. was regularly checked for hazards or if safety standards were neglected.

All of this evidence can help prove that the property owner or manager failed to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents.

If a property owner in Washington, D.C. claims they were unaware of the hazardous condition that caused your slip and fall, you can still hold them liable if you can prove negligence. Property owners are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions, and this includes regularly inspecting their premises for potential hazards.

To strengthen your case in Washington, D.C. gather evidence such as:

• Photos or videos of the hazardous condition.
• Witness statements from others who saw the condition.
• Maintenance logs showing whether the property was regularly inspected and maintained.

If the hazardous condition had existed for a long time or was obvious, the owner’s claim of unawareness might not absolve them of responsibility.

In Washington, D.C. the laws surrounding shared responsibility can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for a slip and fall accident. Unlike many other jurisdictions, D.C. follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which can make recovering damages challenging if you share any fault for the accident.

What Is Contributory Negligence?

Under D.C.’s contributory negligence standard, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for your slip and fall accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation. This rule is much stricter than the comparative negligence systems used in other states.

For example, if you slipped because of a wet floor but were also looking at your phone and didn’t notice the hazard, the property owner might argue that your distraction contributed to the accident. If this argument succeeds, you may not be able to recover any damages.

How Fault Is Assessed in D.C.

In a slip and fall case, the property owner or their insurance company will likely try to prove that your actions contributed to the accident. They may argue:

• You were distracted: If you were using your phone, not paying attention, or otherwise failing to notice an obvious hazard.
• Ignoring warnings: If there were warning signs or barriers in place and you disregarded them.
• Inappropriate behavior or footwear: Running in an unsafe area or wearing shoes that weren’t suitable for the conditions.

D.C.’s Duty of Care for Property Owners

To recover compensation, you must prove that the property owner breached their duty of care. This includes showing:

1. The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
2. They failed to fix or warn about it in a reasonable time.
3. Their negligence directly caused your injuries.

Morgan & Morgan Can Help

An experienced Washington, D.C. slip and fall attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help reduce your percentage of fault and maximize your compensation by collecting evidence, such as surveillance footage and witness statements, proving the property owner’s liability through maintenance records or prior complaints, and countering any claims that you were partially responsible.