If you’ve suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident, you may be wondering: “When is the property owner responsible?” The answer depends on the circumstances of your fall and the property owner’s duty of care. In Arizona, premises liability law holds property owners accountable if their negligence created unsafe conditions that caused your injuries.
With over 25 years of experience, Jeff GOULD Law is the Attorney in YOUR Corner. Our extensive background in Arizona personal injury law ensures that you have the guidance and support you need to understand your rights, protect your health, and pursue fair compensation.
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Understanding Premises Liability in Arizona
Slip and fall accidents come under what’s called premises liability law. This area of law determines when property owners are legally responsible for accidents and injuries that happen on their property.
Property owners, whether private homeowners, business owners, or government entities, have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to correct hazards or provide proper warnings, they may be liable for injuries.
Common hazards that lead to slip and fall claims include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven flooring, broken tiles, or loose carpeting
- Poor lighting in stairwells or walkways
- Obstructed aisles or walkways
- Icy sidewalks or parking lots
Types of Premises Liability Claims
Premises liability claims in Arizona cover a wide range of situations where unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause injuries. These claims may arise in residential homes, commercial businesses, public spaces, or private residences. Below are some of the most common types:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are the most frequent premises liability claims. They occur when a person slips, trips, or falls because of hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or debris. Property owners may be liable if they fail to warn visitors or address these dangers in a timely manner.
Negligent Security
Property owners also have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect visitors from foreseeable risks like assaults, robberies, or other criminal acts. Failure to provide adequate lighting, security personnel, or surveillance can result in liability if someone is injured due to a lack of proper security measures.
Dangerous Conditions
Hazards such as broken stairs, defective handrails, loose floorboards, or exposed wiring fall into this category. When property owners fail to repair or remove known dangers or neglect to provide proper warnings, they can be held responsible for resulting injuries.
Other Examples
Premises liability claims can also include injuries from swimming pool accidents, dog bites, elevator or escalator malfunctions, or other unsafe property conditions.
When Is a Property Owner Liable?
Liability depends on whether the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, and whether they took reasonable steps to fix it.
For example:
- If a grocery store employee mops the floor but fails to place a warning sign, and a customer slips, the store may be responsible.
- If a landlord ignores repeated complaints about a broken step and a tenant is injured, the landlord could be held liable.
- On the other hand, if a spill occurred moments before an accident and the property owner had no reasonable opportunity to address it, liability may not apply.
The key question is whether the property owner acted with reasonable care to keep their premises safe.
Evidence Matters
Slip and fall cases often hinge on evidence. Important proof can include:
- Incident reports filed with the business
- Photographs of the hazardous condition
- Surveillance footage (if available)
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Witness statements confirming the unsafe condition
Gathering and preserving this evidence quickly is crucial, as property owners may repair hazards or footage may be erased soon after an accident.
Special Considerations in Arizona
Comparative Negligence:
Arizona law allows for shared fault under the Comparative Negligence principle of tort law. If you were partially responsible for the fall (e.g., distracted by your phone), your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Government Properties:
If your slip and fall occurred on public property, different notice requirements and shorter deadlines apply, making it essential to act quickly.
Common Injuries from Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents are often underestimated, but the injuries can be severe, including:
- Fractures (especially wrists, hips, and ankles)
- Traumatic brain injuries or concussions
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue damage (sprains, strains, torn ligaments)
These injuries may require extensive treatment, time off work, and long-term recovery, all of which can create significant financial and emotional stress.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Insurance companies often minimize slip and fall claims, arguing that the victim should have been more careful or that the hazard wasn’t severe. Without strong legal representation, it’s easy to accept less than what you truly deserve.
With Jeff Gould Law, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. We know the strategies insurers use and how to counter them. From gathering evidence to negotiating fair settlements, we fight to ensure your voice is heard.
Call Jeff Gould Law Today
Were you or a loved one injured in a slip and fall accident in the Oro Valley, Marana, or Tucson area? Don’t let property owner negligence and insurance company tactics deny you fair compensation.
You need an experienced advocate to pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
Don’t DELAY: Call Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney In YOUR Corner – TODAY!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this blog/site is not intended to be legal advice. It is for general informational use only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your situation. Further, this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.