If you’ve sustained an injury after slipping or tripping and falling on someone else’s property, our Edmond, OK slip and fall lawyer can help you build a compelling case to obtain compensation for your injuries. At Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve been serving the Oklahoma City community for years, and our extensive experience in personal injury law—including slip-and-fall cases—has allowed us to become well-known throughout the legal community. And since we’re available 24/7, our clients know we will be there for them night or day. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today to learn about your options.
How Slip-And-Fall Accidents Happen
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in even the most unlikely places—outside your apartment complex, at the grocery store, inside a doctor’s office, or in someone else’s home. Uneven sidewalks, poorly constructed structures, badly lit stairwells, and slippery surfaces can all attribute to someone slipping, tripping, and falling. These accidents can cause injuries ranging from mild to life-altering.
Some victims may only suffer minor injuries like cuts and bruises. Others, especially older individuals, may experience head trauma, broken bones, fractures, herniated discs, or even concussions. Some victims suffer from nerve damage, dislocated shoulders, knee injuries, or spinal cord injuries. Recovery times for these injuries can vary from days to months to years.
While some victims manage their injuries with a few doctor’s appointments, others are forced to undergo multiple surgeries, long-term hospital stays, and major life changes. Some may never recover at all. That’s why our trip and fall lawyers work tirelessly to secure compensation for victims of such accidents. We know how detrimental a bad fall can be, especially for those with previous injuries or weaker muscles and bones. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, our property accident lawyers will help you through the legal process so you can get back on your feet and back to your life sooner rather than later.
We will walk you through the steps to file your claim, answer any questions you may have about the process, and stand beside you from start to finish. Our Edmond slip and fall attorneys are well-versed in slip-and-fall cases, and we know how to maximize benefits for victims of such incidents. No matter the specific circumstances of your case, we’re here to provide trusted legal guidance to support your claim and get you through this difficult time.
Why You Need A Slip-And-Fall Attorney
Our public place injury lawyers are dedicated to providing quality legal aid to those who’ve suffered injuries in slip-and-fall accidents. We know the ins and outs of the legal system, and we know how to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure adequate payouts for our clients. After an injury, we know you’d rather focus on healing than dealing with pesky legal matters. That’s why we’re here. We’ll take care of the legal side of things so you can take time to recover from your injuries.
When you contact our slip injury lawyers, we will first discuss the details of your claim with you and collect all the evidence we need to move forward with your case. This may include photos or videos from the scene of the accident, witness testimony, medical reports, police reports, personal statements, and copies of your pay stubs if you had to miss work. We may also contact medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists to get a good idea of what exactly happened. All of this information will allow us to create a strong case on your behalf, showing that you require a specific amount of compensation to help cover your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, emotional suffering, and property damage, if needed.
Should the insurance company try to offer a settlement that’s lower than what you deserve, we will fight relentlessly to adjust the offer so that you can be properly compensated for your pain and suffering—especially if it was caused by someone else’s negligence or lack of care. We make sure that every aspect of your case, your injuries, and your future is considered when determining compensation. If need be, we will take your case to court and represent your case on your behalf, fighting to protect your interests and your wallet.
And because we don’t get paid unless you do, you can be sure that we will provide the best legal representation for your case. We work hard to make sure that you obtain the damages owed to you. Our ultimate goal is to protect your well-being and your future.
The sooner we can get started on your case, the better. It’s important to be wary of statute of limitations deadlines, and Oklahoma law states you must open a slip-and-fall case within two years of the accident to be able to move forward, so it’s vital that you don’t hesitate when it comes to slip-and-fall cases. If you’re unsure of how to get started, we can help walk you through the process and get you moving in the right direction. From start to finish, we’ll be here for you.
How We Can Help You
Our clients know the importance of working with a trusted legal advisor when they’ve been injured on someone else’s property. Our Edmond slip and fall attorneys will work with you every step of the way, providing the guidance and support you need to get through the legal process. Our ultimate goal is to guide you through the process and secure a successful outcome for your case.
Because we know how insurance companies operate, we’re able to handle their tactics that often try to minimize payouts to slip-and-fall victims. We use our skills and experience to combat their arguments, helping you to obtain the compensation you need to cover your recovery costs.
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, contact our premises liability lawyers at Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers today for dedicated legal support. You don’t have to go through this alone—we will be there for you throughout the entire process, helping you every step of the way. Let’s get through this together.
Slip and Fall Lawyer Edmond, OK
At Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent people across Edmond and central Oklahoma who have been hurt because a property owner failed to maintain safe conditions. Our attorneys have 54 years of combined experience handling injury cases, and we’ve seen how quickly insurance companies try to shift blame onto the person who fell. We are not going to let that happen to you. Our Edmond, OK slip and fall lawyer offers free consultations for every fall injury case.
Why Choose Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers for Slip and Fall Cases in Edmond, OK?
Oklahoma Trial Attorneys Who Understand Premises Liability
When you hire a slip and fall attorney in Edmond, you need someone who understands how Oklahoma courts handle premises liability claims.
Ryan Polchinski has been practicing law since 2014 and is licensed by the Oklahoma Bar Association. Before turning 30, Ryan had an opinion published by the Court of Civil Appeals of the State of Oklahoma in Estenson Logistics et al v. Hopson, 2015 OK CIV APP 71. That kind of appellate recognition early in a legal career speaks to the quality of his legal work. He earned his J.D. from Oklahoma City University School of Law and is a member of the Oklahoma Association for Justice.
Andrew Polchinski has been practicing for 8 years and holds bar admissions in both Oklahoma and Texas. He earned his J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and has tried several jury trials to verdict. Andrew is a member of the Oklahoma County Bar Association and the Oklahoma Asian American Bar Association.
Houston Smith rounds out the team with 35 years of legal practice and bar admissions in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. That depth of experience matters when your slip and fall case in Edmond involves complex liability questions or large insurance carriers.
Proven Results for Injury Victims
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for our clients across a range of personal injury cases. Every fall injury case is different, but our track record shows we know how to build claims that produce real results for the people we represent. If you’re searching for a personal injury lawyer in Edmond, OK, our team is here to help.
What Our Clients Say
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“Andrew and Ryan are exceptional attorneys. There is no one else I would recommend above these two. They are kind, sincere and very skilled as Personal Injury Attorneys. It is hard to find an attorney who actually really cares about their clients. These two do and it shows in every conversation you have with them and how well they settle cases.” – SA Hoffpauir
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Types of Slip and Fall Cases We Handle in Edmond
Fall injuries don’t happen the same way every time. The location, the hazard, and the circumstances all shape the legal strategy required to prove liability. Unlike motorcycle accidents or truck accident cases where fault is often clearer, slip and fall claims require proving the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. Here are some of the fall injury cases we handle for clients in Edmond.
- Wet floor accidents. Grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops have a duty to clean up spills or at least post adequate warning signs. When they don’t, customers pay the price with broken bones and head injuries. We know how to prove that the property owner knew about the hazard or should have known.
- Uneven surfaces and sidewalks. Cracked sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, and uneven flooring transitions cause serious trip and fall injuries. These cases often involve determining who is liable for maintaining the walking surface.
- Stairway and handrail falls. Missing handrails, broken steps, and poorly lit stairwells lead to some of the most severe fall injuries we see. Spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries are not uncommon in stairway accidents.
- Parking lot falls. Poor lighting, ice accumulation, and deteriorating pavement in Edmond parking lots create conditions that cause falls. Commercial property owners have a legal obligation to keep these areas safe for visitors.
- Workplace slips and falls. If you fell at work, you may have both a workers compensation claim and a potential premises liability case against a third-party property owner. Our firm handles slips, trips, and falls in the workplace context as well.
- Nursing home and apartment falls. Landlords and care facilities owe residents a heightened duty of care. When negligent maintenance causes a fall, we pursue every available avenue for compensation.
Oklahoma Legal Requirements for Slip and Fall Cases
Oklahoma premises liability law places specific obligations on property owners, and understanding these statutes is critical to any fall injury claim in Edmond.
Statute of Limitations. Under Oklahoma Statute Title 12, § 95, you have two years from the date of your fall to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case regardless of how strong the evidence is. Two years sounds like plenty of time, but evidence in fall cases disappears fast. Surveillance footage gets recorded over. Witnesses forget details. Property owners fix the hazard that caused your injury. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better your chances.
Comparative Negligence. Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Title 23, § 13. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for your fall, as long as your share of the blame doesn’t exceed 50%. But the insurance company will reduce your award by your percentage of fault. So if you’re found 20% responsible and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you receive nothing.
Government Property Claims. Falls on government-owned property in Edmond, including city sidewalks and public buildings, fall under the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act (51 O.S. § 151). You must file a written notice of your claim within one year. If the government denies your claim, you only have 180 days to file suit. These shortened deadlines catch many people off guard.
Property owners in Oklahoma owe different duties of care depending on your status as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. Customers in a store are invitees and receive the highest level of protection. This distinction affects how we build your case and what we need to prove.
What Damages Are Recoverable in Edmond Slip and Fall Cases?
The injuries from a fall might seem minor at first. But fractured wrists, herniated discs, torn ligaments, and traumatic brain injuries can require months or even years of treatment. Oklahoma law allows fall injury victims to seek several categories of damages.
Economic Damages. These are the losses you can calculate with receipts and records: hospital bills, surgical costs, physical therapy, prescription medications, lost wages from missed work, and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job. In serious cases involving recoverable damages, economic losses alone can reach well into six figures.
Non-Economic Damages. Oklahoma also recognizes compensation for losses that don’t come with a price tag. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the frustration of living with permanent limitations all qualify. These damages can be substantial, particularly in cases involving chronic pain or lasting disability.
Punitive Damages. In rare cases where the property owner’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional, the court may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you. They exist to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior. Oklahoma law (Title 23, § 9.1) sets specific thresholds for punitive damage awards. When a fall results in death, surviving family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible property owner.
A slip and fall lawyer in Edmond can help you document the full scope of your losses. Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your claim or argue that your injuries were pre-existing. We work with medical professionals to establish the connection between the fall and your current condition and fight for every dollar you’re owed.
What Steps Should I Take After a Slip and Fall Accident?
The first hours and days after a fall are critical for building a strong premises liability case. Here are 10 steps you should take if you’re hurt in a fall.
1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you think your injuries are minor, go to a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions and internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. Medical records also create a documented timeline linking the fall to your injuries.
2. Report the incident. Tell the property owner, store manager, or landlord about the fall. Ask them to create a written incident report. Get a copy for your records if possible.
3. Document the scene. Use your phone to photograph the hazard that caused your fall. Capture wet floors, broken tiles, uneven pavement, missing handrails, or poor lighting. Take wide shots and close-ups. This type of evidence is just as important in fall cases as it is in bicycle accident injuries or any other personal injury claim.
4. Collect witness information. If anyone saw you fall, get their names and phone numbers. Witness testimony can be powerful evidence when the property owner denies the hazard existed.
5. Preserve your clothing and shoes. The shoes you were wearing during the fall and any damaged clothing may serve as evidence. Don’t throw them away or wash them.
6. Do not give recorded statements. The property owner’s insurance company may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
7. Keep detailed records. Track every medical appointment, prescription, and day of missed work. Save all receipts and correspondence related to your injuries.
8. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. If you skip appointments or ignore medical advice, the insurance company will argue your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
9. Avoid posting on social media. Insurance adjusters monitor social media for evidence that contradicts your injury claims. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context.
10. Contact an Edmond slip and fall attorney. The earlier you get legal representation, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights. Many common mistakes happen when people try to handle fall claims on their own.
Slip and Fall Statistics in Edmond
Fall injuries are a serious and growing public health problem, both nationally and right here in central Oklahoma.
According to CDC fall data, over 14 million adults aged 65 and older report falling each year in the United States. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in that age group. The CDC’s facts page reports approximately 3 million emergency department visits annually due to older adult falls, along with nearly 1 million hospitalizations.
But falls don’t only affect seniors. The National Floor Safety Institute reports that slips, trips, and falls account for a significant portion of workers’ compensation claims across all age groups. Walking surfaces contribute to 55% of all fall incidents, which means the condition of floors, sidewalks, and parking lots directly determines how many people get hurt.
The financial burden is staggering. The National Council on Aging projects that fall-related medical costs will exceed $101 billion annually by 2030. Health care spending for non-fatal falls among older adults already reached $80 billion as of 2020. And those figures don’t account for lost wages, diminished quality of life, or the cost of long-term rehabilitation.
OSHA data on slips and falls consistently ranks falls among the leading causes of workplace injury and death. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks fall injuries as one of the most common reasons for missed work days across multiple industries.
Edmond is a growing city with an expanding retail, commercial, and residential footprint. More construction, more shopping centers, and more multi-story buildings mean more opportunities for hazardous conditions to develop. Falls also contribute to car accident claims and pedestrian accidents when uneven or icy surfaces cause someone to stumble into traffic. Property owners have a legal obligation to address these hazards. When they don’t, our firm holds them accountable.
Edmond Slip and Fall Lawyer FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a slip and fall attorney in Edmond?
We offer free consultations for all fall injury cases. There is no cost to sit down with us and discuss what happened.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Oklahoma?
Two years from the date of your injury under Oklahoma Statute 12 O.S. § 95. If you fell on government property, the deadline to file a notice of claim is just one year.
What if I was partially at fault for my fall?
Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
What kind of evidence do I need for a fall injury claim?
Photos of the hazard, medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage are all valuable. An experienced fall accident attorney can help identify and preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
Can I sue if I fell in a store or restaurant?
Yes. Commercial property owners owe customers a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions. If a spill, broken tile, or other hazard caused your fall, the business may be liable.
How much is my slip and fall case worth?
Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, and the degree of the property owner’s negligence. Our attorneys evaluate what injury claims may be worth on a case-by-case basis.
What injuries are common in slip and fall accidents?
Broken bones (especially wrists, hips, and ankles), traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, torn ligaments, and soft tissue damage are among the most frequent fall injuries we see.
Will my case go to trial?
Most premises liability cases settle before trial. But our attorneys have trial experience and are prepared to take your case before a jury if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
What if the property owner fixed the hazard after my fall?
Post-incident repairs do not erase liability for the conditions that existed when you fell. In fact, repairs can sometimes serve as evidence that the property owner recognized the hazard.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall claim?
Technically, no. But insurance companies routinely undervalue or deny fall claims when the injured person doesn’t have legal representation. Mistakes can hurt your case significantly if you handle it alone.
How long does a slip and fall case take to resolve?
It depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and how aggressively the insurance company fights liability. Some cases resolve in a few months. Others take a year or more.
What if I fell on a city sidewalk in Edmond?
Claims against government entities in Oklahoma follow special rules. You must file a notice of claim within one year and comply with the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act.
Can I recover damages if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?
Yes, but delays in medical treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries were not caused by the fall. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible strengthens your claim.
What does a premises liability attorney actually do?
We investigate the conditions that caused your fall, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file suit if necessary. Our job is to build the strongest possible case for compensation after an injury on someone else’s property.
What should I do if the insurance company contacts me after a fall?
Do not give a recorded statement without first speaking to a slip and fall lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Most Dangerous Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents in Edmond
Edmond has grown rapidly in recent years, and certain areas see more fall injuries than others. Based on the volume of commercial foot traffic and the condition of public spaces, these locations pose elevated risks.
The shopping and restaurant corridors along East 2nd Street and South Broadway see heavy pedestrian activity, particularly during peak hours and wet weather. Water tracked into storefronts and uneven transitions between older and newer pavement are recurring hazards. DUI-related accidents in these areas compound fall risks when vehicles jump curbs near busy walkways.
The Edmond Town Center and surrounding retail areas near I-35 generate significant foot traffic. Parking lot surfaces, curb heights, and drainage issues contribute to fall risks, especially after rain or ice storms.
Older commercial properties along East 15th Street and Covell Road sometimes have deferred maintenance on walkways and entryways. Cracked sidewalks, insufficient lighting, and worn flooring surfaces are common issues.
Public parks and recreational trails, including Mitch Park and Hafer Park, present trip hazards from tree roots, uneven pathway surfaces, and seasonal weather conditions. Multi-use trails can become slippery when wet.
Apartment complexes throughout Edmond, particularly older properties, may have deteriorating stairways, inadequate outdoor lighting, and poorly maintained common areas.
What Are Important Local Resources for Edmond Slip and Fall Victims?
If you’ve been injured in a fall in Edmond, the following local resources may be helpful during your recovery. This list is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any organization by Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers.
- Edmond Police Department – (405) 359-4338 (non-emergency). File an incident report if your fall occurred on public property or if you need an official record of the event.
- INTEGRIS Health Edmond Hospital – (405) 657-3000. Full-service emergency department and the largest ER in the Edmond area, located at 4801 Integris Parkway.
- OU Health Edmond Medical Center – (405) 341-6100. An 85-bed community hospital providing emergency and surgical services at 1 S. Bryant Ave.
- Mercy Edmond I-35 – (405) 486-8600. Emergency department and primary care clinic located near I-35 and East 15th Street.
- City of Edmond – (405) 359-4500. Contact the city for reporting hazardous sidewalk conditions, street defects, and other public property maintenance concerns.
This list is not an endorsement of any service provider or organization listed above.
Contact Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a family member was injured in a slip and fall accident in Edmond, Oklahoma, don’t wait to get legal help. Evidence disappears and deadlines pass faster than most people realize. Our firm offers free consultations for every premises liability case, and our attorneys will evaluate your claim at no cost to you.
We handle fall injury cases throughout the Edmond area and central Oklahoma. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward holding the responsible property owner accountable.
