What Makes a Property Owner Liable for a Slip and Fall in Arizona?
Under Arizona premises liability law, property owners and occupiers owe a duty of reasonable care to people lawfully on their property. That duty includes regularly inspecting the premises, correcting known hazards in a timely manner, and warning visitors of dangers that cannot be immediately fixed. Common hazards that cause slip and fall accidents in Phoenix and across Arizona include wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs, uneven or cracked pavement, unmarked elevation changes, loose carpeting or floor mats, inadequate lighting in stairwells and parking lots, and spilled liquids in grocery stores or restaurants. To win a slip and fall claim, you must show the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to act. Sher Law Group investigates the history of the dangerous condition, obtains incident reports, and identifies all liable parties.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries and Why They Are Serious
Slip and fall accidents are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injury, hip fractures, and spinal cord injury in the United States — especially for older adults. A fall onto a hard floor or pavement can cause a fractured hip requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation, herniated or compressed spinal discs causing chronic pain or nerve damage, traumatic brain injuries from striking the head on the floor or a nearby surface, broken wrists and arms from attempting to break the fall, and torn knee ligaments (ACL, MCL) or shoulder injuries. Many victims also suffer from ongoing pain, reduced mobility, and emotional trauma. The medical and rehabilitation costs for serious fall injuries can reach tens of thousands of dollars, making full compensation essential for long-term recovery.
Compensation Available in Arizona Slip and Fall Cases
Arizona's comparative fault system allows slip and fall victims to recover damages even if they were partly responsible — for example, if you were distracted or wearing flip-flops. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still be compensated for medical bills past and future, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases punitive damages if the property owner's conduct was egregious. Arizona's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly is critical because surveillance footage, incident reports, and witness memories deteriorate rapidly. Sher Law Group can send a preservation letter to the property owner immediately after being retained to secure this evidence.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident in Arizona
Report the accident to the property owner, manager, or store supervisor and insist that a written incident report be created — get a copy if possible. Photograph the hazard that caused your fall, the surrounding area, any warning signs (or lack thereof), and your injuries before leaving the scene. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Seek medical attention the same day, even if pain seems minor — many serious injuries worsen over 24 to 48 hours and a delay in treatment undermines your claim. Do not sign any documents from the property owner or their insurer, and do not give a recorded statement without first consulting an attorney. Property owners and commercial businesses have insurance carriers and legal teams protecting their interests immediately. Call Sher Law Group at 480-418-7437 for a free consultation and we will begin protecting yours.
