Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyer

Were you injured in a slip and fall accident in Indianapolis, IN?

At Pavlack Law, LLC, we help injured clients in Indianapolis pursue full recovery in slip and fall matters.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Indianapolis, an attorney can determine whether the property owner failed to address a hazard and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain. Owners and their insurers often dispute these claims from the start.

An Indianapolis, IN slip and fall lawyer at Pavlack Law, LLC can investigate the conditions that caused your fall and document how the injury has affected your life. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience. Contact our office for a free consultation.

Slip and Fall Lawyer Indianapolis, IN

A slip and fall claim seeks compensation from a property owner or occupier whose failure to maintain safe conditions caused someone to fall and get hurt. Wet floors, ice, broken pavement, loose handrails, and poor lighting are common examples. A slip and fall lawyer gathers proof of the hazard, shows that the owner knew or should have known about it, and connects the fall to the injuries that followed.

Falls caused 685 deaths, 13,359 hospitalizations, and 75,589 emergency department visits among Hoosiers age 65 and older in 2023, according to the Indiana Department of Health. Younger adults are hurt in falls as well, particularly in parking lots, workplaces, and apartment stairwells across Marion County.

Types of Slip and Fall Cases We Handle in Indianapolis

Falls happen in nearly every kind of public and private space. Each setting brings different questions about who controlled the property and what inspections were required. As slip and fall attorneys, we handle claims arising from the following situations.

• Wet and slippery floors. Spills, freshly mopped surfaces, and tracked-in rain create hazards in grocery stores, restaurants, and big-box retailers. We look at cleaning logs and warning signs to determine whether the store acted reasonably.
• Ice and snow. Untreated sidewalks, entrances, and parking areas cause serious falls every Indianapolis winter. We examine salting and snow removal records to show when the property was last treated.
• Uneven pavement. Cracked sidewalks, potholes, and raised concrete slabs can catch a shoe without warning. We document measurements and photographs before repairs erase the evidence.
• Stairway falls. Broken steps, missing handrails, and inconsistent step heights lead to some of the most severe fall injuries. Maintenance history and prior complaints often show whether the defect was known.
• Parking lot falls. Poor lighting, faded curb markings, and debris create hazards where drivers and pedestrians share space. We identify whether the owner, tenant, or a maintenance contractor was responsible.
• Poor lighting. Dim stairwells, hallways, and garages hide hazards that would otherwise be obvious. Lighting conditions at the time of the fall can be reconstructed through photographs and witness accounts.
• Loose rugs and flooring. Torn carpet, curled mats, and warped floorboards cause trips in stores, offices, and rental properties. We review whether the condition was reported before your fall.
• Escalator and elevator falls. Sudden stops, misaligned steps, and mechanical failures on escalators and elevators can throw riders off balance. These cases may involve both the property owner and the company that maintains the equipment.
• Falls at rental properties. Tenants and guests are hurt by broken steps, unlit common areas, and ignored repair requests. A landlord’s responsibility often depends on who controlled the area where the fall happened.
• Falls at schools and public events. Crowded venues, bleachers, and temporary walkways create fall risks for children and adults alike. We identify the organization responsible for maintaining the space.

Why Choose Pavlack Law, LLC as My Slip and Fall Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN?

Peer-Recognized Litigation Experience

Eric S. Pavlack founded Pavlack Law, LLC in 2011 after years of litigating complex cases at a large Indianapolis firm. His peers have recognized that experience. He presented at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association 24th Annual Lifetime Achievement Seminar in 2012 and received an AV Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Eric has been admitted to practice in Indiana since 1999.

Fall cases often turn on documents that property owners would prefer to keep private, such as inspection logs, incident reports, and maintenance contracts. That same attention to records is what an injured person should expect from a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, IN.

Results in Fall and Premises Cases

Our firm’s record includes millions of dollars recovered through settlements with property owners, employers, and insurers. Results involving falls include:

• $900,000 for a construction worker badly injured when he fell through an unmarked opening in the roof of a commercial construction project
• $750,000 for a woman injured at work when she slipped on untreated ice
• $450,000 for a man who tripped on uneven pavement in a convenience store parking lot

We take slip and fall cases on a contingency basis. You pay no attorney fee unless we make a recovery.

What Is Important to Understand About a Slip and Fall Case?

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall claims are one category of premises liability law, and a fall alone does not create a claim. Liability depends on whether the owner or occupier failed to use reasonable care in keeping the property safe. In most cases, that means showing the owner knew about the hazardous condition, created it, or would have discovered it through reasonable inspection, and then failed to fix it or warn visitors.

The reason a person was on the property also matters. Indiana negligence law generally places the highest duty of care on owners who invite customers or guests onto their property for business purposes.

Shared fault is common in fall cases. Insurers often argue that the injured person should have watched their step. Under Indiana’s comparative fault rules, your compensation is reduced by any percentage of fault assigned to you, and recovery is barred if your fault exceeds that of all other parties combined.

Damages in a slip and fall claim can include:

• Medical treatment. Emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and future care needs.
• Lost income. Missed work and reduced ability to earn in the future.
• Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress, and lost enjoyment of daily activities.
• Permanent impairment. Long-term limitations from injuries such as spinal cord injuries or hip fractures.

What Are Important Aspects of a Slip and Fall Case?

Slip and fall claims depend heavily on evidence that can disappear within days. An experienced slip and fall lawyer will focus on the following points early:

• The hazard itself. Photographs of the spill, ice, or defect taken before cleanup are often the most persuasive evidence in the case.
• Notice. Prior complaints, earlier incidents, and inspection schedules show whether the owner had a chance to correct the problem.
• Surveillance footage. Many stores record over video within a short period unless someone requests that it be preserved.
• Footwear and conditions. Insurers ask what you were wearing and whether weather made the hazard obvious.

What Is The Slip and Fall Case Timeline?

Timing depends on the severity of the injury and whether the property owner’s insurer accepts responsibility. Most claims handled by an Indianapolis slip and fall attorney move through these stages:

1. Evidence preservation. We send requests to preserve video, incident reports, and maintenance records.
2. Medical treatment. You follow your treatment plan while we monitor your recovery and costs.
3. Demand. Once the injury stabilizes, we present a demand supported by medical and financial records.
4. Negotiation or lawsuit. If the insurer will not pay fairly, we file suit and begin discovery.
5. Resolution. The case settles, resolves through mediation, or proceeds to trial.

What Should You Bring to Your Slip and Fall Consultation?

The following items help our attorneys understand what happened and how the property owner may respond:

• Photos or video of the location where you fell
• The incident report, if the business completed one
• Names and contact information for witnesses or employees
• Medical records and bills related to the fall
• The shoes you were wearing, or photos of them

At the free consultation, an Indianapolis slip and fall attorney will review the circumstances of the fall and explain whether the evidence supports a claim.

Reach Out to Pavlack Law, LLC to Schedule a Consultation

Evidence in fall cases fades quickly, so it helps to speak with an attorney while video and records still exist. Pavlack Law, LLC offers free consultations and handles these cases on a contingency basis. Our office takes new inquiries 24/7. Contact us to speak with an Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer about your injury.

Indianapolis Slip And Fall Infographic

Slip and Fall Statistics in Indianapolis

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in Indiana, and the consequences are often severe. Hip fractures, head injuries, and broken wrists can end independence for older adults and keep working adults off the job for months.

State and federal data show that the problem is growing rather than shrinking. Many of these injuries happen on property that someone else was responsible for maintaining, which is where a slip and fall lawyer in Indianapolis becomes involved. The figures below come from the Indiana Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Safety Council, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• The rate of fall-related deaths among Hoosiers age 65 and older increased by more than 60% between 2014 and 2023, and hospital charges for fall injuries in that age group exceeded $1.7 billion in 2023.
• Over 14 million adults age 65 and older, roughly one in four, report falling each year, according to CDC falls data.
• About 37% of older adults who fall report an injury that requires medical treatment or restricts activity for at least a day.
• Preventable falls killed 43,020 Americans age 65 and older in 2024, according to the National Safety Council.
• Falls, slips, and trips caused 12 workplace deaths in Indiana in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall?

The first hour after a fall can shape the entire claim. These steps protect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.

1. Get medical attention. Some injuries, including concussions and internal bleeding, are not obvious right away. A prompt medical evaluation also creates a record linking your injuries to the fall. Serious falls can cause brain injuries that worsen over hours.
2. Report the fall. Tell a manager, landlord, or property representative what happened and ask that an incident report be completed. Request a copy, although many businesses will not provide one on the spot.
3. Photograph the hazard. Take pictures of the spill, ice, broken step, or poor lighting before it is cleaned up or repaired. Include wide shots that show the surrounding area and any missing warning signs.
4. Collect witness information. Customers, employees, and passersby may have seen the fall or the hazard beforehand. Their names and phone numbers can be difficult to track down later.
5. Keep your shoes and clothing. Insurers frequently blame footwear. Preserving what you wore allows your attorney to respond to that argument with evidence.
6. Write down what you remember. Note the time, weather, lighting, and anything employees said about the hazard. Details fade quickly, and a written account made the same day carries weight.
7. Avoid giving recorded statements. The property owner’s insurer may call within days. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney.
8. Watch what you post. Photos and comments on social media can be used to suggest your injuries are minor. It is best to avoid posting about the fall or your recovery.
9. Contact a slip and fall attorney. A lawyer can send preservation requests for surveillance video and maintenance records before they are lost. Early action often makes the difference in proving notice.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyer FAQs

How much does an Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer cost?

Pavlack Law, LLC handles slip and fall claims on a contingency basis. You pay nothing up front, and there is no attorney fee unless we make a recovery. The initial consultation is free. This arrangement allows injured people to pursue a claim without adding another bill while they recover.

Do I have a case if I slipped on a wet floor in a store?

You may. The key questions are whether the store created the spill, knew about it, or should have found it through reasonable inspection, and whether it failed to clean it up or warn customers. Cleaning logs, video, and employee testimony usually answer those questions. A slip and fall lawyer can request that the store preserve this evidence before it is lost.

What if there was a wet floor sign?

A warning sign does not automatically defeat a claim. The sign must be placed where a reasonable person would see it, and it must actually warn of the hazard that caused the fall. A sign placed far from the spill, or one left out for hours as routine, may not satisfy the owner’s duty.

Can I sue if I fell on ice in a parking lot?

Possibly. Owners and businesses are generally expected to take reasonable steps to address ice and snow in areas they control. Whether they did so depends on the timing of the storm, their snow removal practices, and how long the ice was present before the fall.

What if I was partly at fault for my fall?

You can still recover in many cases. Indiana reduces your compensation by your share of fault. For example, if you are found 25% at fault and your damages are $80,000, you would recover $60,000. Recovery is barred only if your fault is greater than the combined fault of the other parties.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Indiana?

Indiana’s general statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of your fall to file a personal injury lawsuit. Evidence such as video footage may be lost much sooner, so it is best to contact a slip and fall attorney as early as possible.

Who is responsible if I fell at an apartment complex?

It depends on who controlled the area. Landlords are often responsible for common areas such as stairwells, hallways, and parking lots. A tenant may be responsible for conditions inside their own unit. We review the lease and maintenance arrangements to identify the responsible party.

What if my fall happened at work?

Workplace falls are usually covered by workers’ compensation, but other parties may also be responsible. A contractor, property owner, or equipment company that created the hazard can sometimes be sued separately. Falls from heights often overlap with construction site injuries and third-party claims.

Can a family file a claim if a loved one died after a fall?

Yes. When a fall caused by unsafe property conditions leads to death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases address funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of a loved one’s companionship.

What is a slip and fall case worth?

Value depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of treatment, lost income, and how the fall has affected your daily life. A broken wrist that heals in eight weeks will be valued very differently from a hip fracture that requires surgery and long-term care. Most businesses carry premises liability insurance, and the available policy limits also affect the outcome. We explain the factors that apply to your case during the consultation.

Important Resources for Indianapolis Slip and Fall Cases

What Are Important Indiana Legal Resources for Slip and Fall Cases?

Indiana’s statutes and court information are published online. These resources can help you find the laws that affect a fall claim.

• Indiana Code Title 34 contains Indiana’s civil law and procedure statutes.
• Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4 establishes the two-year statute of limitations for most injury claims.
• Ind. Code § 34-51-2 explains how comparative fault is divided among the parties.
• The Self-Service Legal Center explains court procedures and forms.
• The Indiana courts and clerks directory lists Marion County court contacts.

What Are Important Local Resources for Indianapolis Slip and Fall Cases?

These Indianapolis resources can help with medical care after a fall and with reporting unsafe public conditions.

• Mayor’s Action Center: (317) 327-4622 for reporting unsafe sidewalks and other public hazards
• Eskenazi Health Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center: (317) 880-0000
• IU Health Methodist Hospital: (317) 962-2000

Pavlack Law, LLC does not endorse and is not affiliated with any organization listed above. These resources are provided for informational purposes only.

About Pavlack Law, LLC

Pavlack Law, LLC represents people hurt by unsafe property conditions throughout Indianapolis, and our results include a $595,000 settlement for a woman injured by a poorly maintained and malfunctioning rental scooter. Founder Eric Pavlack earned his J.D. from Indiana University’s McKinney School of Law in 1999 and belongs to the Indianapolis Bar Association. Our attorneys handle fall and premises claims from our Indianapolis law office.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“Eric Pavlack is truly exceptional! He is knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about his clients. Throughout the entire process, he was responsive, clear, and always had my best interests in mind. I felt confident and supported every step of the way. Highly recommend!”

Jen Becker

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Indianapolis Slip and Fall Cases

• Important Evidence in Slip and Fall Cases
• Is a Business to Blame for a Recent Slip and Fall?
• Myths About Slip and Fall Claims Stop Injured People From Getting Compensation
• Slip and Fall Accidents at School: What Parents Should Know
• 2 Catastrophic Injuries That May Result From Slip and Fall Accidents

Contact Pavlack Law, LLC

A fall can happen in seconds, but the injuries can affect your work and independence for months or years. Pavlack Law, LLC investigates property conditions, preserves evidence, and holds owners accountable when they fail to keep visitors safe. We charge no fee unless we make a recovery, and your consultation is free. We will review the circumstances of your fall, explain your options, and describe what to expect from the claims process. Contact us today to talk with a slip and fall attorney in Indianapolis.