When You Can Sue and How to Get Help
Slipping on a wet floor. Tripping on broken pavement. Falling down icy stairs. These moments happen in seconds—but the physical and financial consequences can last a lifetime.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall incident on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation under Nebraska or Iowa law. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, we help injury victims across South Sioux City and the surrounding region hold negligent property owners accountable.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights after a slip and fall—and how our firm can help you recover what you’re owed.
What Counts as a Slip and Fall Injury?
Slip and fall accidents fall under an area of law known as premises liability, which holds property owners and managers responsible for keeping their spaces safe.
Common causes of slip and fall injuries include:
- Wet or slippery floors (from spills or cleaning)
- Ice or snow accumulation on walkways
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Loose rugs or torn carpeting
- Broken stairs or missing handrails
- Poor lighting in hallways or stairwells
- Cluttered store aisles or walkways
If the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard—and failed to fix it or warn you—they may be held legally responsible.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
While some people walk away with just a bruise, others suffer serious, life-altering injuries. At Fitch & Stahle, we’ve represented clients with:
- Broken bones (hips, wrists, ankles)
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Back injuries (herniated discs)
- Long-term mobility issues
These injuries often require emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and extended time off work—all of which add up quickly in cost.
How Do You Prove Fault in a Slip and Fall Case?
Slip and fall claims require more than just showing that you fell. To build a successful case, we must prove:
A dangerous condition existed on the property
The property owner knew—or should have known—about the hazard
They failed to fix it or warn visitors
You were injured as a direct result of that hazard
At Fitch & Stahle, our team gathers evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and photographs of the scene to prove your case.
What If the Property Owner Blames You?
It’s common for property owners or insurers to say you were:
- Not paying attention
- Wearing improper footwear
- Ignoring warning signs
- Somewhere you weren’t supposed to be
Nebraska and Iowa both use comparative fault laws, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partly responsible—but you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault.
We know how to counter these tactics and present a strong case for why the majority of the blame lies with the negligent property owner.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover?
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident, you may be eligible for compensation including:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehab)
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Each case is different, which is why we offer free consultations to evaluate your specific circumstances.
Act Quickly — There Are Time Limits
Slip and fall claims must be filed within a specific timeframe, known as the statute of limitations:
- Nebraska: 4 years from the date of injury
- Iowa: 2 years from the date of injury
If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover any compensation. The sooner you call us, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.