Washington, D.C. Slip & Fall Accident Lawyer

Holding Property Owners Accountable 

In Washington, D.C., property owners and businesses are legally required to keep their premises safe. When they fail to do so and someone is injured, they can be held responsible. 

At United Attorney Group, we have a proven record of standing up to corporations, landlords, and even government entities that try to avoid accountability. With millions in compensation recovered for clients, our trial attorneys know how to build strong cases, challenge insurance companies, and deliver results for injured victims and families.

Why D.C. Clients Choose United Attorney Group

• Over $429 Million Recovered for Injury Victims
• Proven Trial Lawyers Who Take on Insurers and Corporations
• No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
• Spanish-Speaking Support for Victims and Families
• Personalized Service and Step-by-Step Guidance

Our Washington, D.C. slip and fall accident attorneys are available to review your case and legal options. Call (202) 953-3377 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Results That Make a Difference

Our award-winning team has helped numerous victims and families secure justice and compensation following all types of preventable accidents and injuries. Here are some examples of our results:

• $2.9 Million – Wrongful death settlement in a premises liability case.
• $2.7 Million – Recovery for a woman rear-ended by a semi-truck at highway speeds.
• $2.2 Million – Settlement for a client injured by an intoxicated underage driver.
• $1.4 Million– Settlement for a victim of a DUI accident.
• $1.2 Million – Trial victory for a client with a traumatic brain injury.

What Clients Say

"From the moment I reached out, Stephanie showcased not only incredible legal expertise but also a heartfelt commitment to my recovery." – Former Client

"Kevin transformed my truck accident claim from confusion into clarity, providing consistent updates and strong advocacy every step of the way" – Former Client

"I never felt in the dark about my case progress or next steps." – Former Client

Read more client testimonials.

How Slip and Fall Claims Work in Washington, D.C.

Slip and fall claims fall under premises liability law, which requires property owners and occupiers to take reasonable steps to keep their spaces safe. If a business, landlord, or government agency fails to address a dangerous condition, and someone gets hurt, they can be held liable.

To succeed in a claim, you generally must prove:

1. Duty of care – The property owner had a legal obligation to keep the premises reasonably safe.
2. Breach of duty – The owner knew, or should have known, about a hazard and failed to fix it or warn visitors.
3. Causation – That breach directly caused your fall.
4. Damages – You suffered real harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or lasting pain.

Unlike other personal injury cases, slip and fall claims often hinge on whether the hazard was “open and obvious” or whether the property owner had enough time to fix the danger. That’s why investigation and evidence gathering are so important.

Common Hazards That Lead to Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere in Washington, D.C. — from grocery stores to apartment complexes to government buildings. Some of the most frequent hazards include:

• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs in supermarkets, restaurants, or lobbies.
• Uneven sidewalks, cracked pavement, or potholes on city streets and sidewalks.
• Broken or poorly maintained stairs, handrails, or escalators.
• Inadequate lighting in stairwells, parking garages, and apartment hallways.
• Ice and snow left uncleared on walkways during the winter months.
• Clutter, cables, or debris obstructing walkways.
• Malfunctioning elevators or escalators in Metro stations and government buildings.

When property owners cut corners or ignore known hazards, visitors are the ones who pay the price.

Liability: Who’s Responsible for Your Damages?

Liability depends on where the accident happened and who was responsible for maintaining the property. Examples include:

• Private businesses – Grocery stores, hotels, apartment complexes, and retailers have a duty to inspect and repair hazards promptly.
• Landlords and property managers – Rental property owners must keep common areas, sidewalks, and stairwells safe for tenants and guests.
• Government entities – The District of Columbia and agencies such as WMATA may be responsible for unsafe Metro stations, government buildings, or public sidewalks. Claims against government defendants require special notice within as little as six months.
• Contractors and maintenance companies – Third-party companies responsible for repairs, snow removal, or cleaning can also be liable if they fail to do their jobs properly.

These cases are fact-intensive. Our attorneys investigate accident reports, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements to establish liability and hold the right parties accountable.

Damages Available in Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious, long-lasting harm. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment, surgeries, and follow-up care
• Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and mobility devices
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages when a fall results in fatal injuries

Insurance companies often undervalue non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Our trial lawyers work with experts to calculate the full scope of losses, so nothing is left out of your claim.

What to Expect in a Slip and Fall Claim

Every case is unique, but most follow a general path:

1. Investigation – Our team reviews the circumstances of the fall, inspects the property, and collects key evidence such as photos, videos, and witness statements.
2. Notice and Filing – If a government agency is involved, we provide timely notice as required by D.C. law. Otherwise, we file a claim directly with the responsible party’s insurer.
3. Negotiation – We push for a fair settlement that covers your full damages.
4. Litigation – If the other side refuses to take responsibility, we are prepared to file suit and take the case to trial.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed and handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in D.C.?

Generally, you have three years from the date of your accident. However, if a government agency such as WMATA or the District is involved, you may have as little as six months to file notice.

What If the Property Owner Says the Hazard Was “Obvious”?

Owners often claim that victims “should have seen” a hazard. The truth is, every case depends on context. Poor lighting, crowding, or distractions can make hazards less visible. Our attorneys know how to counter these arguments.

What If I Was Partially at Fault?

Because D.C. follows pure contributory negligence, being even 1% at fault may bar recovery. This strict rule is why having experienced legal representation is critical.

Do Slip and Fall Cases Usually Go to Trial?

Many cases resolve through settlement, but our firm is always prepared to go to trial when defendants refuse to take responsibility. Our history of results shows we don’t back down.

Explore Your Legal Options Today

United Attorney Group has built a reputation on holding negligent property owners and government agencies accountable. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Washington, D.C., we’re ready to help.

Call (202) 953-3377 or contact us online for a free consultation.