Slip and fall accidents in Rhode Island stores can result in serious injuries, from broken bones to head trauma and chronic pain. State law requires store owners to maintain safe conditions for customers. When they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, the property owner may be held legally responsible.
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall in a Rhode Island store, call (401) 406-6962 or contact Audette, Audette & Violette online for a free consultation.
Understanding Premises Liability in Rhode Island
Premises liability is the legal principle that holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe environments for lawful visitors. Store customers are considered invitees, meaning they are owed the highest duty of care.
Property owners must regularly inspect their premises, fix hazards promptly, and warn customers of dangers that can’t be immediately addressed. A simple “Wet Floor” sign after mopping is one common example of this duty in action.
Common Hazards That Cause Falls
Slip and fall accidents often happen because of unsafe store conditions. Some of the most common hazards include:
- Wet or slippery floors.
- Uneven flooring, loose tiles, or broken stairs.
- Poor lighting in aisles or stairways.
- Cluttered walkways or merchandise left in aisles.
- Icy or snow-covered entrances and sidewalks.
These hazards are often preventable. If they are ignored and lead to an injury, the property owner may be liable.
Can You Sue the Property Owner?
To bring a slip and fall claim in Rhode Island, four elements must be proven:
- Duty of care – the store owed you a responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
- Breach of duty – the owner failed to fix or warn about a hazard.
- Causation – the hazard directly caused your injury.
- Damages – you suffered real harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
When all four elements are present, a store can be held accountable for negligence.
Defenses Raised by Property Owners
Stores and insurers often attempt to avoid liability. They may argue:
- The hazard was open and obvious and you should have avoided it. (Rhode Island law no longer allows this as a full defense but it may reduce damages.)
- They took reasonable precautions, such as cleaning regularly or posting warning signs.
- You were not lawfully on the property, limiting their duty of care.
While these defenses are common, strong evidence can overcome them.
Examples of Slip and Fall Risks in Rhode Island
Slip and fall accidents arise in many everyday situations. Examples include:
- A grocery shopper slipping on a spill that wasn’t cleaned in time.
- A customer tripping over broken flooring inside a retail store.
- A pedestrian falling on icy sidewalks outside a business after a storm.
- A mall visitor injured by clutter or poor lighting in a walkway.
These accidents may seem ordinary, but the injuries they cause can be life-changing.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall
The steps you take after a fall can strengthen your potential claim.
- Seek medical attention right away and follow treatment plans.
- Report the incident to the store manager and ask for an official incident report.
- Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Collect names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Keep medical records, receipts, and a journal of your pain and recovery.
Prompt action helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Compensation Available in Slip and Fall Cases
If a property owner is found liable, victims may pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income.
- Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages may be awarded in rare cases of extreme negligence.
Compensation is designed to help you recover financially and personally after your accident.
Pain and Suffering in Rhode Island
Courts often calculate pain and suffering damages using two methods.
- The per diem method assigns a daily dollar amount to your suffering and multiplies it by the recovery period.
- The multiplier method takes your medical bills and multiplies them by a factor, usually 1.5 to 5, depending on severity.
These approaches help quantify the impact an injury has on everyday life.
Q&A: Slip and Fall in Rhode Island
Can I sue if I slipped on ice outside a store?
Yes. Businesses must clear snow and ice within a reasonable time after storms.
What if the store had a “Wet Floor” sign posted?
You may still have a case if the store failed to act reasonably in cleaning or maintaining the area.
What if I wasn’t paying attention?
You may still recover damages if your share of fault is not greater than 50%.
Do I have to report the accident immediately?
Reporting helps your case, but you may still pursue a claim if you have other supporting evidence.
Why Choose Audette, Audette & Violette?
At Audette, Audette & Violette, LLC, we understand how disruptive slip and fall injuries can be. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling Rhode Island premises liability cases. We provide personalized guidance, careful investigation, and proven advocacy to help clients secure fair compensation.
Protecting Your Rights After a Fall
Slip and fall accidents in Rhode Island stores are preventable, yet they continue to cause serious injuries. When a business fails to keep its property safe, the law provides a path to accountability. Call (401) 406-6962 today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to listen, guide you, and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.