Portland Slip and Fall Attorney
Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer in Portland, Oregon
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the United States and a leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults. In 2023 alone, over 42,000 deaths were attributed to falls, with millions more resulting in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property in Portland, it’s essential to consult with a qualified slip and fall attorney. Oregon law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for guests, tenants, and visitors. If they fail to do so and you’re injured as a result, they may be legally liable for your damages.
At Dawson Law Group, our Portland premises liability lawyer has extensive experience representing victims of slip and fall injuries. We thoroughly investigate each case to determine liability, build strong evidence, and pursue the full compensation our clients are entitled to under Oregon law.
Injured in a Serious Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall claims fall under an area of law called premises liability. In these cases, your attorney must prove that the property owner or manager was negligent and that this negligence directly caused your injury. Negligence may include failing to repair known hazards, neglecting regular maintenance, or failing to warn visitors about temporary dangers.
For example, if you slipped on an unmarked wet floor in a grocery store, or tripped on uneven flooring in an apartment complex, the owner could be held responsible if they knew (or should have known) about the hazard. Landlords also have a duty to maintain safe living conditions, including well-lit stairwells, secure handrails, and slip-resistant surfaces in common areas.
Strong premises liability claims often depend on timely documentation, witness statements, and prompt legal action. Dawson Law Group has handled numerous Portland slip and fall cases and can help you determine whether your situation qualifies for compensation.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve suffered a fall, knowing what to do next can make or break your case. Follow these essential steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not present symptoms right away.
- Report the incident to the property owner, store manager, or landlord. Ask for a copy of the report if possible.
- Document the scene by taking photos of the hazardous condition, surrounding area, and your injuries.
- Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the incident.
- Avoid discussing the details of the fall with property owners or insurers before speaking with your lawyer.
Maintaining a record of all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, and communications is also essential. Our legal team can use this evidence to establish the severity of your injuries and prove liability in court or during settlement negotiations.
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries can range from minor scrapes to devastating, long-term conditions. Some of the most frequent injuries we see include:
- Fractured hips, wrists, or ankles
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Ligament tears or soft tissue damage
- Chronic pain or mobility loss
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that over 1 million emergency room visits each year in the U.S. are due to slip and fall accidents. These injuries can result in missed work, long-term medical care, and a significant emotional toll on victims and their families.
Some injuries may not surface immediately, which is why it’s important to be cautious and seek a professional medical opinion, even if you feel okay at first. If your injuries worsen over time or lead to chronic issues, Dawson Law Group can help you build a strong case to recover full compensation, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents in Portland, Oregon
What qualifies as a slip‑and‑fall accident in Portland?
A slip‑and‑fall incident, sometimes called a trip‑and‑fall, is when someone loses footing on another person’s property due to hazards like wet or uneven surfaces and gets injured. These are considered premises liability cases, where the injured party may recover compensation if they can prove the property owner failed to maintain safe conditions.
Who can be held responsible for my fall?
Liability can fall on:
- Property owners who fail to repair hazards or warn visitors.
- Landlords responsible for common areas in rentals.
- Tenants who create dangerous conditions inside leased spaces.
- Businesses that neglect spills or maintenance in public areas.
- Even government entities can be liable in places like city sidewalks
What types of damages can I recover in a slip‑and‑fall claim?
Victims may seek compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Transportation for treatments
How long do I have to file a slip‑and‑fall lawsuit in Oregon?
In Oregon, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim or you risk losing your right to compensation. Some cases, like claims against government bodies, may have even shorter deadlines.
Get to Know the Attorneys at Dawson Law Group
Attorney Bryan Dawson – Principal at Dawson Law Group
Bryan Dawson brings nearly three decades of litigation experience to the firm, where he focuses on serious injury cases, wrongful death claims, and complex civil matters. Throughout his career, he has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients across Oregon.
Bryan has handled over 100 trials and arbitrations, argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and previously worked at the prestigious law firm Cooley Godward before launching Dawson Law Group in 1999. His practice areas span from personal injury and civil rights to construction defect and patent cases.
Recognized for his excellence in advocacy, Bryan has earned an AV Preeminent rating, a 10.0 score on Avvo, and consistent recognition as a Super Lawyer since 2018. He was also honored with the Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award and frequently serves as a CLE speaker and arbitrator in Oregon courts.
He earned his law degree from UC Berkeley, holds a master’s from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s from Claremont McKenna College. Bryan is licensed to practice in Oregon, the U.S. Ninth Circuit, and holds inactive status with the California Bar. Outside the courtroom, Bryan enjoys cycling, coaching youth sports, and staying active with his family in the Portland area.
Attorney Ben Larson
Ben Larson has been representing injured clients with care and commitment since 2009. His thoughtful and collaborative approach helps clients feel informed and supported throughout the legal process—whether they’re dealing with a slip and fall, a catastrophic injury, or a wrongful death claim.
Known for clear and frequent communication, Ben works closely with each client to build strong cases and pursue optimal outcomes. He excels at early case strategy and negotiation and is well-versed in Oregon’s personal injury laws.
Ben earned both his Juris Doctor and undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon. He is admitted to practice in both Oregon state and federal courts. A lifelong Portland resident, Ben enjoys travel, outdoor adventure, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. His hobbies include skiing, climbing, biking, and backcountry camping.
Client Testimonials
Here’s what some of our clients have shared about their experience working with Dawson Law Group:
Brian is the antithesis of every great lawyer joke I've ever heard. A brilliant keen and thorough mind in service of a giving heart and spirit.
As a small contractor we faced 3 years of frivolous legal attacks and stress. A disappointing reward for helping a homeless former tradesman. No fun having the sheriff knocking at the door with a deposition!
Brian calmly and steadily defended every desperate appeal looking to shake both us and the insurance company down.
I recommend him without reservation.
Don
Integrity, compassion, professional and always thinking!
When you need an attorney, you already feel vulnerable but he took such good care of our son. Grateful to have had him on our side.
The case was difficult. Most attorneys, in the category, look for the easy payout cases. Bryan still took this on. He and his wonderful staff, Michelle and Michael, took great care of me until the very end. I appreciate you, Bryan Dawson! You are definitely my hero!
Call to Schedule a No-Cost Legal Consultation with Our Portland Slip and Fall Attorney Today
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident, schedule a no-cost legal consultation with a slip and fall accidents attorney in Portland, Oregon. At the Dawson Law Group, we will use our experience in personal injury cases to discover any negligence leading to your injury and recover appropriate compensation. Call us at (503) 919-1315 or contact us online and let us represent you today.
