SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS ATTORNEYS
IN MAUI, HAWAII

Slip & falls are among the leading causes of injuries and emergency room visits in Hawaii and the United States. Statistics from the Injury Facts of the National Safety Council indicate that there were over 8 million nonfatal fall-related injuries in the United States in 2019. In Hawaii, property owners must keep their property in a reasonably safe condition for use. If you slip and fall on another person's property, you may be eligible to hold the property owner responsible and pursue injury claims.

At Ranken, Shnider & Taylor, Attorneys at Law, we have the experienced legal guidance, support, and vigorous representation clients need in their slip and fall accident cases. Our knowledgeable Hawaii personal injury attorneys can review the facts of your case, help conduct a thorough investigation, and enlighten you about your available legal options to recover damages. Our trusted team can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other potential damages.

Ranken, Shnider & Taylor, Attorneys at Law, proudly represents clients across Maui, Hawaii, and neighboring cities.

Premises Liability in Hawaii

Premises liability is a part of the law that deals with injuries that occur on someone's property due to the negligence of the property owner. Under Hawaii premises liability laws, a property or business owner may be held liable for injuries or accidents that occur on their land, parking lot, store, or amenities, due to the unsafe, defective, hazardous, or dangerous condition of the building.

Examples of Premises Liability Accidents

Below are some common injuries or accidents that may occur and lead to premises liability claims:

• Slip and fall accidents

• Dog bites, dog attacks, and other animal attacks

• Hotel accidents

• Accidents involving fire

• Parking lot accidents

• Defective and broken stair accidents

• Garage door accidents

• Snow and ice accidents

• Electrocutions

• Porch collapses

• Inadequate maintenance of the premises

• Swimming pool accidents

• Negligent security leading to assault or injury

• Defective staircases or stair collapse

• Water leaks or flooding

• Inadequate maintenance of the property

• Defective conditions on the premises

• Elevator and escalator defects or accidents

• Toxic fumes or chemicals

• Oilfield accidents

• Oil leaks

Our knowledgeable premises liability attorneys can help determine the at-fault party, establish liability, and file your injury claims within the specified time limit for filing.

Statute of Limitations

The premises liability statute of limitation in Hawaii is two (2) years from the date the injury or accident occurred. Therefore, the injured party must commence an action to recover damages for their slip and fall accident injuries within two years after the cause of action accrued.

Determining Liability

Depending on the surrounding circumstances or events leading to the slip and fall accident, any of the following parties or entities may be held responsible:

• The homeowner or property owner due to the unsafe condition of their property.

• The business owner or store manager due to the slippery or dangerous conditions of the business's premises.

• The government entity or municipal agency accountable responsible for maintaining the property

• Your carelessness – if the slip and fall accident occurred due to your negligence, lack of attention, or oversight.

• The property management company responsible for maintaining the property

• Companies that lease their business locations

• Construction companies and Builders

• Commercial property owners

• Service providers, such as repair, maintenance, and professional cleaning companies

Our experienced slip and fall accident attorneys can evaluate every aspect of your personal situation thoroughly, identify the liable parties, establish liability, and help prove fault.

Proving Fault

Recovering damages in your slip and fall accident case requires the injured party to prove negligence. Proving fault involves showing one of the following:

• The property owner caused the unsafe or dangerous condition, which led to the slip and fall.

• The property owner didn't fix or warn you about the dangerous or unsafe condition.

• The property owner knew – or should have known – that the condition was dangerous by "reasonable" person standards.

Our skilled attorneys can explore your available options to recover damages, help prove negligence, and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Modified Comparative Fault in Hawaii

Additionally, Hawaii follows the "modified comparative fault" principle, with a 51% bar. According to the system, you will be allowed to seek compensation for your slip and fall accident injuries if you were partially or equally (50% or less) at fault for the accident or your injuries. However, the number of damages that may be recovered will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For instance, if the judge awards $20,000 in total damages against the negligent property owner, and your share of fault is 20%, your compensation would be reduced by $4,000. You will only receive $16,000. Under Hawaii's modified comparative fault rule, you would be completely barred from recovering any damages if you are more than 50% at fault for the slip and fall accident injuries.

Work With Our Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys

Being involved in a slip and fall accident can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. Whether you suffered minor or serious injuries, or losses, establishing liability and recovering damages for your injuries may prove quite challenging. At Ranken, Shnider & Taylor, Attorneys at Law, our attorneys are poised and ready to assist, guide, and represent slip and fall accident victims in their injury claims. 

Using their extensive experience, our trusted team can seek to help recover the financial justice that you're entitled to. Having our team on your side can make a significant difference in your premises liability claims.