Hampton Slip and Fall Attorney
Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths, sending over 8 million people to the emergency room each year. In 2020 alone, more than 200,000 nonfatal slips, trips, and falls were reported nationwide. These accidents are also the top reason for ER visits in the U.S.
A slip and fall can result in serious, often debilitating injuries. Common injuries include muscle sprains, facial lacerations, fractures, and trauma to the head, back, or neck. Tragically, thousands of people — especially elderly individuals — die each year from fall-related complications like hip fractures, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. In the workplace, slip and fall accidents are a major source of injury and the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims.
Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable in New Hampshire
Property owners in New Hampshire are legally obligated to provide a reasonably safe environment for their guests, customers, employees, and others lawfully on the premises. When negligence leads to a slip and fall, the Hampton slip and fall attorneys at Simmons & Ortlieb, PLLC are ready to take action. We don’t settle unless it’s in your best interest. Our experienced litigators are prepared to go to trial when necessary to secure full and fair compensation.
We deliver personal attention and aggressive representation in slip and fall cases across New Hampshire, including Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, and beyond.
What Duties Do NH Property Owners Have?
New Hampshire property owners must maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and address known or foreseeable hazards in a timely manner. This includes warning the public of unsafe conditions and fixing them as soon as possible. These responsibilities extend to customers, visitors, delivery workers, contractors, and utility personnel.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in New Hampshire
- Slippery sidewalks and entrances due to snow, rain, or ice
- Condensation or puddles from air conditioners and refrigeration units
- Spilled liquids in grocery stores, restaurants, or retail spaces
- Wet floors from recent mopping, waxing, or polishing
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Loose flooring or bunched carpeting
- Missing, defective, or misplaced floor mats
- Obstacles like boxes or merchandise blocking store aisles
- Broken, unmarked, or uneven steps
- Missing or damaged handrails
- Poor lighting in walkways or stairwells
Why Slip and Fall Cases Are Harder to Prove
Slip and fall claims can be difficult to win without skilled legal representation. To succeed, you must prove that the property owner was negligent — meaning they failed to act reasonably under the circumstances. But what’s “reasonable” depends on many factors and often requires expert interpretation.
For example, if you slipped on a spilled drink, you’ll need to prove the property owner either knew about it or should have known and failed to clean it or warn others in time. This is where our team excels. The experienced attorneys at Simmons & Ortlieb, PLLC collect witness statements, review security footage, and work with accident experts to build strong, fact-based cases.
Defending Against Insurance Company Blame Games
Insurance companies often try to blame the injured person by claiming:
- You weren’t paying attention
- The hazard was “open and obvious”
- You knowingly took the risk
They do this to reduce or eliminate their financial liability under New Hampshire’s comparative fault laws. If they convince a jury you’re more than 50% at fault, you get nothing. We push back hard against these tactics, building a strong defense that highlights the property owner’s true liability and protects your rights.
Talk to a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Hampton or Seacoast NH
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident in Hampton, Portsmouth, Exeter, Dover, or anywhere in New Hampshire or northeastern Massachusetts, call Simmons & Ortlieb, PLLC today at (603) 929-9100 for a free consultation. We’re here to help you hold negligent property owners accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Slip and Fall Accidents in New Hampshire – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do after a slip and fall accident in New Hampshire?
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, seek medical attention right away—even if your injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the property owner or manager, document the scene with photos, and gather contact information from any witnesses. Then, reach out to a New Hampshire slip and fall attorney at Simmons & Ortlieb, PLLC to explore your legal options.
2. How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents, is three years from the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to recover compensation—so don’t wait.
3. What compensation can I recover for a slip and fall injury?
If your case is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any ongoing or future medical care related to the injury. Every case is different, so it’s important to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney to understand your potential claim value.
4. Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall case in New Hampshire?
While hiring a lawyer isn’t required, working with an experienced New Hampshire slip and fall attorney can greatly improve your chances of success. Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims—legal representation helps protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
5. What if the property owner denies responsibility?
If the property owner denies liability, proving negligence becomes even more important. This may involve collecting evidence such as photographs, witness testimony, incident reports, or expert analysis. The team at Simmons & Ortlieb, PLLC has the experience and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
6. What about slip and falls involving snow or ice?
Unlike some states, New Hampshire has not formally adopted the “storm in progress” rule, which gives property owners a grace period during ongoing weather events. In NH, property owners must act reasonably both during and after a storm to maintain safe conditions. This includes clearing snow and ice and warning of hazards like black ice. Whether or not they acted promptly and reasonably will be a key factor in your case.
Contact Our Office
Do you have questions about how we can help you?
We would be happy to take your phone call. You can call us at (603) 929-9100. You can also email us if you would prefer, and we will get in touch with you shortly.
Note: Your details are kept strictly confidential as per our Privacy Policy.
