If you were hurt in a slip or trip and fall accident on someone else's property in Kettering or Montgomery County, you may have a viable premises liability claim. Ohio law requires property owners to keep their premises safe for visitors — and when they fail, they can be held liable. The Henry Law Firm evaluates your case for free.
The Open-and-Obvious Doctrine Is a Defense — Not a Barrier
Ohio courts recognize a property owner's 'open-and-obvious' defense: if the hazard was plainly visible, they may argue you should have avoided it. But this defense has limits — particularly where the property owner should have anticipated that visitors would still encounter the hazard. The Henry Law Firm knows how to overcome this common defense.
Ohio Premises Liability Law for Slip and Fall Cases
Ohio law imposes different duties of care depending on your classification as a visitor. Invitees (customers, business visitors) are owed the highest duty of care — property owners must inspect for hazards and fix or warn about dangerous conditions. Licensees (social guests) must be warned of known hazards.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Kettering
- Wet or slippery floors — spills, mopping without warning signs
- Icy sidewalks and parking lots — especially during Ohio winters
- Uneven or broken flooring, sidewalks, and stairs
- Poor lighting in walkways, stairwells, and parking areas
- Loose rugs or mats without proper backing
- Missing or broken handrails
- Cluttered walkways and aisles
- Construction debris or unmarked hazards
Ohio premises liability law establishes different duties of care based on your status as a visitor. Business invitees (customers, clients) are owed the highest duty — property owners must inspect for hazards and either fix them or warn about them. The Henry Law Firm evaluates your status and the applicable standard of care in every Kettering slip and fall case.
Quick Evidence Preservation
The Henry Law Firm acts quickly to preserve key evidence in your Kettering slip and fall case: requesting security footage, obtaining incident reports, photographing the scene, and identifying witnesses before memories fade and physical evidence disappears.
Your Attorney: Eric Henry
Your case is handled personally by Eric Henry, not delegated to staff. With 15+ years of Ohio personal injury experience and $50M+ recovered, The Henry Law Firm has the depth and tenacity to take on insurance companies and win.
Eric and his team proudly serve residents of Kettering and Montgomery County from offices in Chagrin Falls and Cleveland.
What Our Clients Say
"It was a pleasure to work with Eric. He was very helpful, approachable, and informative right from the beginning. He gave us peace of mind that everything was being handled properly." — Paula M., Google Review
"If I could give this law firm a million stars, I would. From the first call, they handled everything with professionalism and care. I am beyond grateful." — Jamie P., Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prove a slip and fall case in Kettering?
You must show that the property owner knew (or should have known) about the hazardous condition, failed to fix it or warn about it, and that the hazard directly caused your injuries. Evidence includes incident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and photographs. The Henry Law Firm will investigate and build a strong case for you.
What if I was partially responsible for my slip and fall?
Ohio's comparative negligence law (Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33) allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is 50% or less. For example, if you were 10% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would receive $90,000.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Ohio?
The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10). However, you should report the incident and contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
Other Practice Areas in Kettering
The Henry Law Firm handles a full range of personal injury cases for Kettering residents. Explore our other practice areas:
Car Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Premises Liability Lawyer
Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Serving Kettering from Our Ohio Offices
The Henry Law Firm serves Kettering and all of Montgomery County from two convenient locations:
- 8401 Chagrin Road, Suite 18, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
- 850 Euclid Ave, Suite 1012, Cleveland, OH 44114
We offer free consultations by phone, video, or in person. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we can come to you anywhere in Montgomery County. Call (216) 302-9500 to schedule.
Hurt in a Slip and Fall in Kettering? We Can Help.
The Henry Law Firm evaluates slip and fall cases in Montgomery County for free. Call (216) 302-9500 — no upfront fees, no payment unless we win.
Content reviewed by Eric Henry, Esq. — Last updated April 2026.
