Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of serious injuries in South Dakota — especially during long winters, wet spring thaws, and icy conditions that make sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways dangerous. While many people assume these accidents are “just bad luck,” the reality is that most slip and falls happen because a property owner failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition.
At Northern Plains Justice, LLP, we represent injury victims throughout Sioux Falls and across South Dakota who were hurt due to unsafe property conditions. If you were injured in a fall caused by negligence, you may have the right to financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term harm.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Are So Dangerous
Slip and fall injuries are often underestimated. In reality, falls can cause life-altering harm, especially for older adults and working professionals. Common injuries include:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Broken hips, wrists, and ankles
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Torn ligaments and soft-tissue damage
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Long-term mobility limitations
Unlike minor accidents, many fall injuries do not heal quickly and can result in permanent impairment, chronic pain, or inability to return to work.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in South Dakota
South Dakota property owners must take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe. Slip and fall accidents frequently occur due to:
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Ice-covered sidewalks and parking lots
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Snow accumulation near entrances and ramps
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Uneven flooring or loose carpeting
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Broken or missing handrails
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Wet floors without warning signs
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Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
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Potholes, cracked pavement, or raised concrete
Winter conditions increase risk, but weather alone does not excuse negligence. Property owners are still required to address hazards within a reasonable time.
Where Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Occur
Slip and fall claims often arise at:
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Grocery stores and retail businesses
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Apartment complexes and rental properties
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Office buildings and medical facilities
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Hotels and restaurants
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Parking garages and parking lots
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Sidewalks and entryways open to the public
If the property owner invited the public onto the premises, they typically owe a duty of care to maintain reasonably safe conditions.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case
To succeed in a slip and fall claim, you must prove more than just that you fell. A strong case requires evidence showing:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The property owner knew or should have known about it
- The hazard was not properly repaired or warned against
- The condition directly caused your injury
Insurance companies often argue that victims were careless or that the hazard was “open and obvious.” This is why early investigation, photos, witness statements, and maintenance records are critical.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
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Physical therapy and rehabilitation
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
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Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on injury severity, liability evidence, and long-term impact on your life.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Slip and Fall Claims
Slip and fall cases are aggressively defended because they often involve businesses or property owners with commercial insurance. Insurers frequently attempt to:
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Shift blame to the injured person
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Claim the hazard appeared too suddenly to fix
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Downplay the seriousness of injuries
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Pressure victims into quick, low settlements
Without legal representation, injured individuals often accept far less than their case is worth.
How Northern Plains Justice Can Help
At Northern Plains Justice, LLP, we take slip and fall cases seriously because we understand the lasting consequences these injuries can have. Our firm:
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Investigates property conditions and maintenance history
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Preserves surveillance footage and incident reports
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Works with medical professionals to document injuries
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Handles all communication with insurance companies
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Builds cases designed to succeed at settlement or trial
We fight to hold negligent property owners accountable and pursue the compensation our clients deserve.
Speak With a South Dakota Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident in Sioux Falls or anywhere in South Dakota, do not assume you have no case. Property owners have legal responsibilities, and when they fail, they should be held accountable.
Contact Northern Plains Justice, LLP today for a free consultation.
