Premises Liability vs. Slip and Fall: What’s the Difference?

When someone gets hurt on another person’s property, the legal terms can sometimes be confusing. Two of the most common concepts are premises liability and slip and fall claims. While they are closely related, they are not exactly the same. At Halliday McCall, we help the Peoria community understand their rights after an accident and guide them through the legal process.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a broad area of law that holds property owners responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe. If they fail to address hazards or warn visitors of dangers, they may be legally responsible for resulting injuries. Examples of premises liability cases include:

• Slip and fall accidents on wet floors or icy sidewalks
• Inadequate security leading to assaults
• Unsafe stairways, broken railings, or poor lighting
• Dog bites or animal attacks

The key issue in these cases is whether the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it.

What Is a Slip and Fall Claim?

A slip and fall is a specific type of premises liability claim. These cases focus on injuries caused by slipping, tripping, or falling due to a hazardous condition. Common examples include:

• Spilled liquids in a grocery store
• Uneven flooring or torn carpeting
• Ice and snow that was not cleared in a timely manner

While slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability cases, they are just one category within the broader concept.

Why the Difference Matters

Understanding the distinction helps determine how a claim should be filed and what evidence may be required. In both cases, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At Halliday McCall, we assist Peoria residents with both premises liability and slip and fall claims, ensuring that injured individuals pursue the full compensation they deserve.