Portsmouth, NH Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys

 We’ll Help You Stand Tall Again

It might start as an ordinary stroll through Market Square. Maybe you're grabbing coffee along Congress Street, just enjoying a brisk day. Then suddenly, you're flat on the ground. A patch of ice. A loose tile. A wet floor. What follows isn't just pain in your back or a bruised elbow. It's shock. It's embarrassment. It’s confusion. In seconds, your day turns into an emergency.

Slip and fall accidents aren’t just minor mishaps. They can leave you hurt, shaken, and overwhelmed. You're likely juggling hospital visits, medical bills, insurance calls, and maybe even time away from work. That’s a lot for anyone to carry alone. At Horn Wright, LLP, our dedicated Portsmouth slip and fall attorneys step in to carry some of that weight. We focus on securing compensation while you focus on healing. With years of experience and deep roots in New Hampshire, we stand up for you when it feels like the ground has given out.

When a Simple Slip in Portsmouth Isn’t Just a Minor Stumble—It's Life-Changing

The Hidden Severity Behind Slip and Fall Accidents

Some folks think slips and trips are no big deal. But we know better. One wrong step can lead to injuries that change everything.

Broken bones are just the start. A bad fall can cause a fractured hip, a dislocated shoulder, or even a traumatic brain injury. And the damage isn't always visible. Many victims suffer chronic back pain or neck stiffness for months. In more serious cases, spinal cord injuries can mean long-term mobility problems or permanent disability.

Then there’s the emotional side. Anxiety can sneak in, especially if you’re now afraid of walking where you once felt safe. Depression can follow, especially if your injury keeps you from work or social activities. These impacts are just as real and deserve just as much attention.

Portsmouth’s Unique Risks You Need to Know

Portsmouth’s charm comes with its own hazards. Winters here aren’t just cold—they’re icy and treacherous. Sidewalks around State Street and Daniel Street turn slick fast. Business owners are supposed to keep things safe, but not everyone does.

Even in warmer months, accidents happen. You might slip on spilled drinks at a restaurant near Bow Street or trip over cracked pavement by Prescott Park. Busy spots around the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard often see foot traffic and fast-moving delivery trucks, creating unexpected risks.

Who’s Really Responsible When You Fall in Portsmouth? Uncovering Liability Clearly and Quickly

Understanding Liability—Who’s at Fault?

So who’s legally responsible when you fall? In Portsmouth, property owners—whether private or public—have a duty to keep their premises safe. That’s called premises liability. If they fail to fix a hazard or warn people about it, and someone gets hurt, they could be held accountable.

Say you slipped on uncleared ice in front of a shop on Market Street. Or maybe you tripped on an uneven step at a busy diner near Islington Street. If the hazard was avoidable or should’ve been addressed, the owner may be liable. Same goes for falls at larger spaces like hotels, apartment complexes, or grocery stores.

What Evidence Strengthens Your Portsmouth Slip and Fall Case?

Evidence is everything. After a fall, you might be dazed, but if you can, take quick steps to preserve proof:

• Snap photos or videos of the hazard—a puddle, a broken tile, or poor lighting.
• Keep records of your treatment, especially from local providers like Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
• Get names and contact info from any witnesses nearby.

Other helpful moves: hang onto the shoes and clothing you wore. Don’t wash or toss them. They might help show how slippery or unsafe the conditions were.

Taking the Right Steps After Your Portsmouth Slip and Fall—Avoid These Costly Mistakes

Critical Mistakes That Could Damage Your Claim

Some missteps can seriously hurt your case. Right after an accident, many people instinctively say things like “I’m fine” or even apologize. That might sound polite, but it can be used against you later.

Another big one? Skipping medical care. Maybe you fell inside a boutique along Bow Street, felt sore but didn’t want to make a scene. So you left. But pain flares up later, and now there’s no clear link between your injury and the incident.

Don’t let politeness or pride cost you. Get checked out, and report what happened right away.

The Immediate Actions That Protect Your Rights

You don’t need to know everything—you just need to act quickly:

• Seek medical help from a trusted provider like Wentworth-Douglass Hospital or Portsmouth Regional.
• Report the accident to the property owner or business manager and get a copy of the report.
• Write down everything you remember—what time it happened, where exactly, and what caused it.
• Save any relevant receipts or documents related to your injury.

These simple actions make a big difference down the road.

Understanding Your Rights: Compensation You Could Recover After Your Portsmouth Slip and Fall

The Real Value of Your Claim

A fall hurts more than your pride. It can drain your wallet, sideline your job, and flip your life upside down. That’s why compensation matters.

You may be able to recover money for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages while you recover
• Emotional suffering and mental distress

Let’s say you work at a café on Hanover Street but can’t return for months. Or maybe you need physical therapy long after the bruises fade. We look at the full picture—not just your bills today, but what recovery looks like for the long haul.

Did you have to renovate your home because of mobility issues? Did your relationship suffer due to chronic pain or mental fatigue? These are real losses, and they deserve recognition.

How the Portsmouth Legal System Actually Works

In New Hampshire, you usually have three years to file a personal injury claim, including slip and fall cases. But it’s better to start the process early. Evidence fades. Memories blur.

In Portsmouth, your case might be filed in the 10th Circuit Court District Division on Junkins Avenue. The legal process starts with filing a complaint. Then comes discovery, where both sides gather evidence. Many cases settle out of court, but if yours goes to trial, the court will decide liability and damages.

Portsmouth attorneys familiar with local laws and judges can help move things along more smoothly. We’ve handled claims involving icy sidewalks, negligent businesses, and poorly maintained city-owned areas. We know the system, and we guide you every step.

Portsmouth Slip and Fall FAQs—The Questions You’re Too Stressed to Ask (Answered Here)

How long do I have to file a claim in New Hampshire?

 You have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. But acting quickly helps preserve your case.

What if my slip happened at a friend's business in downtown Portsmouth?

 Even if it was a friend’s place, their business or liability insurance may cover your injuries. You’re not attacking your friend—you’re pursuing help from their insurance policy.

Can I still file if I’m partly responsible?

 Yes. New Hampshire follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you're less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your payout may be reduced by your share of the blame.

Horn Wright, LLP—Your Trusted Portsmouth Advocates Who Fight Passionately for Your Rights

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know what it means to fall hard—and we know how to help you rise again. Our Portsmouth slip and fall lawyers bring empathy, strategy, and relentless energy to every case. We've helped injured locals regain stability after traumatic accidents, and we understand what matters most to you: getting better, getting justice, and getting your life back. From the moment you call us to the final resolution, we're in your corner. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve—so you can start healing with confidence.