When autumn rain begins to blanket Portland and surrounding areas like Gresham, Clackamas, Troutdale, and Happy Valley, the beauty of falling leaves can hide a serious hazard — slippery surfaces. Each year, countless Oregonians are injured in slip and fall accidents caused by wet leaves, rain-slicked entryways, and poorly maintained sidewalks. While many of these accidents are preventable, they raise important questions about who’s responsible when someone gets hurt.
At Peterson Law Offices, we’ve represented injured clients across Oregon and Washington for more than three decades. Understanding your rights under Oregon’s premises liability laws is essential after a fall, especially during the wettest months of the year.
Why Fall Weather Creates More Slip and Fall Accidents
Rain and leaves may seem harmless, but when combined, they create one of the most common causes of premises liability claims in the Portland metro area. Wet leaves create a slick barrier between your shoes and the ground, making sidewalks, parking lots, and store entrances unexpectedly dangerous.
In Portland and Gresham, older neighborhoods with tree-lined streets often see the highest number of leaf-related hazards. In Clackamas and Happy Valley, commercial parking lots become slippery when leaves collect near drains and entrances. Businesses and property owners must act promptly to remove these hazards and prevent injuries.
Under Oregon law, property owners have a legal duty of care to maintain safe conditions for visitors, tenants, and customers. When that duty is neglected — such as failing to clear walkways or post warning signs — victims may be entitled to compensation.
Common Locations for Fall-Related Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents in the rainy season can happen anywhere, but certain locations carry greater risk:
- Retail stores and supermarkets – entryways and tile floors can quickly become slick when customers track in rainwater.
- Apartment complexes and rental properties – landlords must ensure walkways, staircases, and parking lots are free from hazards.
- Sidewalks and city streets – while many are maintained by municipalities, businesses may share responsibility for adjoining areas.
- Office buildings and schools – mats, rugs, and signage must be used properly to prevent puddles or wet leaves from creating unsafe footing.
If a property owner fails to take reasonable precautions, a Portland slip and fall attorney can help determine liability and pursue damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Legal Standard for Premises Liability in Oregon
Oregon’s premises liability law is based on negligence — meaning that an owner or manager may be held responsible if they knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to correct it. Victims must prove:
- The property owner owed a duty of care.
- The property owner breached that duty.
- The breach directly caused injury.
For instance, if a store owner knew their entrance mat was saturated from rain and didn’t replace it, and a customer slipped, the store could be liable. Similarly, a homeowner who ignores piles of wet leaves on their front steps could face legal responsibility if a visitor falls.
Each case is unique, which is why experience matters. Peterson Law Offices has handled slip and fall cases since 1991 and understands how Oregon’s courts evaluate these claims.
What to Do If You Slip and Fall
After a slip and fall accident, your actions can make a significant difference in protecting your rights:
- Report the incident immediately to the property owner, store manager, or landlord.
- Document the conditions — take photos of wet floors, leaves, or lack of signage.
- Collect witness information if anyone saw the fall occur.
- Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor at first.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer before signing any insurance paperwork or waivers.
These steps create valuable evidence that can support your case later on. Insurance companies often try to argue that wet conditions were “unavoidable,” but Oregon law requires property owners to anticipate and prevent such hazards when reasonably possible.
Common Injuries from Fall Accidents
Wet-weather falls can cause injuries ranging from mild bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. Some of the most frequent include:
- Fractures and sprains from landing on outstretched arms
- Back and spinal injuries caused by impact
- Head trauma or concussions from striking hard surfaces
- Soft tissue injuries like torn ligaments or muscle strains
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to fall-related injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in five falls results in a serious injury, such as a broken bone or head trauma — injuries that can take months to heal.
Holding Property Owners Accountable
In a premises liability claim, Peterson Law Offices works to gather key evidence such as maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements. Our firm’s extensive experience allows us to identify signs of negligence that others might overlook.
By partnering with an experienced legal team, you can pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term care or mobility support
We’ve helped clients throughout Troutdale, Gresham, Clackamas, and the greater Portland area recover the compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Peterson Law Offices
Since 1991, Peterson Law Offices has been a trusted name in Oregon personal injury law, and since 1994, we’ve represented injury victims across Washington. Our firm combines local insight with compassionate legal representation.
Read real stories from past clients in our testimonials, or schedule a consultation through our contact page to discuss your slip and fall case. You can also visit our office to meet our team and learn how we fight for justice on behalf of injured Oregonians.
