North Carolina applies strict premises liability rules in slip and fall cases, where property owners owe a duty of care but plaintiffs recover nothing under the pure contributory negligence doctrine if even slightly at fault. Compensation requires proving the owner’s negligence caused the injury without any plaintiff contribution, within a three-year statute of limitations.​
Fault Determination
Property owners must maintain safe conditions and warn of hazards; liability arises if they knew or should have known of dangers like spills or uneven floors and failed to act reasonably.​
North Carolina’s contributory negligence bars recovery if the injured person shares any blame, such as ignoring warnings or not watching their step—even 1% fault ends the claim.​
Courts assess duties by visitor status: invitees get highest care, licensees reasonable warnings, trespassers minimal.​
Compensation Possibilities
Successful claimants seek economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic (pain, suffering) if no fault is found on their part.​
Evidence like photos, witnesses, and maintenance logs proves owner negligence; defenses include open hazards or trespassing.​
Claims often settle pre-trial, but litigation demands strong proof to overcome contributory negligence.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/north-carolina-slip-and-fall-laws.html)
[2](https://www.enjuris.com/north-carolina/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/)
[3](https://1charlotte.net/slip-and-fall-accidents-what-to-do/)
[4](https://themacklaw.com/injured-in-a-slip-and-fall-in-north-carolina-what-you-need-to-know-to-win-your-case/)
[5](https://kellumlawfirm.com/slip-trip-and-fall-liability-and-compensation/)
