Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries in an instant. One moment you’re just walking along, and the next you are flat on your back (or worse, in the hospital). While sometimes falling is unavoidable, other times the hazard that caused the fall is there due to the negligence of the property owner. When this is the case, you likely have cause to pursue legal action. Take a moment to learn about 8 of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries that can result in a lawsuit.
Ice on the Ground
One of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries in the winter is snow or ice on the ground. The important thing to keep in mind about this type of hazard is that it must be proven that the property owner reasonably should have removed the snow or ice by the time the fall occurred. If you’re walking on a sidewalk in the middle of an ice storm, you may not have a strong case. If it has been hours since the last snowfall, and the sidewalks haven’t been shoveled or salted, on the other hand, a lawsuit may be in order.
Wet Floors
Another common cause of accidents are wet floors. When companies are mopping or cleaning their floors, or when there is a leak or spill, they need to put up caution signs to warn people of the risk. If they don’t, they may be acting in a negligent way.
Loose or Uneven Floorboards
Property owners are responsible for keeping their flooring in good condition. If a floorboard or tile is loose or uneven, it can easily cause someone to trip and fall. Failing to maintain a safe environment for customers or visitors is often a form of negligence.
Improperly Made Staircases
Trying to walk up or down stairs when the staircase is uneven, built at an illegally steep grade, or otherwise poorly constructed can be a challenge. If you or a loved one falls and gets hurt because of the improper construction or poor maintenance of the staircase, you may be entitled to compensation.
Potholes on Parking lots or Sidewalks
It can be hard to keep parking lots and sidewalks free of potholes and other hazards, but that is one of the responsibilities of a property owner. If you trip because of one of these hazards, and are injured, there may be potential for a lawsuit.
Hidden or Unexpected Objects
Low items like boxes, crates, inventory, and other things need to be kept out of the way of where people walk. If you turn around a corner in a grocery store, and trip over a box that was being used for stocking, it can be considered negligence on the part of the store owner.
Missing Handrails
Depending on the circumstances, there may be regulations in place regarding where handrails must be placed, and how sturdy they need to be. If you are walking on stairs or near a ledge, and there is no handrail, it can be a serious risk. Those who fall because they didn’t have the needed support may have a lawsuit on their hands.
Lack of Lighting
Being able to easily see where you are going is essential for avoiding hazards. If a company allows their light bulbs to burn out, or they don’t turn on the necessary lighting, it presents a serious risk to those in the area. If this risk leads to a slip and fall injury, they are likely going to be found at fault in the court of law.
Do You have a Case? Contact Us to Find Out
There are many factors that need to be looked at to determine whether a slip and fall injury was caused by negligence on the part of another party, your own personal negligence, or just plain unavoidable bad luck. The best way to determine whether or not you have a legal case is to contact John M. Totten, P.C. to have him go over the details of the situation, and help you determine what course of action is right in your situation.
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