Slip and fall accidents occur when a visitor on someone else’s property falls and injures himself due to a hazardous condition. There are countless hazards that could cause you to lose your balance and fall while visiting someone else’s property, however some are more common than others. Here are some of the top causes of slip and fall accidents:
Stairs
Slip and fall claims often arise from injuries that occur on defective stairs. Property owners must pay close attention to their stairs to ensure the flooring material is in good shape. If the flooring is worn down or torn, it could create a safety hazard that leads to a slip and fall accident. Property owners should also be careful when waxing or polishing the stairs, as this can make the floors slippery and create a potential hazard. Finally, property owners have an obligation to remove debris from the staircase and ensure there is a handrail for visitors to use while they walk up and down the stairs.
Floors
One of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents is a wet floor. Floors can become dangerously wet when there is a spill, water leak, or when the floors have recently been polished or waxed. In the event that there are wet floors, a property owner should take action to either dry the floors or put up signage or barriers to prevent visitors from slipping. Carpeting can also create a potential hazard if it is torn, worn down, or bulging in some areas.
Weather Conditions
If ice or snow begins to accumulate in an area where visitors often walk, property owners should remove it to prevent injuries. In some cases, visitors may create potential hazards by coming inside a building with wet shoes or clothing and dripping water onto the floor. Even though visitors have created this hazard, it’s still up to the property owner to take care of it.
Inadequate Lighting
Slip and fall accidents that occur in parking lots at night are often blamed on inadequate lighting. The victim may be unable to see uneven sidewalks, potholes, or cracks before it is too late. To prevent this from happening, property owners must add lighting to outdoor areas where visitors walk.
Have you been injured in a slip and fall? If so, contact Reisch Law Firm today for the legal representation that you need to recover compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
