Top Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents occur frequently. What’s more, they happen in all sorts of different environments. In fact, most slip and fall accidents happen in places that you and I go to on a regular basis – the grocery store, a public sidewalk, a restaurant. These are just a few places where these accidents occur.

Slip and fall accidents can cause a variety of injuries to the victims. Often, the victim suffers bruising, broken or fractured bones and head injuries. But how do these accidents happen? How do even the most conscientious people slip and fall? If you are a victim of a personal injury find here the best lawyer website.

Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents

In this article, a personal injury lawyer in Villa Rica, GA shares some of the more common causes of slip and fall accidents that result in legal claims.

Hazardous Conditions

Hazards on any type of property can lead to a slip and fall accident. Some of the hazards that are commonly reported in slip and fall accident claims include:

• Wet Floors: In retail locations where the floors are smooth, waxed tile, any liquid spill or leak can make the floors incredibly slippery.
• Uneven Surfaces: Uneven surfaces are a particular hazard in outdoor areas like sidewalks and parking lots. They are also a hazard on concrete floors. Concrete can crack and open up potholes and can create tripping hazards. Flooring that is uneven or has loose floorboards can also cause tripping hazards.
• Cords and Wires: If there are loose cords and wires, pedestrians or patrons can trip or become entangled. This can lead to serious injuries including a fall, or entanglement in the cords.
• Clutter in Walkways: Retail stores often unload stock in the aisles. This is dangerous because patrons may not see hazards, and may not be able to safely maneuver around the clutter. This increases the risk of tripping and falling.

Inclement Weather

Even if floors, walkways, and surfaces are properly maintained, inclement weather conditions can quickly create hazardous situations. Such conditions include:

• Rain
• Snow
• Sleet
• Ice

Property owners must keep their floors and walkways clear of hazards. That means applying salt or sand to potentially icy or snowy areas, clearing snow, and posting wet floor signs when there is a rain hazard.

Building Conditions

Sometimes the structure of the building can create a slip and fall hazard. Such structural conditions include:

• Damaged stairs
• Damaged handrails or banisters
• Inadequate lighting
• Defective elevators or escalators

Can Slip And Fall Accidents Be Avoided?

There are things that property owners can do to prevent slip and fall accidents. Some of the most important preventative measures include:

• Posting Warnings: If there is a risk of a hazard, property owners must post signs warning patrons. Wet floor signs, for example, if the floors are being mopped or if there is a leaky roof.
• Cleaning: Property owners should clean any spills or hazards immediately.
• Fixing Defects: Any property defects should be fixed as soon as possible. In the meantime, signs should be posted.
• Installing Lighting: If there is inadequate lighting, property owners should add lighting to make sure their property is safe.
• Addressing Weather: Walkways and potentially hazardous areas should be treated and corrected as soon as possible.

There are also some things that we each can do to prevent slip and fall accidents and injuries. Each of us can do our part to protect ourselves and others, such as:

• Wearing proper footwear for conditions
• Avoiding distractions while walking
• Being aware of our surroundings
• Being careful and taking our time

Property owners and patrons alike can work together to help prevent slip and fall accidents from occurring.

When slip and fall accidents do occur, victims should explore their legal rights and the possibility of recovering expenses related to their injuries. The best way to do this is by discussing their situation with a personal injury lawyer.