Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents – Why You Need a Lawyer

Slip and fall incidents are frequent and can cause significant injuries that necessitate high-cost medical care, time away from work, and other expenses. Broken bones, strained or sprained muscles, and other bodily injuries are possible for those who are hurt. Real estate owners are legally obligated to keep their establishments and premises free from dangers that can result in such mishaps. A few of the most common causes include:

Poor Lighting

One of the leading causes of slip-and-fall accidents is poor lighting. When pedestrians walk in poorly lit areas, they may need help to spot potential hazards such as wet floors in retail stores, icy outdoor surfaces, cluttered walkways or loose cords. Additionally, if a person trips over a broken support structure, such as a fence or handrail in a staircase, they could suffer serious injuries. Property owners must keep their area lit, especially high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs. The property owner may be responsible for paying medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering if a victim falls due to inadequate lighting.

If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property, an experienced attorney could help you determine how best to proceed.

Wet or Slippery Surfaces

One of the most frequent reasons for slip-and-fall accidents is slipping and falling on a damp or slick surface. Whether caused by a freshly mopped floor, liquid or oil spills, or ice and snow, property owners must regularly inspect their properties, clean them up, and warn people of potential hazards. Stairs must also be properly maintained to prevent tripping or falling down the stairs. Injuries from tripping and falling down stairs can be severe, including fractures, dislocations, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries. Tripping and falling can also lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI may result in persistent impairments and have long-term impacts on a person’s quality of life. For instance, you can file a claim with the help of The Levin Firm slip and fall lawyers to get compensated for your losses. By promptly documenting the scene of your accident, obtaining witness statements and requesting maintenance and inspection records, you can protect vital evidence that may be used in your case.

Inadequate Maintenance

A fall can result in severe injuries that require extensive medical care. The cost of treatment and lost wages can quickly devastate families. When the victim misses work, employers also suffer a loss of productivity.

Falls can occur in many settings, from commercial properties and workplaces to nursing homes and private residences. All property owners are responsible for keeping their premises free of hazards that could lead to slip and fall accidents. Clutter, debris and uneven flooring can increase the risk of an accident. Insufficient lighting or stairways with broken supports can also be hazardous. Keeping floors and walkways dry, addressing snow or ice, routine inspections and training employees to identify hazards are important ways business owners can reduce the risk of accidents. It is also critical to document the accident scene. Getting witness contact information and taking photographs may help establish an accurate timeline of events. This information can be useful in proving liability in a slip-and-fall case.

Unsafe Stairways

Stairways are one of the most common places for slip and fall accidents, and injuries from such incidents can be especially severe. People who fall on stairs often experience open wounds, broken bones and even brain injuries. A property owner could be held liable for an accident on a staircase if the stairway failed to meet building code specifications. This is particularly true if the differences in height between steps cause someone to lose their balance. Stairways can also be dangerous if the stairway needs to be properly marked or other hazards, such as torn carpeting or loose area rugs, are present. Furthermore, the actions of other people in an area can also cause a person to fall on stairs, such as those who are texting, talking on the phone or carrying bags. The firm holds negligent businesses accountable for endangering visitors to their establishments, seeking compensation and reforms to improve safety standards.