One of the most common ways people are injured is in a slip and fall accident. Falls can, unfortunately, happen anywhere and at any time. Victims often mistakenly believe they caused their own fall.
However, many slip and fall accidents are caused by the negligence of a property or business owner. If an owner allow a dangerous condition to exist on their property that results in an individual slipping or tripping and falling, they can be liable to compensate the victim for their injuries. Here are some of the most common ways these preventable accidents occur.
Dangerous Flooring and Other Surfaces
One of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents is wet floors and uneven flooring. Property owners and businesses have a duty to regularly inspect their properties and repair dangerous fall hazards as soon as possible. If they are unable to remove the danger, they should put up warning signs or cordon off the area so people are not injured. Common defects in flooring that lead to accidents include:
- Uneven flooring and pavement
- Loose flooring and rugs
- Dangerously slippery flooring due to cleaning and waxing the floors
- Worn and torn carpeting
- Icy or wet entrances, sidewalks, and parking lots
- Spills of liquids that are not promptly cleaned up
- Potholes and cracks in asphalt
- Grease and oil splatters
Environmental Conditions
Hazardous environmental conditions can also be the cause of a slip and fall accident. Common environmental conditions that cause victims to suffer serious injuries include:
- Boxes, debris, or trash on the floor
- Electrical cords on the floor that are not properly secured
- Inadequate lighting that can make it impossible for a victim to see a slip and fall hazard
Defective Staircases and Handrails
Property owners and businesses have a duty to maintain staircases on their property in a safe matter. An unsuspecting victim can suffer catastrophic injuries or death if the stairs or handrails are broken or loose.
Weather
No one can control the weather. However, property and business owners have a duty to remove accumulations of snow, ice, and excessive rain or post warning signs of the danger. If they fail to do so, they can be found liable if someone falls.
Lack of Training
Many slip and fall accidents at businesses are caused by the lack of training of employees. Employees must be trained in how to quickly spot a slip and fall danger and what to do so that visitors are not at risk of a fall. They must also be provided with proper safety equipment, tools, and training in how to avoid being injured in a fall themselves.
Were you or a family member injured in a slip and fall accident in Roswell? Our Roswell premises liability lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Start a live chat or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your free consultation today.
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