Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone and anywhere, from slick surfaces at the local grocery store to broken stairs in your own home. Knowing the common causes of such accidents is an important step in preventing them from occurring.
If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, our premises liability attorneys at H&P Law might be able to assist you in recovering damages. We can help you investigate your accident, advise you on your best options for compensation, and fight for your rights.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall accidents are responsible for more than 1 million emergency room visits each year. Let’s discuss the five most common causes of these accidents.
Recently Mopped Floors
One of the most common causes of slips and falls is recently mopped floors. To help prevent this type of accident, property owners and their staff must post signs warning customers that the floor may be slippery or wet. However, even if a sign is posted to warn people that the floor is wet, some may not take notice until it is too late.
Spilled Liquids
Another cause of slip and fall accidents is spilled liquids that are not immediately cleaned up. This could be anything from water on the ground to oil on a restaurant floor. Property owners and their staff must ensure that these spills are quickly mopped up or wiped away as soon as possible in order to avoid any potential danger to customers.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can also lead to slip and fall accidents, especially in areas without much natural light, such as stairwells or hallways. This is why it is crucial to ensure that all areas have appropriate lighting, especially those with slippery surfaces or uneven surfaces like stairs. Keeping lights bright and regularly replacing any burned-out bulbs can help prevent serious injuries from occurring due to poor visibility conditions.
Broken or Missing Handrails
Broken or missing handrails are also a major cause for concern regarding slip and fall accidents. If the property has stairs without proper handrails, anyone walking up those stairs may lose their balance when reaching the top step due to a lack of support. It is important that property owners inspect all areas with stairs regularly for broken or missing handrails so they can be replaced promptly if necessary.
Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces like potholes, cracks in sidewalks, or curbs can also cause someone to trip and potentially suffer an injury. Inspecting all areas of the property regularly for uneven surfaces will help property owners identify any potential hazards before someone gets injured due to tripping over them.
Fight for Fair Compensation With H&P Law
Slip and fall accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, but understanding what commonly causes them is key to preventing these types of injuries. If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you could be entitled to compensation for your resulting medical expenses and other losses. Our attorneys at H&P Law can evaluate your unique case and determine if you can hold the property owner accountable for any damages you have suffered. Call (702) 598-4529 for a free case review.
