Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by
The risks of tripping, slipping, and falling include uneven surfaces, unseen obstacles, wet floors, and improper footwear. These accidents can lead to serious injuries, such as spinal and traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, and more. If someone else is at fault for the accident, consult a trip and fall lawyer to explore your legal options. Here are four common causes of falls:
1. Obstacles and Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces, such as cracked sidewalks, potholes, and bumps, can create tripping hazards. Cords and unattended tools pose risks in workshops and construction sites. Excessive clutter in aisles and hallways increases the likelihood of tripping in grocery stores. Property owners, including landlords and municipalities, are responsible for making timely repairs and posting warning signs to inform visitors and invitees of potential hazards.
If property owners don’t take reasonable care to repair issues or warn visitors, they may be held liable for accidents. Speak to a trip and fall lawyer to navigate your legal options. Injuries caused by public sidewalks may be filed against the city, while falls in restaurants and other premises can involve lawsuits against companies, individual owners, or other entities. Lawyers provide legal advice to help you recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages from the incident. They also manage case reporting, evidence collection, and lawsuit filing.
2. Poor Lighting and Signage
Insufficient lighting makes it difficult to identify obstacles, spills, and other potential hazards in time to react or avoid them. Dimly lit rental apartment stairs, warehouses, and workshops increase the risk of trip and slip accidents. Improper lighting can also interfere with how objects appear or cast confusing shadows that conceal objects like cords and unattended tools.
Property owners are required to install effective light fixtures in hallways, walkways, parking lots, and other spaces. The light fixtures must provide sufficient illumination to help spot potential hazards without being too bright or glaring. Warning signs should be well-lit, visible to everyone, and clearly convey their message to avoid confusion. Property owners can use a combination of text and visual elements to communicate warnings effectively.
3. Wet and Slippery Floors
Wet, soapy floors are slippery and can result in serious injuries due to the swift action of sliding. Property owners are responsible for maintaining clean, dry surfaces and taking reasonable precautions to minimize the risk of falls. If floors remain wet for an extended period, signs must be posted from all access points to the area. When restaurant staff are cleaning a bathroom floor, they should place noticeable signs around the area to inform people of the slippery conditions.
Warnings allow users to avoid wet areas or take extra precautions when walking. Properties that see heavy foot traffic also need regular inspections to identify and clean liquid spills, grease, and oils. Hotels, restaurants, public offices, and supermarkets are all expected to remove spills and debris as soon as possible. Some flooring options, like tile, require thorough drying and inspection before the space is used again.
4. Improper Footwear
Shoes lacking proper traction and support can increase the risk of slipping, tripping, and falling. Premises owners and other parties may be held liable for accidents caused by improper footwear they provided. If you’ve purchased gym shoes with poor grip that led to an accident, you may be able to sue the shoe manufacturer. Hotels can also be liable if they provide slippery bathroom shoes or pool sandals. In some cases, orthopedic specialists may be responsible if they prescribe inappropriate footwear for your foot and ankle condition. While some accidents result from personal negligence, liability can still be established if reasonable care was breached in other areas.
Consult a Trip and Fall Lawyer Today
If you’ve experienced a tripping and falling accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can pursue compensation. A trip and fall lawyer will help you gather evidence and file a claim for all damages directly related to the incident. Consult a lawyer today to learn more about your legal options and how to proceed with your case.
