Slip And Fall Accidents: Common Causes

Anyone can become a victim to slip and fall accidents including the elderly, young, healthy, and infirmed. These accidents can result in severe injuries ranging from bruises or broken bones to serious head trauma. A perfectly healthy and mobile person may face years of physical pain, mental suffering, and financial difficulties after a slip and fall accident.

One must be familiar with the common causes of slip and fall accidents and how to avoid them.

Slip and fall accidents at someone else’s property can cause liability issues. Therefore, you should be aware of the causes and liability associated with these accidents. If you or your loved ones have been involved in a slip and fall accident, you should ask for professional assistance to help file a compensation claim for physical damages.

What Is A Slip And Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident is an event during which someone slips and falls and as a result, suffers from severe injuries. A slip occurs when the friction between the victim’s shoe and the walking surface is too little, whereas a fall occurs when the person is too far off-balance.

Legal action may initiate if the injured person is lawfully on someone else property when the slip and fall occurs. There are two categories of people legally considered as being lawfully present on another person’s property:

Invitee

A person is invited to enter the property for some special reason like business dealings or is present for a specific purpose in an invitee.

Licensee

Someone welcomed onto the property as a social guest is a licensee.

People belonging to these categories can file a direct compensation claim against the property owner if involved in any personal injury.

Where Do Slip And Fall Accidents Occur?

Whether you are an invitee or a licensee, you must be aware of all the public or personal properties a slip and fall can occur. Some public places include:

  • Stores
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Parks
  • Public roads and sidewalks
  • Movie theatres
  • Schools and universities
  • Public pools
  • Amusement or Water parks
  • Sport and entertainment sites
  • Parking lots and parking garages

Alternatively, a slip and fall incident may also occur on private property, such as:

  • A private home
  • Private swimming pools
  • Privately-owned land or real estate

A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere, at any time. Therefore, it is helpful to know the common causes of slip and fall accidents.

What Are Some Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents?

A critical stage in preventing slip and fall accidents is understanding their frequent causes. Slips and falls normally occur due to the negligence of a property owner. Their incompetency to maintain the property or failure to warn others of potential dangers can result in severe physical injuries. Some common causes of these accidents are as follow:

Wet Floors

Slippery floors have increased chances of fall accidents, especially in stores with smooth, waxed tile floors.

Uneven Surfaces

Any uneven surface like concrete having large cracks, parking lots with potholes, and floors with loose boards or freestanding rugs leads to an increased risk of falls.

Unfastened Cords And Wires 

Areas exposed to loose or unfastened cables and wires are also dangerous. Pedestrians can easily trip over such items and suffer injury.

Cluttered Walkways

Items blocking floors and walkways cause pedestrians to maneuver and go around the area. It may increase the risks of trip and fall, resulting in injury.

Inclement Weather

Snow, sleet, rain, and ice gathered outside the business areas and homes increase the risk of falls.

Inadequate Lighting

Buildings with dark or poorly-lit rooms cause you not to see a trip hazard or an obstacle in your way. It becomes impossible to navigate safely and avoid a fall.

Unsafe Stairs

Cracked floorboards or stairs that are uneven in height make it harder for you to evaluate the distance. Worn out and warped stairs can be dangerous. A broken supportive structure like handrails or non-skid surfacing can also lead to slips and falls.

Have You Been Injured On Someone Else’s Property?

If you or your loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident due to negligence on someone else’s property, you can file a claim to recover damages resulting from your injuries. It is practical to speak with an experienced premises liability lawyer for legal advice.

Slip-and-fall injury laws differ between states. You can contact the experienced and professional attorneys at 1Georgia Injury Lawyers to consult your case. We act quickly to evaluate your case and determine liability for the accident. With our years of experience, our lawyers will fully represent your best interests in the case with full proficiency.