Definition of Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall accident is when a person slips and falls for any reason, and suffers an injury as a result. Legal action may take place if the injured person is on a property lawfully when the slip and fall took place. It is important to understand the cause of a slip and fall accident as this helps to determine if the victim can claim compensation from the property’s owner because the area used by the public was not maintained in a safe condition. If you are in this situation you should seek help from a PI attorney who may be able to assist you in negotiating a settlement with the negligent party. This could include the cost of medical treatment for your injury and any loss of wages if you are unable to work.
Environmental Factors
There are a number of environmental factors that could cause a slip and fall accident. These are:
- wet or slippery surfaces that are caused by spills and leaks that haven’t been cleaned and rain ice or snow present outside a property which are the responsibility of the owner to remove;
- uneven or damaged flooring such as cracked sidewalks or pavement outside the property or loose floor or rugs within the property;
- insufficient lighting which causes dimly lit areas to be present;
- inadequate visibility of hazards present on a property.
Hazardous Substances
These include:
- liquid spills caused by oily substances and cleaning solutions which should have been removed;
- loose debris or objects which clutter walkways and obstruct pathways which shouldn’t be present;
- grease or oil present causing slippery surfaces which have not been marked as unsafe.
Inadequate Maintenance
A lot of slip and fall accidents are caused by neglect such as poor maintenance of an area used by visitors or customers including lack of regular cleaning, failure to promptly address spills and neglecting routine maintenance. Poor signage or warnings which include the absence of caution signs and inadequate hazard communication when there is a hazard present could also cause slips and fall accidents. Some property owners are negligent when it comes to sufficient repair or maintenance of damaged surfaces which turns them into the potential to cause slip and falls.
Work with a Slip and Fall Attorney
The most common causes of slip and fall accidents are failing to clear up liquid spills from a floor and allowing debris to accumulate in areas of a building frequented often by users.
If you have suffered an injury from a slip and fall caused on property you were allowed to access, you should consider talking to a PI attorney to see if you are eligible for compensation for an injury that was not your fault. You don’t need to pay for a PI attorney as they are only paid if you win your claim. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to get connected with an independent personal injury attorney who subscribes to the website and may be able to help with your claim.
