A slip-and-fall accident is one of the most common types of personal injury claims. It can happen anywhere, from a parking lot, to your workplace to a retail store. And it can cause devastating injuries that could have long-term effects on you or your loved ones. In this blog post, we’ll review some of the most common causes of a slip and fall accident.
You should contact a personal injury lawyer in the immediate aftermath of a fall accident. They know what to do right after your slip and fall accident occurs and can help to protect your rights as a fall victim. The personal injury lawyers of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, help injured victims reclaim their lives after a devastating injury.
5 Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Cluttered Floors
Floors littered with debris, equipment and cords can cause a slip and fall accident. Property or business owners don’t always follow their duty of care to remove debris and clutter from floors in a timely manner. While many of these accidents are minor, some can be quite serious and require emergency medical attention.
Broken or Damaged Flooring
Carpets, concrete. floorboards and tiles can all deteriorate over time, becoming unsafe to walk on. Jagged concrete can cause uneven surfaces in flooring or outside in parking lots and sidewalks. Damaged carpeting may become dislodged and create a tripping hazard.
Wet Floors
A wet floor is one of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents – and one many people immediately think of. Wet floors can happen in stores, restaurants and other retail locations as well as the workplace. Icy sidewalks and parking lots can also be potentially dangerous areas for slip and fall incidents.
Lack of Hazard Warning
When a property owner is alerted to a hazard or becomes aware of a potentially dangerous situation on the property, they are required to fix the issue. However, some hazards may not be immediately repairable. For instance, it's much quicker to clean up a wet floor than repair a sidewalk.
In cases where businesses can’t repair a hazard quickly, business and property owners should post warning signs for patrons and the public to help people avoid potential dangers. Lack of hazard warnings is a big culprit when it comes to slip and fall accidents.
Inadequate Lighting
A lack of lighting can be a hazard, especially in places where the public and patrons commonly frequent. Inadequate lighting in stairwells can lead to serious falls. However, it can also be a security hazard, as poorly lit areas are ideal places for muggings, assaults, and other criminal activity.
Do You Need a Lawyer after a Slip and Fall Accident?
Hiring an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you experienced severe injuries or were hurt after a fall incident on commercial or public property, you should consult a personal injury attorney about your case. By having legal representation, your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and work toward securing a fair settlement for your slip and fall accident. Why risk being unfairly compensated and not having recourse to fix it?
When you hire a slip and fall accident lawyer from Brandon J. Broderick, you pay nothing upfront. We work on contingent fees that are only collected if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Don’t wait, contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback.