Trips and falls have many causes, including slippery or wet floors, uneven surfaces, obstructions, and loose debris. Cables, abandoned tools, and poor lighting also increase the risk of trip and fall accidents and injuries. If your accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, a slip and fall lawyer can help you recoup damages. Here are the most common causes of trips and falls:
Third-party Negligence
Tripping and falling accidents can be caused by the negligence of one or more parties. Property owners are expected to maintain clean premises and fix floor or lighting issues before they cause trip and fall accidents. If they can’t fix them, they should have warnings to inform visitors and users of potential trip hazards. Failure to repair issues or provide warnings is negligence, which is seen as a breach of duty of care. A slip and fall lawyer can help you sue the property owner for negligence that leads to an accident and injury. Examples of negligence include property owners leaving debris, cords, and other loose objects on the floor. Stepping on the clutter may throw you off balance while reducing the traction between your feet and the ground.
Loose objects may also be slippery, and stepping on them can result in serious accidents and devastating injuries. Obstructed walkways and uneven flooring with different thresholds, bumps, and cracks are all trip hazards to watch out for. Other hazards include unsecured mats, wrinkled carpeting, and structural issues like poorly designed, loose, or broken steps and missing handrails. Poor lighting further increases the risk of tripping, making it harder to see potential hazards like loose debris and uncovered cables. Wet floors, slippery surfaces, and icy conditions also increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. Property owners should secure mats and carpets on the floor, provide warnings for wet floors during cleaning, and wipe spills immediately. Neglecting such measures can increase the risk of tripping and falling.
Contributory Negligence
Property owners are responsible for maintaining their premises and addressing issues like loose tiles and dim stairway lighting. The city is also responsible for keeping public spaces safe. They owe a duty of care to invitees and licensees. Some trip and fall accidents are caused by your own negligence or inattentiveness. Examples include rushing, walking while distracted by your phone, or not paying attention to your surroundings. If you fail to spot a wet floor sign and end up slipping, the property owner won’t be held liable for the damages suffered. Wearing footwear with high heels or slippery soles is also not advisable, especially during wet, icy conditions. Improper equipment use may also lead to tripping and falling.
Other causes of trips and falls are tied to health issues like lower body weakness, difficulty walking, and balance disorders. You may trip due to vitamin D deficiency or the use of medications like antidepressants and sedatives. Vision problems, fatigue, and foot pain also contribute to reduced coordination and balance. Experienced lawyers can still help you recoup damages even if you’re partly responsible for the trip or fall. Contributory negligence usually results in shared liability. You’ll receive part of the compensation determined as the property owner’s share of liability. The settlement you receive depends on how well your lawyer can prove third-party negligence. You must also present receipts and evidence of injuries, medical bills, and other expenses incurred due to the incident.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
Trips and falls can cause bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries that lead to disability. If someone else is responsible for the accident, you should keep track of your medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and other damages. Speak to a trip and fall lawyer today for case review and legal counsel.
