Slip and fall accidents are very common and unfortunately can result in serious injuries with extensive recovery times. There are some general causes of slip and fall accidents that happen more than others. It is important to be aware of these dangers so you can avoid hazards and stay safe and healthy. Property owners may be responsible for an accident or injury that occurs on their property. If your injury was a result of a property owner’s negligence you may be able to pursue legal action. For assistance in your personal injury case contact a Hartford County slip and fall attorney.
Where Do Slip and Falls Usually Happen?
Slip and falls are one of the most common accidents, affecting millions of people every year. They can happen anywhere and are usually contributed to by bad timing and unexpected hazards. A slip and fall accident that may lead to a lawsuit or claim can happen in any of the below places or more.
- Grocery stores
- Hotels
- Public or private pools
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Private residences
- Public parks
- Parking lots
- Schools
- Stadiums
Large venues with high traffic are more likely to have hazards that can cause slip and fall accidents. Depending on how you fall, where you are, and your overall health you could sustain serious injuries including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more.
What Are the Leading Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
While slip and fall accidents can truly happen anywhere and anytime, there are some elements that tend to cause slip and falls more than others. Some of the main causes of these accidents include:
- Wet floors: One of the main causes of slips is wet or slippery floors. This could occur from waxing and cleaning the floors, spills, leaks, etc.
- Uneven surfaces: Unless there are stairs around people generally expect to walk across a flat surface. If there are potholes, cracks in the pavement, rippled carpeting, loose floorboards, etc. it can cause someone to lose their footing and fall.
- Neglected maintenance: When stores and other venues are not properly maintained it can cause pipes to burst, floors to sag or cave in, leaks to begin, and more. All of these pose a risk to the general public to trip or slip and fall.
- Insufficient safety features: Most areas require safety measures like a banister on a staircase or sufficient lighting in an outdoor parking lot or walkway. Without these features, someone could be unable to see a hazard and injure themselves.
- Poor weather: Rain and snow can pose a threat to patrons of various establishments. On sidewalks or in parking garages the ground could have frozen over causing an icy, slippery surface. Water tracked inside a building from rain could cause the entrance to be slick and result in a slip and fall.
Look out for these hazards and more to avoid a slip and fall. For help with your case speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.
