Trip and fall incidents may happen if property owners fail to maintain their area or warn visitors of possible risks. The incidents can be reduced by taking appropriate precautions to minimize injuries. You can hire a trip and fall lawyer if you sustain injuries from an incident that the property owner could have avoided. Here are seven factors that lead to trip and fall accidents:
Wet Surfaces
Trip and fall accidents sometimes occur on wet and slippery grounds in places such as supermarkets and eateries. They typically occur in poorly maintained and wet parking spaces. Cleaning a common pathway without an indicative warning is likely to cause a fall. Leaking roofing structures can sometimes let in water and create wet conditions, potentially causing a trip and fall. If you sustain injuries from a fall on wet grounds that are poorly maintained, talk to a trip and fall lawyer.
Uneven Floors
Uneven surfaces such as pavement, potholes in parking areas, and irregular flooring in businesses can increase the risk of losing balance and falling. Cold areas with heavy foot traffic can cause the surface to crack and descend. Property owners should address these risks by leveling the floors and renovating damaged surfaces to prevent trips and falls. Loose floor covers, torn carpets, nails jutting out, and broken tiles cause irregularities on floors, leading to trips and falls.
Unsafe Steps and Staircases
If the outer edge of the staircases has metal strips, they sometimes loosen and stick up. This could lead to an accident on the staircase. Stairs that lack handrails can also be dangerous because it may be hard to maintain balance. In the event of a fall on stairs, the property owner is liable for premises liability because they failed to fix potentially dangerous building conditions. You should contact a trip and fall lawyer to receive compensation for lost earnings and medical bills.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting makes it hard to see and avoid obstructions and obstacles that may be on your pathway. Torn carpets, spilled liquids, broken steps, and cracks in pathways may be tough to spot in the dark. Having adequate lighting helps identify potholes and cracked pavement in parking lots. Without proper lighting, there is the potential to suffer serious injuries. Trip and fall accidents from poor lighting lead to injuries such as strains, hip and leg fractures, and torn tendons. Property owners and managers must perform adequate lighting maintenance to avoid property negligence liability in case of a trip and fall accident.
Poor Weather Conditions
Property owners must take precautions to protect those on their property from adverse weather-related accidents. In cold conditions, walkways and parking spaces accumulate ice, which could be risky for pedestrians. Heavy rainfalls and fog reduce visibility, making it harder to navigate pathways safely, so properties should ensure there are no obstacles during these times. Snow and debris may conceal uneven walking areas and potholes that lead to unexpected falls. Property owners should place rugs and mats at property entrances to help reduce water tracked inside. Building owners must conduct frequent property inspections for weather-related risks and remove sitting water, snow, and ice from pathways.
Inadequate Workplace Training
Safety training is necessary in industries such as construction or warehouses, where employees are vulnerable to various potential disasters, from slippery ground and litter to ditches. Employees injured in high-risk industries without comprehensive safety training could be entitled to workers’ compensation with a trip and fall lawyer.
Poor Housekeeping
Poor housekeeping practices, such as littered work areas and improper storage of equipment and materials, can lead to trip and fall accidents. Leaving loose cables and extension cords unattended creates obstacles and increases the risk of trips and falls. Inadequate cleaning practices can further heighten the chances of such accidents. Organizing the work environment by cleaning up spilled fluids and fixing loose tools prevents trip hazards.
Hire a Trip and Fall Lawyer
If your employer or property manager fails to protect you from a trip and fall incident and you sustain injuries, you could have grounds to claim compensation. Sustained injuries can lead to time away from work and may have long-term effects on your ability to perform your job. Hire a trip and fall attorney to seek compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and inability to work.
