Slip and fall accidents, known in the personal injury field as premises accidents, are the second most common type of accident that leads to injury – second only to car accidents. The results can range from a skinned knee to serious injuries to death. The older a person is when they fall, the more likely they are to suffer from a serious reaction.
There are many potential reasons that a person can fall. Can you guess what the five most common are? If you have been injured in one of these ways, or any other way in which someone else was at fault, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
- Surfaces That Are Wet and / or Slippery
- Weather Issues
- Changes in Elevation
- Poor Lighting
- Stairways
One of the most common causes of a slip and fall is a slippery or wet floor or ground. For example, a floor that has been highly polished, such as a marble floor or terrazzo floor, can be slippery even if they are dry. If they get wet then they can easily cause a serious accident. High risk areas for slip and fall accidents include food prep areas, residential dorm bathrooms, and kitchens.
If you are walking on a sidewalk, parking lot, or street that has ice or snow on it, then your chances of falling are higher than they would be if you were on the same surface without the weather issue. Of course no one can prevent ice or snow from covering the sidewalk but it is the owner of the property’s responsible to keep it clear and safe to walk on within a reasonable amount of time from the moment it covered the area.
If the ground is not entirely flat, an accident can occur. This includes potholes, cracks in the sidewalk, and curbs. It could be a matter of no more than a few millimeters to catch a person off guard and result in them losing their balance.
It can be very difficult to walk safely in a new place if there is not enough light. If there are obstacles, doorways, or objects in the way, it can be even harder. Any of the other issues on this list can be made even more difficult to deal with if they are paired with poor lighting.
It is up to the owner of a building keep their stairs in good condition and to have proper handrails. When they do not, falls can occur. If a fall occurs on another person’s property, and the owner did not keep the property safe, the victim could have a personal injury case on their hands.
To learn more about your options, and to request a free legal consultation, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
