Property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure the premises of their building are well-maintained and free of potential hazards. Unfortunately, some property owners can be negligent, creating potentially dangerous conditions that can cause serious accidents, including the risk of someone slipping or tripping. Here are seven ways that negligence can cause slip and fall accidents:
- Failing to clean up spills
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- Spilled food and water are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents, and are supposed to be cleaned up promptly. When property owners fail to do so, it makes the chances of an accident much more likely.
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- Failing to mop up rain or snow
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- If people are not spilling things inside of the building, they are tracking in rain or snow from the outside. These must also be cleaned up promptly to avoid creating a slipping hazard that can cause injuries.
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- Failing to use warning signs
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- When an owner is aware of a potential hazard, such as a recently mopped floor, they are supposed to warn people so they can avoid it. Without appropriate use of warning signs, slip and fall accidents become much more likely.
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- Failing to repair broken flooring
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- Damaged or broken flooring, including floorboards, tiles, or carpeting, can all contribute to the risk of an accident. That is why they should be repaired as promptly as possible once they are discovered.
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- Failing to install or maintain lighting
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- A key factor in many slip and fall accidents is a lack of adequate lighting, particularly late at night. This occurs when property owners fail to install proper lighting in dark areas, or when they fail to replace broken bulbs.
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- Failing to install or maintain handrails or guardrails
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- Many slip and fall accidents occur on stairways and landings, where handrails and guardrails can protect against potentially deadly falls. However, they may not work if not properly installed or maintained, causing people to lose balance and fall.
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- Failing to protect against hidden tripping hazards
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- Hidden tripping hazards, like concealed wires or table legs, can also potentially lead to falling accidents. They should either be made obvious so people can avoid them, or they should be covered so people do not accidentally trip over them.
Fox Law Firm, PLLC is a New York personal injury law practice serving clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. With more than three decades of law practice experience, attorney Kevin Fox has helped clients in personal injury cases obtain the compensation they deserve. For more information or to ask for a consultation, call our Riverhead office at 631-779-3400 or visit our contact page.
