3 Reasons People Slip and Fall

Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip-and-falls happen every day. Unfortunately, some slip-and-fall accidents result in serious injuries. Here are three of the most common causes of fall injuries, as a slip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia, PA explains.

Environmental Causes

An environment is any part of the surrounding environment that led to the slip-and-fall accident. For example, debris or trash littering the floor constitutes an environmental cause. Examples of environmental hazards include:

• Cabinet doors left open
• Trash or debris left on the floor
• Bright lights that impair vision or glare off of shiny surfaces
• Dim lighting makes it difficult to see any obstacles
• Cords that stretch across a walkway

It is up to the property owner to ensure there are no hazards that could lead to an accident, as a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer like one from Wieand Law Firm, LLC can explain. For example, think about the times that you have visited movie theaters. During the movie, the theater is dark, but the stairs have lights to ensure that people can see the walkway. Without those lights, if someone fell, then the theater would be liable.

Uneven and Slippery Floors

If you have been to a grocery store, then odds are you have seen a “wet floor” sign before. Employees put up these signs to protect people from falling after the floor has been cleaned or if they are currently cleaning up a mess. Without a sign to indicate the hazard, people can easily slip. Falls on hard ground can end in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and more. 

Flooring conditions are a common cause of slip-and-fall injuries and may include:

• Uneven and loose flooring
• Polished or waxed floors
• Bulging and worn carpeting
• Unsalted cold, icy surfaces
• Grease or oil on a restaurant floor

Property owners should clean hazards immediately.

Unsafe Stairs and Ladders

When you fall from a ladder or a flight of stairs, it can result in serious injuries. A property owner should install handrails on the stairs and ensure that the steps are not warped or worn. If a ladder is not secured properly while in use, it can lead to the person falling from it on the way up or down. It is the property owner’s responsibility to keep any debris off of the stairs so that people do not risk tripping.

If you have fallen on someone else’s property because of his or her negligence, then you may want to discuss a personal injury claim with a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer. A trip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can assess your case and determine whether or not you could receive a settlement.