5 Causes of Trip and Fall Accidents
Trip and fall accidents can occur in various public and private spaces. If a property owner does not take adequate precautions to keep their property safe and a visitor is injured, the victim is entitled to compensation. A trip and fall lawyer will help the victim navigate the legal proceedings following an accident. Here are a few causes of trip and fall accidents:
1. Potholes
Potholes are holes in the surface of a road or sidewalk caused by poor weather conditions or heavy traffic. If tree roots start to grow under the cement or asphalt, they can also cause potholes. They can appear on public sidewalks and roads or private pathways. Stepping on a pothole can cause sprains, torn muscles, or broken bones. Local municipalities or property owners are responsible for the upkeep and removal of these potholes, and if they fail to take care of them in a timely manner, they may be liable for any injuries that occur.
2. Broken Walkways
Broken walkways are found in parking lots, sidewalks, and public parks. They include areas with holes, cracks, or worn-down materials. Over time, these areas also start to slope from poor drainage and soil erosion beneath the sidewalk’s surface. All of these elements may cause an individual to slip or trip on uneven walkways. Individuals can sustain injuries like broken bones, lacerations, concussions, and more. Property owners need to regularly check their sidewalks or walking paths to repave or replace broken sections.
3. Cluttered Paths
Public and private paths can become cluttered with furniture, equipment, and landscaping. If there are a large number of loose wires on a public walkway, individuals may trip over them. Homeowners may also neglect their outdoor property, leading to overgrown hedges, weeds, and lawns. If these regions obstruct a person’s ability to safely enter and exit, they represent a hazard that must be addressed. Cluttered walkways are especially dangerous for elderly individuals who have a higher risk of slipping and falling. Public and private property owners should clean any messy or cluttered areas to prevent mishaps.
4. Staircases
Staircases provide opportunities for individuals to slip and fall, especially if they are elderly or have a mobility impairment. A lack of guardrails or proper lighting may lead to an individual being unable to navigate the steps safely. If the staircase was recently cleaned, it may be slippery from the cleaning products. If a property owner fails to put up signs, cones, or mats to warn of the slippery surface, they may be responsible for any falls that take place.
5. Malfunctioning Equipment
Escalators in public areas can cause slip and fall accidents. If an individual is unable to step safely off the escalator due to poor lighting or falls when trying to get on because of slippery substances, the property owner may be accountable for the injury. An escalator that malfunctions and suddenly stops may also cause individuals to fall and injure themselves. Missing or broken steps and handrails also lead to sprains, fractures, and more. Other public equipment, like ice machines, have the potential to leak and cause passersby to slip. Landowners have a responsibility to keep their escalators and other equipment in good condition so that individuals can safely use them in public spaces.
How a Lawyer Will Help After a Trip and Fall
After a slip and fall injury takes place, individuals have to deal with medical expenses, time off work, and emotional trauma. If you believe a property owner’s negligence was responsible for your accident, reach out to a reputable trip and fall lawyer. They will review the facts of your accident to determine whether or not you have a legal case. They assist in obtaining compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include past and future medical bills, medications, and lost income. Non-economic damages involve mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and more.
A lawyer will factor in all of these elements when determining a fair settlement amount. They can negotiate with insurance adjusters to make sure the representatives are not giving you less than you deserve. If it is required, they will also take your case to court if you and the defendant are unable to come to a fair resolution. Philly Slip and Fall Guys has a team of experienced lawyers who are familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding slip and fall accidents. Contact us soon after your accident to learn more about the next steps you should take.
Reach Out to a Trip and Fall Lawyer Today
The team at Philly Slip and Fall Guys is here to simplify the legal process after you or a loved one has sustained an injury. We will help you navigate the legal proceedings and verify you receive a fair payment. Contact our team today to learn more about trip and fall injuries for which you may be able to receive compensation.
