How Flooring Materials and Conditions Cause Slip and Fall Accidents
In a slip and fall accident, an individual may be injured due to hazardous public property conditions. As opposed to a trip and fall, where you trip over an obstruction, a slip and fall is the result of your shoes losing traction with a slippery or damaged surface. An experienced slip and fall lawyer from Philly Slip and Fall Guys can represent you in a case or settlement. We are here to help victims of slip and fall accidents that have occurred on public or private property receive compensation for their injuries. Here are some of the flooring materials and conditions that cause slips and falls:
Spills and Wet Floors
Spilled liquids and wet floors create slippery surfaces where people lose their balance and fall. Public buildings can contain spills, leaks, or wet flooring conditions for a slip and fall accident. If neglected, spills in the public areas in an apartment building can result in a slip and fall. Shower rooms and bathrooms in a gym or health club may have wet floors. Slip and fall hazards in a store include:
- Spilled beverages
- Recently mopped floors with no signage
- A lack of protocol for addressing spills
Pennsylvania premises liability laws state that the property owner is liable for accidents if there are dangerous conditions on the property and the owner fails to put up proper signs. If you slip on a wet surface and injure yourself, take a photo of the spill, if possible, for evidence for your claim. Ask a slip and fall lawyer from Philly Slip and Fall Guys to examine your case and determine who is liable for the accident. We have handled various slip and fall cases with accidents that were due to spills and wet flooring conditions.
Lack of Warning Signs
Property owners are responsible for having adequate signage, markers, cones, or tape to warn others when there is a hazard. A wet or damaged surface with no warning signs can result in a slip and fall accident, as people may not notice the hazard in time to avoid walking on it and taking a sudden fall. Public buildings with water features, such as health clubs, need to post signs in high-traffic areas to warn patrons. If you have fallen on a wet floor that had no markings, reach out to the team at Philly Slip and Fall Guys. One of our attorneys will inform you if you are eligible for compensation.
Ice, Rain, and Snow
Ice and snow pose slip hazards both inside and outside buildings. People track rain and snow into public buildings, resulting in wet entryways and hallways. Snowdrifts on stairs and unplowed parking lots are other possible hazards. Icy sidewalks form a slippery surface and are one of the common causes of slip and fall accidents. Black ice blends into the pavement, making it harder to see. Snow and rain can also hide cracks in the sidewalk.
Removing ice and snow from a storefront, sidewalk, or parking lot falls under the responsibility of the property owner. The city or local body is responsible for the upkeep of public sidewalks. A natural accumulation rule deals with the reasonable amount of time for snow removal. This rule varies according to the property size and length of the storm. In the case of an accident, liability might fall to the property owners or the entity the owners hired to remove the snow. Our lawyers have experience navigating responsibility laws relating to snow removal.
Worn or Damaged Materials
Poorly maintained areas present a risk for slip and fall accidents. Old tile and vinyl flooring can form uneven walking surfaces, and worn-down carpets may be slippery. Elevator flooring is also vulnerable to wear and tear, and broken steps form their own hazard. Property owners hold a duty of care for those invited to the property. These invitations include implied ones, such as the ability for anyone to go to a store or another public place. If the property owner has not been keeping up proper maintenance, they may be held liable for the accident.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Injuries as a result of a slip and fall range from bruises to broken bones to more permanent damage. Potential compensation includes coverage for out-of-pocket medical bills and time away from work. Contact Philly Slip and Fall Guys if you have experienced a significant injury after a slip and fall accident. Our team of attorneys assist clients throughout Philadelphia County. We are a firm with over thirty years of experience. Our attorneys offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay an attorney fee until after the verdict or settlement. Fill out our online form or call us to schedule a consultation and meet with a slip and fall lawyer today.
