Slip and Fall Accidents
“Slip & Fall” injuries are those that are caused when a victim slips or trips on someone else’s property due to an unsafe condition and then falls.
Property owners and occupiers (tenants) have a duty to exercise ordinary care to maintain a safe environment for any welcomed visitors to it. The foundation of a Slip & Fall case is showing that the owner/tenant failed to do so. Slip & Fall cases are some of the most common cases under the Premises Liability umbrella, perhaps because the number of potentially dangerous conditions is almost infinite.
COMMON CAUSES OF SLIP & FALLS
WET SURFACES
Common Wet Surface Hazards:
- Spills not cleaned up promptly (e.g., in grocery stores, restaurants)
- Wet entryways due to rain, mopping, or faulty plumbing
- No warning signs near recently cleaned floors
- Leaking refrigeration units or HVAC systems
UNEVEN SURFACES
Common Uneven Surface Hazards:
- Cracked or broken sidewalks or pavement
- Uneven tile, carpet, or flooring transitions inside buildings
- Unmarked steps or changes in floor elevation
- Buckled mats or floor coverings
- Poorly maintained parking lots or entryways
POOR LIGHTING
Common poor lighting hazards:
- Inability to see steps, cracks, elevation changes, or wet spots
- Shadows hiding floor hazards or uneven areas
- Difficulty identifying pathway edges, curbs, or thresholds
- Glare or harsh lighting that impairs vision (especially at night)
EVIDENCE IS KEY
Gathering evidence after a Slip & Fall accident is extremely valuable. Take pictures of the unsafe condition right away, so you have an accurate record of what it looked like when the fall occurred. Take photos of the condition close-up, from your view point as you approached the condition, and of the surrounding area of the property. Also, be sure to write down names of any witnesses to your accident. If there are witnesses, their testimony can be a deciding factor in premises accidents. As soon as you feel up to it, write down everything that happened. It’s important to do this right away while the accident is still fresh in your mind.
If you’ve been injured in a Slip & Fall accident, we strongly recommend calling our office right away, so we can open your case and begin our investigation process while you focus on the difficulties recovering. Every passing day after an accident is one more day that evidence may deteriorate, or not be available at all. We welcome your call to (770) 731-1447 for a free case evaluation.