Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and can affect people of all ages. However, when your accident happens on another person’s property and is caused by the property owner’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your injury.
In this blog, we will discuss five common causes of slip and fall accidents, and how to recognize these hazards.
Wet and slippery surfaces
The most common cause of slip and fall accidents are wet or greasy surfaces. These slipping accidents typically occur in places of leisure like shopping malls, resorts, grocery stores, hotels and restaurants.
Although business establishments practice a high duty of care to ensure their customers’ safety, some factors like rainy weather, spilled drinks or inadequate signages make the probability of these accidents higher.
Defective or poorly maintained handrails
Handrails are a crucial safety feature on staircases, helping people navigate the stairs while maintaining their balance and stability. They also help provide guidance in certain low-light conditions or when the stairs are steep.
However, if the establishment’s handrail is faulty or damaged, it can cause a person to lose their balance and slip down the stairs.
Inadequate lighting
Poorly lit or inadequate lighting can make it hard for people to see their surroundings and notice any potential hazards in their path. When people walk by these areas, they can miss a wet surface or fail to spot an obstacle, causing them to slip or trip and fall to the ground.
This is especially dangerous in secluded places like hallways, storage rooms, parking lots, basements and outdoor stairwells.
Poorly maintained surfaces
Walking on broken tiles and poorly maintained floors are common culprits of tripping and falling accidents. These incidents typically happen in parking lots, outdoor areas, sidewalks, carpeted flooring and resorts. Although any person can trip from these hazards, young children and the elderly are especially at risk of these accidents.
Weather conditions
From snowy winters to rainy springs, Idaho experiences a range of icy and wet conditions. Natural accumulation of snow, ice and rain can create dangerous paths and other hazardous conditions for both people and vehicles.
When an establishment does not provide their guests with matted entranceways or shoveled sidewalks, it can increase their chances of getting hurt from a slip and fall incident.
Always stay cautious
By being aware of your surroundings and learning about the common causes of these accidents, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from being injured in a slip-and-fall accident.