Trip and fall accidents result from hazardous conditions in public places, commercial properties, or private residences. These accidents often lead to injuries, such as broken bones, sprains and strains, and head trauma. Victims of such accidents may hire a trip and fall lawyer to help them seek compensation.
Understanding Trip and Fall Accidents
While most falls result from trips, they can also occur on their own. Such falls may happen if you walk on elevated areas without safety harnesses. Trips and falls usually occur on uneven surfaces. Here are the leading causes of trip and fall accidents and their prevention measures:
Uneven Walking Surfaces
Cracks, potholes, missing steps, and inclines are the common causes of trips and falls in public places and properties. They happen in deteriorated walkways, parking lots, and pavements. Floor and road surfaces develop cracks over time and eventually form holes. Injuries from trips and falls also result from steep inclines and differences in floor heights. These uneven surfaces may cause people to trip.
Being cautious and aware of your surroundings helps prevent trips and falls when walking on uneven surfaces. If the problem results from the property owner’s negligence, a trip and fall lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation. Property owners can help prevent trip and fall accidents by modifying or repairing walking surfaces. They can fix potholes, fill cracks, install missing steps, and fix loose tiles.
Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting in public places or properties can obscure hazards in pathways. They make seeing potholes, loose objects, or damaged staircases difficult. Poor lighting may result from broken lights, inadequate lighting fixtures, and improper lighting design. If not addressed, poor lighting will increase the risk of trips and falls.
Property managers and owners should provide sufficient lighting to enhance visibility. This involves installing additional lights in high-traffic areas, parking lots, stairwells, and outdoor pathways. Replacing faulty lights and properly maintaining lighting fixtures can also help minimize slip and fall accidents.
Obstacles
Trip and fall accidents can also result from hitting obstacles in entryways, hallways, and stairwells. These obstacles may include boxes, electrical cords, or overgrown trees and shrubs. Claim compensation for injuries and lost wages if you are injured in such accidents. An experienced trip and fall lawyer will help you gather evidence to receive compensation.
Obstacles in pathways are the responsibility of the property owners, managers, and employees. When cleaning, property owners should remove any physical obstacles that cause trips and falls. They should also maintain service areas and pathways and conduct regular inspections.
Torn or Loose Carpets and Rugs
Some commercial and private properties use carpets and rugs to cover concrete or hardwood floor surfaces. These floor coverings deteriorate over time and become trip and fall hazards. They may become torn or loose and present several safety hazards, especially for the elderly.
Proper maintenance of these floor coverings helps avoid trip and fall accidents. Maintenance keeps carpets and rugs in good shape, preventing them from becoming loose or ripped. Property owners should replace torn carpets and rugs, and update floor coverings by installing high-quality, non-slippery, and durable carpets.
Inadequate Safety Equipment
Public places and commercial or private properties require guardrails, handrails, and other protective barriers to keep people safe. These safety equipment tools are usually installed on staircases, pathways, and rooftops. A lack of such protective barriers can contribute to trips and falls. If improperly maintained, these barriers will wear out, weaken, and increase the risk of accidents. Your trip and fall lawyer will handle such cases and pursue maximum compensation for associated injuries.
Property owners should identify high-risk areas that require the installation of protective barriers. This includes installing and maintaining handrails and guardrails where necessary. They should also replace any worn, weak, or damaged protective barriers. Clear signage to address new and unavoidable hazards will also help prevent trip and fall incidents.
Hire a Trip and Fall Lawyer for Fair Compensation
Various hazardous conditions will lead to trip and fall accidents in public spaces. Using caution, being aware of your surroundings, and following safety signs can help prevent such accidents. If you’re a victim of a trip and fall accident, enquire if you’re eligible for reimbursement. Hire an expert lawyer to assist you in securing fair compensation.
