Slip and fall
“Slip and fall” accidents refer to situations where a person is injured by slipping or tripping and suffering an injury in a fall due to a dangerous condition on the premises. These falls can happen inside or outside a building. They can be caused by bad flooring, wet floors, poorly lighted steps, or, in the case of outdoor accidents, weather-related or hidden hazards.For instance, an icy patch outside a door, a crack, or pothole can be the cause of a slip and fall accident in a parking lot.
Property owners have a duty of care to see that their property is safe. This includes ensuring that the building has no structural defects, inside or outside, that could cause an accident. In some states, the property owner may also have a duty to reduce the problem areas caused by weather—like standing water and icy spots. Examples of this are:
Sometimes the person injured does not know for sure what caused the accident. That is why it is important to ensure that a full investigation is conducted to ensure that the source of the problem is discovered.
If you are hurt in one of these accidents it is important to preserve evidence as much as possible to ensure that you can prove your case in court. Try to get names of witnesses who might have seen the accident, note all relevant conditions (like poor lighting), and take pictures of the area if possible. Be sure to document the incident by reporting it to building owners or property managers.
Property owners have a duty of care to see that their property is safe. This includes ensuring that the building has no structural defects, inside or outside, that could cause an accident. In some states, the property owner may also have a duty to reduce the problem areas caused by weather—like standing water and icy spots. Examples of this are:
- Loose floor mats
- Loose rugs
- Loose tiles
- Water on the floor
- Badly lit stairs or steps
- Cracks or holes in sidewalks
- Cracks or holes in parking lots
Sometimes the person injured does not know for sure what caused the accident. That is why it is important to ensure that a full investigation is conducted to ensure that the source of the problem is discovered.
If you are hurt in one of these accidents it is important to preserve evidence as much as possible to ensure that you can prove your case in court. Try to get names of witnesses who might have seen the accident, note all relevant conditions (like poor lighting), and take pictures of the area if possible. Be sure to document the incident by reporting it to building owners or property managers.