WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF SLIP & FALL ACCIDENTS?

by rrblawadmin on December 19, 2020
In: Premises Liability

We’ve all probably been the victim of a slip and fall accident at some point in our lives. While often no more than embarrassing, a fall can cause serious injuries in certain conditions, especially if the victim is over 55 years of age. Therefore, it can help people of all ages avoid harm by knowing what to look out for.

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe and to either make repairs or put up signage if there are hazards present. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Our Tulsa premises liability lawyers share the most common causes of slip and fall accidents so you can be more aware of the risks when you go out.

WET FLOORS & UNEVEN SURFACES

It likely won’t come as much of a surprise that walkways that are wet and uneven pose one of the greatest slip and fall accident threats. A recently mopped floor or a water leak can easily create the conditions for a serious slip and fall.

Other floor and surface conditions that may lead to a slip and fall accident include:

  • Failure to use barriers to close off areas with wet or broken flooring
  • Items caught in carpeting or rugs that can catch on shoes
  • Loose carpeting, mats, or rugs, including those on stairs
  • Potholes in commercial parking lots
  • Recently waxed floors
  • Splashed grease or oil that has not been cleaned up
  • Uncleaned or unattended spills
  • Uneven flooring, pavement, and other unsafe surfaces without warning signs
  • Unsalted icy surfaces

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Rain, snow, ice, fallen leaves, and other weather conditions can pose serious slip and fall hazards. If a business or other property owner does not properly clean up or block off areas that are wet and/or slippery due to environmental hazards, someone could seriously hurt themselves.

STRAY CORDS & ELECTRICAL WIRES

Letting wires, cords, and other such obstructions haphazardly run across areas where people walk can lead to serious falls. Walkways should always be kept as clear as possible.

Examples of other environmental slip and fall hazards include:

  • Debris, trash, and other obstructions on the floor
  • Flooring suddenly transitioning from one material to another
  • Cabinets and drawers left open and doors left ajar

POOR LIGHTING

Poor lighting in and around buildings is a common cause of slipping and falling. Dim lighting can cause people to lose their footing and stumble, especially in stairwells. Because the failure to install proper lighting makes it difficult for people to navigate safely from one place to another, if someone gets into a slip and fall accident due to bad lighting, the owner of the property will be liable for any damages caused.

NURSING HOME NEGLECT

Sadly, many slip and fall accidents occur due to negligent nursing home care. People over the age of 55 are more prone to the negative effects of a fall accident and residents at nursing homes and other elder care facilities tend to be especially vulnerable.

If someone who has trouble walking on their own is left unattended, they may lose their balance and fall down. Such accidents can cause serious bone fractures or head trauma and may even be life-threatening. It is the responsibility of the home’s administrators and staff to assist and monitor the movements of their residents. If an elderly loved one of yours falls and hurts themselves while in elder care, you may be able to take legal action against the nursing home.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident you may be able to sue the property owner for compensation. Contact us online to speak to an experienced premises liability lawyer in Tulsa during a free consultation.