Although slip and fall incidents may not seem serious enough to require a lawyer, statistics show otherwise. Approximately a million people in the US require medical assistance every year because they have suffered a slip and fall injury. And 17,000 of those injuries are severe and even fatal. In other words, slip and fall accidents are certainly no laughing matter.
However, slip and fall litigations are notoriously complicated and require expert help from a lawyer specializing in this field. After all, to win your claim, you must prove negligence on the part of the owner of the property where you were injured. These claims fall under the premises liability law, which requires the claimant to present a preponderance of evidence to prove their case.
Places Where Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Occur
Naturally, slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere and at any time. However, some places see a higher frequency of these accidents than others. Usually, those are spots people visit frequently, especially in large numbers.
Some of the most common places where slip and fall accidents occur include:
- The workplace, in particular factories and construction sites
- Concert halls during large shows
- Football and soccer stadiums or basketball and tennis courts
- Public transport vehicles
- Elevators and escalators
- Medical treatment facilities
- Amusement parks
- Hotels and resorts
- Swimming pools
- Assisted living facilities and nursing homes
- Retail environments, such as shopping malls
- Public spaces with large crowds
Additionally, many slip and fall injuries happen in the victim’s own home or their friends’ and relatives’ houses. That is not surprising either, considering how much time a person spends at these places.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Typically, slip and fall accidents occur when certain conditions are met. For instance, a person might go to work for years without getting injured but then slip on a wet floor one day and break a leg. Aside from wet floors, the following are common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Loose floorboards
- Uneven flooring
- Potholes and cracks
- Insufficient lighting
- Dilapidated stairs and railings
- Exposed wiring and frayed electrical cords
- Ice on stairs
- Clutter and debris on walkways
- Inadequate warning signs
However, it is important to note that the owner may not be considered responsible even if their property is not entirely safe. Namely, if the unsafe conditions are obvious and the owner displays appropriate warnings, they will not be held liable. In such a case, it is expected of the visitor to be mindful of their surroundings and remain careful.
Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
If you hope to receive compensation for your slip and fall injuries, you will need a good lawyer to navigate the complex nuances of the premises liability law. An excellent Phoenix slip and fall lawyer can help you not only win the claim but also be awarded a substantial sum by the court. And that can be rather helpful if you can’t work due to your injury or need money to cover your medical expenses.