Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury in the United States, resulting in millions of emergency room visits each year. While some accidents are unavoidable, many can be prevented through proper awareness and by property owners fulfilling their legal duties to maintain safe premises.

Property Owner Responsibilities

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. This duty varies depending on your status as a visitor:

Invitees

Business customers and others invited onto the property for the owner's benefit receive the highest level of protection. Property owners must regularly inspect for hazards and either fix them or provide adequate warnings.

Licensees

Social guests and others with permission to be on the property are owed a duty to warn of known hazards that aren't obvious.

Trespassers

Property owners generally owe no duty to trespassers, except to avoid willfully injuring them.

Common Slip and Fall Hazards

Wet or Slippery Surfaces

• Freshly mopped floors without warning signs
• Spilled liquids in grocery stores or restaurants
• Wet surfaces from rain or snow tracked indoors
• Polished floors that become slippery when wet

Uneven or Damaged Surfaces

• Cracked or broken sidewalks
• Potholes in parking lots
• Loose or torn carpeting
• Uneven flooring or transitions between surfaces

Poor Lighting

• Dimly lit stairwells
• Burned-out bulbs in walkways
• Inadequate lighting in parking areas
• Shadows that obscure hazards

Weather-Related Hazards

• Ice and snow on walkways
• Inadequate snow removal
• Lack of salt or sand on icy surfaces
• Water accumulation from poor drainage

Prevention Tips for Visitors

Stay Alert and Aware

• Pay attention to your surroundings
• Avoid distractions like texting while walking
• Look for warning signs and barriers
• Be extra cautious in unfamiliar environments

Wear Appropriate Footwear

• Choose shoes with good traction
• Avoid high heels on slippery surfaces
• Replace worn-out soles
• Consider weather conditions when selecting footwear

Use Handrails and Support

• Always use handrails on stairs
• Take your time on stairs and ramps
• Use walking aids if needed
• Don't carry items that obstruct your view

What Property Owners Should Do

Regular Inspections

Property owners should conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential hazards before they cause injuries.

Prompt Maintenance

When hazards are identified, they should be repaired promptly. If immediate repair isn't possible, adequate warnings should be posted.

Adequate Lighting

All walkways, stairs, and common areas should be well-lit, with burned-out bulbs replaced promptly.

Weather Preparedness

Property owners should have plans for dealing with weather-related hazards, including snow removal and ice treatment.

If You're Injured in a Slip and Fall

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
2. Report the incident to the property owner or manager
3. Document the scene with photos if possible
4. Get contact information from any witnesses
5. Keep all medical records and receipts
6. Don't give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice
7. Contact an experienced premises liability attorney