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 owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. This duty varies depending on your status:
Invitees
Business customers and others invited 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.
Wet or Slippery Surfaces
- Freshly mopped floors without warning signs
- Spilled liquids in grocery stores
- Wet surfaces from rain or snow tracked indoors
Uneven or Damaged Surfaces
- Cracked or broken sidewalks
- Potholes in parking lots
- Loose or torn carpeting
Poor Lighting
- Dimly lit stairwells
- Burned-out bulbs in walkways
- Inadequate lighting in parking areas
Weather-Related Hazards
- Ice and snow on walkways
- Inadequate snow removal
- Lack of salt or sand on icy surfaces
- Pay attention to your surroundings
- Avoid distractions like texting while walking
- Look for warning signs and barriers
- Choose shoes with good traction
- Always use handrails on stairs
- Take your time on stairs and ramps
- Be extra cautious in unfamiliar environments
If You're Injured in a Slip and Fall
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager
- Document the scene with photos if possible
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Keep all medical records and receipts
- Don't give recorded statements without legal advice
- Contact an experienced premises liability attorney