Where Do Most Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?

Almost everyone has tripped over something at least once in their lives. If you were lucky, you may have walked away with minor embarrassment only. However, many people are not so lucky. There are over one million emergency room visits every year as a result of tripping incidents, according to the National Floor Safety Institute. If You have sustained injuries from a tripping incident in a public place, the experienced Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer at Salamati Law will work with you to obtain the compensation for your losses.

Property owners have the responsibility of correcting dangerous conditions in their premises. They should also warn people of any hazards that they know exist in their property. If they don’t put up warning signs and someone sustains injuries because of their negligence, they will be held liable. There are several common areas where tripping incidents occur. These include:

Restaurants, shopping malls and grocery stores

Unmarked wet floors, spilled liquid and debris that is left on the floor could cause an unsuspecting customer to trip. Floors that have been cleaned by excess polish or wax could also become dangerously slippery. Carpets that are torn, worn or have material that catches footwear could pose a threat to people and lead to injuries.

Parking lots

Poorly lit parking lots may make it difficult to see any hazards as you are walking to or from your car in the evening. Parking lots that have not been maintained may be uneven, cracked or have potholes, increasing the risk of tripping. Property owners can be held liable if their parking lots have broken gratings, debris, missing paver stones and irregular surfaces. Property owners should perform regular maintenance or put up barriers where they are needed.

Workplace

Some industries have many hazards in their workplaces like narrow pathways, unsafe ladders and slick surfaces that endanger the lives of workers. Workers can file a case if they were injured while doing something they were not adequately trained for. Worn steps, wet floors, damaged flooring and loose handrails create an unsafe working condition for the employees.

Elevators and escalators

Poorly maintained elevators and escalators could stop and start abruptly, causing people to lose their balance and get injured. Moreover, people’s feet, fingers, shoes or clothes may get caught in poorly maintained escalators and elevators, causing dangerous incidents.

Nursing Homes

Many accidents happen in nursing homes, claiming thousands of lives and leaving others with serious injuries. Some incidents occur because of the patients’ mobility or balance problems. However, the staff have a responsibility to ensure the patients are safe. The institution can be held liable if someone’s accident is caused by the staff’s negligence, understaffing or poorly trained staff.

Staircases

Staircases can result in injuries if they are icy or wet from weather conditions. Moreover, staircases that are poorly constructed and maintained or don’t have handrails could cause tripping. Stairs need to be maintained to prevent rounded or worn steps, loose carpeting and loose handrails. Spilled liquid or debris that obstructs one’s path could also cause serious injuries.

Sidewalks

Sidewalks that have cracks, gaps and crevices can make the ground uneven and unsafe for use.

Hotels and resorts

Wet floors, spilled food or loose carpeting can pose a danger to the clients.

Government property

Tripping accidents can happen in government buildings and public properties. If the accident happened because the owner was negligent and failed to keep the premises safe, you can sue for damages. Cities, the state, counties and public institutions are often responsible for locations where accidents occur.

Conclusion

Property owners are legally required to ensure there are no safety hazards in their premises. Therefore, if you have sustained injuries caused by the property owner’s negligence in public and private premises, you can sue for damages and get your rightful compensation.