Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers

Indoor Slip and Fall Accidents

All property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their land and buildings are free from unnecessary risks and hazards. If an individual is injured in a slip and fall accident due to the negligence of the property owner, they can be held liable for medical costs and damages. Proprietors that fail to assess, maintain, repair or take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all who enter their property can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries. Victims injured in slip and fall mishaps can suffer broken bones, lacerations, head or brain injuries, paralysis or even death.

Common Types of Indoor Slip and Fall Accidents

Indoor slip and fall accidents can happen inside someone’s home, in a retail establishment, restaurant, sports venue, concert hall, recreational facility or even in a hospital. The most common causes of indoor slip and fall accidents include:

Flooring Surfaces: Wet floors, slippery entryways, uneven surfaces and torn carpeting pose significant risks to patrons, pedestrians and visitors. Property owners are expected to post warnings or place barriers around surfaces that may be wet from cleaning solutions, leaks or from foot traffic in wet weather conditions. Tile and other hard surfaces should have non-slip mats or absorbent floor coverings in entryways or in areas where moisture can accumulate. Carpeted surfaces are expected to be free from tears, turned up corners, holes, bulging areas or other hazards that can cause an individual to trip and fall.

Stairways: Some of the most serious slip and fall accidents occur on stairways. Broken or missing handrails in stairways can lead to victims plunging down the flight of stairs causing them to suffer serious head, neck and back injuries. Handrails should be secured tightly and be free from splintering wood or sharp metal edges. Steps that are loose or have uneven surfaces or rounded edges can also lead to falls. Wet steps or waxed surfaces lacking non-skid treds or carpet tiles are extremely dangerous. Frequent and consistent inspections by property owners can avoid these types of hazards and reduce the likelihood of a slip or fall accident.

Escalators, Moving Walkways, and Elevators: Multi-leveled stores, shopping malls, airports and other large buildings often employ escalators, moving walkways and elevators to help patrons and visitors move easily throughout the building. Though these people movers are appealing conveniences, they pose significant risk when they are not properly maintained. Sudden glitches or movements on escalators, faulty pulleys in elevators or sudden stops on moving walkways can result in passengers lunging forward or falling backward. Hands, feet, fingers, arms and legs can also suffer serious injury if they become wedged in moving parts or if clothing becomes entangled in the machinery. Property owners with these types of people movers are expected to maintain and repair equipment routinely and promptly when needed.

Public and Private Venues: In any public or private venue where large crowds are expected, the risk of slip and fall accidents increases. Property owners need to be vigilant in the maintenance and repairs of bleachers, public restrooms, seating areas, amusement rides and concession stands. Stanchions, rope and other types of barriers that direct and control the flow of pedestrian traffic can reduce slips and falls that happen as a result of pushing and shoving that occur in large crowds. Proprietors of these venues are responsible for taking measures to control the crowd and provide a safe environment for patrons visiting their establishment.

What to do if you are Injured in an Indoor Slip and Fall Accident

If you are involved in an indoor slip and fall accident, it is vital that you immediately report the accident and seek medical attention, if necessary. Once you are medically stable, it is imperative to seek the counsel of an experienced and competent slip and fall lawyer like those at the Philadelphia premises liability law firm of Nerenberg Law Associates P.C.

Our attorneys will ensure that important evidence and documentation are obtained and we will protect your legal rights at every step in your claim process. Insurance companies will commonly dispute claims and put up resistance to assume responsibility for the property owners’ negligence. A knowledgeable premises liability lawyer will anticipate these strategies and arm you with the evidence you need to support your claim.