Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers

Outdoor Slip and Fall Accidents

Many people slip and fall, laugh, then get up and walk away; but for some, serious injuries that result from a slip and fall accident are no laughing matter. Traumatic brain injuries, head injuries, broken bones, lacerations and paralysis are just some of the serious injuries that can result from outdoor slip and fall accidents. When these accidents occur due to the negligence of the property owner, they can be held liable for your injuries.

Common Causes of Outdoor Slip and Fall Accidents

Negligent property owners are those that fail to take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of all who enter or visit their property. Failure to properly maintain, repair or post warnings of dangerous situations can cause an individual to slip, trip or fall. The most common causes of outdoor slip and fall accidents that occur on private or public property are discussed below.

• Sidewalks and Parking Lots: Uneven sidewalk and parking lot surfaces are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. Tree roots that upend sidewalks, broken sidewalks, pot holes in parking lots, rough surfaces, snow and ice, and debris can cause people to trip, slip or fall. When an individual goes down on these hard surfaces, broken bones and head injuries are common. Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice in a reasonable amount of time following a storm. Laying down salt or cat litter on icy sidewalks or on parking lot surfaces can also reduce the risk of injuries sustained from slips and falls. Removing unnecessary debris such as sticks, tree limbs, trash and stones or rocks can prevent a fall from happening.

• Playgrounds and Public Parks: Playgrounds and public parks entice children and families to visit by offering brightly colored equipment, walking or biking lanes, and ponds or streams. These seemingly innocent areas can become dangerous when proper maintenance and repairs are not routinely performed. Sharp metal edges or cracked surfaces on playground equipment can cause a child to slip or fall, sometimes from an elevated surface. Broken playground equipment sticking up from the ground or off of a piece of the playground can cause a child or adult to suffer serious cuts, bruises or broken bones if they trip or fall over it. Failure to provide or maintain handrails or barriers in around the edges of ponds or streams in parks can cause an individual to drown or suffer serious brain injury if they fall into the water. Uneven surfaces on walking or biking paths can lead to people slipping and falling onto the hard cement or asphalt surfaces. Parking lots at these recreational areas that are not properly maintained or repaired can lead to injuries, as well when pot holes or uneven surfaces are not addressed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that over 200,000 children are injured in playgrounds and parks each year.

• Outdoor Concert and Sports Arenas or Theaters: Outdoor events such as concerts, sports games and theaters are becoming more popular, especially in warm weather areas. Hidden dangers in these venues can result in a recreational activity turning into a medical emergency. Grassy areas that have holes or uneven surfaces can cause an individual to twist their ankle or fall and break a bone when they unexpectedly step in them. Fallen tree limbs and sticks on the ground, debris such as trash, bicycles or even seemingly harmless Frisbees or baseballs can cause a slip or fall. Defective bleachers, broken fencing, loose seating, or inclines or hills with wet grass or slippery surfaces can also pose serious risks to pedestrians and patrons.

• Construction Sites: Construction sites are not on the minds of most people when they think of dangerous places, but they are responsible for some of the most significant injuries for pedestrians that slip or fall when passing by these areas. Construction debris such as cement pieces and rocks, construction equipment, slippery surfaces, scaffolding, damaged or faulty barriers and distractions related to ongoing construction often result in pedestrians slipping and falling. Though individuals are responsible for paying attention to their surroundings, these circumstances can easily cause a person to be distracted and fall prey to injury. General contractors and construction companies are held to high standards and expectations to ensure that their construction site is free from unnecessary risks and hazards.

Philadelphia Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. can Help Claim Compensation for your Injuries

If you or someone you know has been injured in an outdoor slip or fall accident, call the experienced and reliable Philadelphia premises liability lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. at 215-569-9100 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation today. Our offices are located in Philadelphia and we serve clients throughout the area, including Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County, Central Pennsylvania and New Jersey.