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Common Causes of Slips and Fall Accidents

Slips and falls can be situations that make people laugh from embarrassment and surprise, but in reality, injuries sustained from these types of accidents can be serious, even fatal at times. Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their property safe, providing ongoing maintenance and repairs that eliminate unnecessary risks and dangers. Failure to do so can result in them being held liable for injuries that occur when people slip or fall on their property.

The experienced and knowledgeable team of Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. are dedicated to helping victims injured in slips and falls claim the justice and compensation they may be entitled to receive. Victims can rely on the professionalism and success record of our lawyers to provide detailed attention and competent legal representation. Protecting your rights and gathering the evidence that you need to hold property owners liable is our number one priority.

Slip and Fall Accidents can Happen to Anyone

People can slip and fall for a variety of reasons, but when victims are injured in slips and falls due to a lack of property maintenance or negligence, the property owner can be held liable for these injuries. There are many causes of slip and fall accidents, but those that could have been avoided can have serious legal consequences for property owners. Some of the most common causes of slips and falls are listed below.

  • Failure to Remove Hazards: Property owners have a responsibility to remove hazards such as snow and ice from their property as soon as possible following a storm. Putting salt or other materials on icy surfaces can further protect individuals. Removing fallen tree branches and other debris from sidewalks and street surfaces can also reduce risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Slippery surfaces: Ice, snow, wet surfaces, spilled oil and rain can cause outside and inside surfaces to become slippery. Caution signs, rubberized mats and salt on icy surfaces can reduce the risk of slips and falls.
  • Spills: Supermarkets can become dangerous places when merchandise falls from shelves and break on tiled floors and other surfaces. It is the responsibility of the manager to clean up spills from surface areas whenever they occur. Restaurants are another place where these types of accidents occur when customers and waiters slip and fall on surfaces that become slick from grease and liquids falling from plates and serving trays. Mechanic shops and repair facilities often spill motor oil and grease from cars that can present a danger to employees and customers.
  • Clutter and Debris: Electrical wires, storage containers, clothing, shoes and office equipment left on floors significantly increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Electrical wires should be run under carpets or through ceilings to avoid individuals tripping over them. Unnecessary boxes or files on the floor should be removed or pushed to the side of the walls to avoid collisions. Shoes, boots, jackets and other clothing should be hung up or placed out of an area of foot traffic to avoid unnecessary risks.
  • Uneven Surfaces: Sidewalks that have been uprooted by trees, torn or ripped carpets, broken tiles and slippery floor mats can create considerable risk for trips and falls. Property owners are responsible to repair these surfaces or provide ample warning signs or tape to alert individuals of the risk created by these uneven surfaces.
  • Open Holes and Unprotected Stairways: Pot holes on roads, uncovered man holes and stairways without sufficient handrails are dangerous situations. Uncovered man holes pose a huge risk to drivers and pedestrians who can fall into these openings, and stairways without strong handrails can cause someone to tumble down the stairs and suffer serious injury.
  • Insufficient Lighting: Poor lighting in parking lots, stairways, entrances and exits, as well as in parking garages and hallways can create dangerous situations resulting in slips and falls. Property owners must ensure that they have sufficient lighting and that these sources are properly maintained and repaired.

Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Represent Injured Victims

If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip or fall accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation. The experienced Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. are dedicated to helping victims claim the compensation they deserve. Call us at 215-569-9100 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.

Our offices are conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia. We serve clients throughout Philadelphia, Central Pennsylvania and New Jersey as well as Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County and Delaware County.