Slips, trips and falls can cause serious injuries, and the losses resulting from these injuries can be devastating for many individuals and families. If you were injured on public or private property, it is important that you speak with an attorney about your rights and take appropriate legal action to secure just compensation for your physical, financial and emotional harm.
Property owners and tenants in Florida can be held financially liable for many types of fall-related injuries. Here are 10 of the most-common causes of slip, trip and fall accidents for which financial compensation may be available:
10 Common Causes of Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents
1. Broken Handrails
Broken, loose and missing handrails in retail locations, on construction sites and in other buildings can lead to unexpected falls and serious traumatic injuries.
2. Building Code Violations
From stairs and railings to curbs and sidewalks, all interior and exterior spaces are subject to stringent building codes and requirements. If you were injured due to a building code violation, the property owner, a contractor and various other all parties could all potentially be responsible for your losses.
3. Defective Stairs
Loose treads, crumbling concrete, stairs that are too steep, stairs without anti-skid surfacing, and other defective stair issues are all common causes of slip, trip and fall accidents in Florida.
4. Faulty Elevators and Escalators
Defects and inadequate maintenance of elevators and escalators can lead to severe injuries. Property owners must ensure that their elevators and escalators are operating safely, and they must adequately restrict access those that need maintenance or repairs.
5. Inadequate Security
When hazards on the premises or potentially-dangerous patrons present safety risks for guests, construction companies, bars, nightclubs, and other property owners and tenants must adopt adequate security measures to mitigate the risk of harm.
6. Poor Lighting
Poor lighting of parking lots, parking garages, sidewalks, and interior spaces can obscure slippery surfaces and other hazards that can lead to slip, trip and fall accidents.
7. Spills
Spills in supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants and other locations are frequently to blame for sudden and harmful slip-and-fall accidents.
8. Uneven Walkways
Uneven sidewalks and other poorly-constructed walkways create unnecessary risks for patrons and guests. Uneven walking surfaces caused by tree roots and other issues must be appropriately addressed by property owners as well.
9. Unmarked Hazards
Unpainted curbs and curb stops, recently-cleaned floors without warning signs and other unmarked slip, trip and fall hazards are common factors in harmful accidents.
10. Wet Surfaces
From spills and recently-cleaned floors to rainwater, both human and natural causes can lead to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents that can – and in many cases should – be avoided.
Speak with an Orange Park Injury Attorney for Free
If you suffered serious injuries in a slip, trip or fall on public or private property in Orange Park, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. To speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in confidence, please call (904) 737-4700 or request a free consultation online today.