A slip-and-fall accident can happen anywhere and at any time. These accidents are the leading cause of unintentional injury and death, impacting two segments of the population significantly: the elderly and young children.
While not all slip-and-fall accidents can be prevented, those caused by negligence or carelessness on the part of a property owner could be. If a property owner or manager fails to protect visitors from hazards or fails to warn them of potentially dangerous conditions, the owner could be held liable for injuries they suffer.
Both property owners and visitors should be aware of common dangers and the types of slip-and-fall accidents that are often reported. Below is some helpful information from Parnall Law that could help prevent an accident or help you understand what to do if you’ve been injured on someone else’s property.
Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen in a wide variety of ways. Some of the most common causes of slip-and-falls include:
- Slippery floors
- Unexpected debris or objects covering walkways
- Uneven or unlevel paths
- Dim or obstructed lighting
- Loose or worn flooring
- Inclement weather, including rainy or icy conditions
- Missing handrails on stairs
These are not the only causes of slip-and-fall accidents. If you were hurt due to a hazardous condition on someone’s property, you could be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Types of Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents can be very serious. Some common injuries that result from slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Hip fractures
- Shoulder and other joint injuries
- Sprains and strains
Tragically, some slip-and-fall accidents result in fatal injuries, particularly among older adults.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability describes the responsibility a property owner has to meet certain safety standards for the maintenance of their property. When a property owner or other responsible party fails to maintain reasonably safe conditions on their property, they may be held liable when a visitor suffers injuries as a result.
Slip-and-fall accidents are a common type of premises liability case. They often arise in stores, restaurants, office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels, hospitals, and virtually any other public space. They can even happen at a private residence.
When to Contact a Lawyer
You should hire an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible to make sure that your best interests are protected. Your lawyer works for you, not the insurance company, and they will negotiate to seek the best possible settlement that takes into account your current and future financial needs.
If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
How Can Parnall Law Help Me?
The Albuquerque premises liability lawyers of Parnall Law will fight for fair compensation for all your losses. We will not rest until you get the justice that you are owed. Call us for a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our team today.
