Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents are extremely common. In fact, they are one of the most common accidents that cause injuries. When you suffer a slip and fall accident, you may believe that it was your own fault – that you should have seen the object that you tripped on, or that you were simply clumsy. However, many times slip and fall accidents are the result of negligence on behalf of the owner of the property or business at which you were injured.
It is the responsibility of the property or business owner to ensure that any dangerous conditions on the property are either removed, or, if they are not, that there is adequate warning of them. When they fail to do either, they can be held liable for your injuries. Here are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents.
1. Hazardous Conditions
Hazardous conditions are one of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. A hazardous condition can be anything from trash or debris left on the floor to inadequate lighting, to electrical wires that are out of place.
2. Unsafe Flooring
Another common cause of slip and fall accidents is uneven or wet floors or surfaces. Examples of poor flooring or surfaces include icy sidewalks, potholes or cracks, spilled liquids, loose rugs, and uneven pavement, to name just a few.
3. Loose or Broken Stairways or Handrails
Defective stairways or handrails are also a common cause of many slip and fall accidents. The property or business owner must regularly inspect the property. It’s important that they check for things such as loose or broken stairs or handrails. If they find them, they must fix them as soon as possible. But until they are able to fix them, they have a duty to warn others.
4. Bad Weather
It’s important to note that bad weather itself is obviously not the fault of the property or business owner. However, the resulting conditions of the property is. When there is rain or snow it’s imperative that these conditions are accounted for; if there is ice, it should be removed. Again, until it is taken care of, a warning sign notifying people of the condition must be visible.
5. Inefficient Training
Finally, the last common cause of slip and fall accidents may surprise you: inefficient training. This is because employees on the property must be properly trained to know what to look for or to understand the proper way to warn people concerning dangerous conditions. Many employees are not adequately trained or given the right equipment. When this is the case, the property owner can be held liable for any injuries caused by a slip and fall that could have been prevented.
The Attorneys at Rochelle McCullough Help Those in Texas Who Have Been Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident
When you have been the victim of a slip and fall accident, you are often faced with handling the financial ramifications that accompany it. You should not be held responsible for someone else’s negligence. You may be entitled to compensation. Be sure to speak with a qualified Texas personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The lawyers at Rochelle McCullough help victims of slip and fall accidents to get their lives and their livelihood back on track. We will fight for your rights. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.