What are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?

A slip and fall accident can happen almost anywhere, including apartment complexes, stores, office buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, and restaurants. While people sometimes think falls are nothing more than minor embarrassments, they can cause very serious injuries. This is particularly true for older individuals, and anyone who hits their head or back during the fall.

One of the most frustrating aspects of these cases is that the majority of slip and falls are preventable. They only occur because property owners fail to identify, repair, or warn of certain dangers. Below, our Tampa slip and fall attorney explains the most common causes of these accidents

Slippery or Wet Surfaces 

Recently mopped walkways, spills, wet floors, tracked-in water, and slick surfaces remain some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. These hazards can appear anywhere but they are particularly common in restaurants and grocery stores. With these particular hazards, it must be proven that the property owner knew, or should have known, of the danger, meaning it must have existed long enough for a reasonable person to notice and correct it.

Inadequate Lighting

Insufficient lighting can make hazards that are otherwise visible difficult to detect. Hallways, stairwells, entrances, and parking lots become much more dangerous when there is not enough lighting and pedestrians cannot see obstacles, changes in level, or slippery conditions clearly. Lighting is an important issue because the property may be safe when there is good visibility but otherwise dangerous in dim surroundings.

Uneven Walkways and Surfaces

Broken pavement, cracked sidewalks, uneven transitions, and other similar hazards can all pose serious risks. These are particularly dangerous in crowded areas where people are not on the constant lookout for defects. Property owners do not have to guarantee a perfect premises, but they should address these issues when they arise.

Negligent Maintenance

Neglected properties can create patterns of fall risks rather than one isolated cause. Loose carpeting, broken handrails, worn surfaces, and damaged stairs can all indicate improper maintenance. While property owners are only responsible for dangers they should have known about, they are required to regularly inspect their premises to identify any hazards when they arise.

Objects in Walkways 

Objects such as furniture, equipment, cords, or debris can become very dangerous when they are placed in walkways. Even when these hazards are temporary, they should be corrected promptly to ensure that no one becomes hurt.

Contact Our Slip and Fall Lawyer in Tampa After an Injury 

If you have been hurt on someone else’s property and you believe your injuries were caused by negligence, our Tampa slip and fall lawyer can help. At Moore Law, our experienced attorney can investigate your case, determine what caused your accident, and hold the property owner accountable for their negligent actions so you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us now at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.