At seemingly any time or place, individuals may experience a slip and fall accident. These types of accidents can cause serious injuries, and victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries.
A slip and fall accident occurs when an individual slips on a surface while walking, causing him or her to fall to the ground. While many people believe that a simple slip and fall is not a major event, a slip and fall can actually leave a victim with devastating injuries that can last a lifetime. While some slip and fall injuries only cause bumps and bruises, others can cause severe injuries that result in complex fractures and other serious injuries to ankles, wrists, arms, hips, elbows and shoulders. These types of injuries can require surgeries, cause serious medical complications, require extensive physical therapy, and can even result in death.
Slip and fall accidents can occur on both private and public properties. As such, it is important for both companies and individual homeowners to keep their buildings and grounds as safe as possible for those who visit. If they fail in this important duty to visitors, it can result in dangerous, unsafe conditions that may result in an accident. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
-
Wet spots – leaks, rain, and mopped floors can all create slippery spots on the floor;
-
Snowy or icy walkways – snow or ice can cause a person to quickly lose his or her footing;
-
Uneven terrain – floors that ramp up or down may cause a person to stumble or lose balance;
-
Unmarked changes in flooring – properties should mark steps and other hazards so that visitors are aware of their presence;
-
Unsafe lighting – if it is difficult to see, it can hinder a person’s ability to spot treacherous places on the ground;
-
Debris on the walkway – trash, electrical wiring, and other items left in the walkway can cause a person to slip and fall
Property owners are required to keep their premises safe and well maintained so that injuries and accidents such as slip and falls can be prevented. When the owner or occupier of a property allows others, by invitation or implication, to make use of his or her premises for lawful purposes, he or she can be held liable for any injuries individuals sustain that are caused by a failure to exercise care in keeping the premises safe. It is important to note that keeping a property safe doesn’t mean that visitors or guests are not expected to exercise reasonable care for themselves while on the premises. It simply means that the property owner must take reasonable care to safeguard the property.
Those who have experienced a slip and fall accident on a property due to the negligence of another may be able to file a lawsuit to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other accident related expenses.
The Law Office of Michael Osborne helps accident, wrongful death, and personal injury victims. To contact a Chicago personal injury attorney or learn more, visit http://www.michaelosbornelaw.com or call (312) 315-1765.
