Common Causes of Slip and Fall Lawsuits

Slip and fall accidents can occur in a variety of settings, and when they result in injuries, they can lead to lawsuits against the property owner or manager. Here are some common causes of slip and fall lawsuits. 

Wet or Slippery Floors 

Slip and fall lawsuits often arise from wet or slippery floors that a property owner or manager was aware of or should have been aware of and failed to clean up or warn of it. When floors are in this condition, it can be difficult to maintain balance. Here are some ways wet or slippery floors can cause slip and fall accidents:

• Spills: When liquids are spilled on a floor, they can create a slippery surface that can cause people to lose their footing and fall.
• Waxed floors: When newly cleaned or waxed, they may become wet or slippery. 
• Weather conditions: When property owners or managers do not prepare for rain, snow, or icy conditions, that can follow people inside, making floors slippery and dangerous.

Uneven or Damaged Flooring

When floors are not level or have defects, it can create a tripping hazard that can lead to falls and injuries. Here are some ways that uneven or damaged flooring can result in slip and fall lawsuits:

• Tripping hazards: Uneven or damaged flooring can create raised edges, cracks, or holes that cause people to trip and fall.
• Failure to warn: Property owners or managers may be liable for any resulting injuries if they fail to warn of uneven or damaged flooring.
• Inadequate maintenance: Property owners or managers are responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their property, including repairing or replacing uneven or damaged flooring. 
• Code violations: Some uneven or damaged flooring may violate building codes or safety regulations.

Poor Lighting

Inadequate lighting can make it challenging for people to see hazards on the ground, such as uneven flooring or debris, and can increase the risk of slips and falls. Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes maintaining adequate lighting to ensure that visitors can safely navigate the property. Failure to maintain lighting can lead to liability in slip and fall lawsuits.

Obstructed Walkways 

When walkways are obstructed by debris or other objects, such as boxes or cords, it can create a tripping hazard that can lead to falls and injuries. As a result, the property owner or manager can be liable for any injuries caused by their lack of maintenance or failure to warn visitors of those hazards. 

Snow and Ice

When snow and ice accumulate on walkways, it can create slippery conditions that can lead to falls and injuries. Property owners or managers can be liable for failing to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition by removing snow and ice from walkways in a timely manner or warning visitors of the slippery conditions. Property owners may also be required to salt or sand walkways to provide traction and prevent slips and falls. 
To have a successful slip and fall lawsuit, the injured party must be able to demonstrate that the property owner or manager was negligent, leading to the injury. Contact a Kentucky Slip and Fall Attorney today to ensure you hold the property owner responsible and recover the compensation you deserve.