Slip and fall accidents are usually preventable and when a business fails to properly maintain its premises, injured victims may be able to recover financial compensation. Some of the most common causes of slips and falls in businesses include:
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Uneven Surfaces
Flooring surfaces that are wet or uneven account for the vast majority of slip and fall accidents. The National Floor Safety Institute estimates that 55 percent of all slip and fall accidents are due to hazardous surfaces. Such hazards may include:
- Floors that are cluttered with merchandise or loose items
- Defective sidewalks
- Parking lots with potholes in them
- Floors with loose floorboards
- Staircases that are not constructed properly
- Carpets with tears on them
- Slick floors due to mopping or waxing.
A personal injury attorney Las Vegas assesses the environment to determine what the likely causes of the slip and fall were in order to determine if there is a viable claim against the property owner.
Weather
Another common reason for slips and falls is due to weather conditions. Accumulation from rain, ice or snow may cause slips and falls. Likewise, customers who track in mud, dirt or rain droplets may make surfaces slick. To avoid such accidents, businesses may be proactive in their approach to the premises, such as by shoveling snowy sidewalks or having a worker on standby to clean up weather debris brought in by customers.
Improper Procedures
Another reason why slips and falls may occur is because of improper training and procedures. Employees may not be properly trained on how to walk carefully on slick surfaces or in narrow areas. They may not receive training about recognizing workplace dangers or be required to keep a log of how often they inspect different areas of the business for possible hazards. Failing to implement safeguards can result in businesses being held liable for injuries customers and employees endure.
Nursing Home Neglect
Due to worsened vision, the reliance on assistive walking devices and a variety of medical conditions that affect mobility, older individuals are exposed to an increased number of risk factors when walking. If an older person does slip and fall, he or she is more likely to suffer from a serious injury such as a hip fracture. A personal injury attorney Las Vegas can investigate whether a nursing home has failed to properly inspect its premises or have staff on hand to assist residents. If the injury is due to nursing home neglect, a personal injury attorney Las Vegas can explore options regarding potential compensation for the victim.
