Managing Partner
Slipping or tripping may seem like minor mishaps, but they can lead to serious injuries. A hard fall can result in broken bones, head trauma, or long-term mobility issues, disrupting your daily life and causing unexpected medical bills. These accidents often occur in places you trust to be safe—stores, sidewalks, apartment buildings, and workplaces. When property owners fail to keep their spaces free from hazards, they put visitors at risk. If you’ve been hurt because someone didn’t take proper care of their property, you have the right to seek justice.
Wet or Slippery Surfaces
Slippery floors are a major cause of falls. Spilled drinks, freshly mopped tile, and even small puddles near entryways create serious hazards. Rain and snow can make things worse when water is tracked inside without proper mats. Property owners should clean spills quickly and use warning signs when floors are wet.
Outdoor areas can be just as dangerous. Icy sidewalks, wet stairs, and untreated parking lots increase the risk of slipping. Owners must shovel snow, apply salt, and fix drainage issues. If you were injured due to an ignored hazard, you may have the right to seek compensation.
Uneven Flooring and Sidewalks
Uneven surfaces can lead to sudden trips and serious falls. Cracked pavement, loose tiles, and torn carpeting create unexpected dangers in places where you expect safe footing. These hazards often develop over time, but property owners must inspect and repair them before someone gets hurt.
Sidewalks are a common problem. Tree roots, weather damage, and neglect can cause raised edges and deep cracks, making a simple walk risky. If you fell due to a poorly maintained floor or walkway, gathering photos of the hazard can help prove negligence. Property owners should fix these issues before injuries occur.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting makes it difficult to see hazards, increasing the risk of tripping or missing a step. Stairwells, parking lots, hallways, and walkways should be well-lit to help people move safely. When bulbs burn out or fixtures break, property owners must replace them promptly. Failing to do so creates unnecessary dangers.
Staircases are especially hazardous in dim lighting. A missed step due to shadows or darkness can lead to serious injuries. If you fell because of poor lighting, documenting the conditions with photos can help prove negligence. Property owners can be held responsible for failing to maintain safe lighting.
Cluttered Walkways and Obstacles
Blocked walkways create unnecessary dangers. Boxes left in store aisles, loose cords in offices, or misplaced equipment in public spaces can cause someone to trip and fall. Property owners and businesses should keep paths clear and free of hazards, especially in high-traffic areas.
Even small objects can lead to serious injuries. A bag left on the floor, a loose rug, or an unexpected step can cause someone to lose their balance. If a preventable obstacle caused your fall, the property owner may be responsible. Keeping walkways clear isn’t just about organization—it’s about safety and preventing unnecessary harm.
Missing or Faulty Handrails
Handrails provide support on stairs, ramps, and elevated walkways. When they are loose, broken, or missing entirely, the risk of falling increases. A single misstep can be dangerous without something sturdy to hold onto. Property owners should ensure that railings are secure and meet safety standards.
Older buildings often have worn or improperly installed handrails, while newer structures may lack them altogether. Without proper maintenance, rusted or unstable railings can fail when someone needs them most. If you were injured due to a missing or faulty handrail, the property owner may be responsible for your medical bills and recovery.
Contact Our Experienced Garden City Slip and Fall Attorneys
Slip and fall accidents often happen because property owners fail to fix preventable hazards. Whether it’s a wet floor, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or a missing handrail, these dangers can lead to serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt due to unsafe conditions, Dell & Dean, PLLC can help. You shouldn’t have to face medical bills and lost wages alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
