9 Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can occur due to various factors, and property owners may be held liable for negligence if they fail to maintain safe premises. These accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that prevent victims from working, paying their medical bills, or supporting their families.
In this article, we’ll explore nine common causes of slip and fall injuries that may result in property owner liability and discuss the legal implications involved.
By identifying the common causes of these accidents, individuals and organizations can take proactive steps to enhance safety and minimize the risk of injuries.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall accident refers to any incident where someone slips and falls, resulting in a spectrum of injuries, ranging from relatively mild to severe. You should seek medical attention promptly after a fall, or any other accident that may have caused an injury, and speak with a slip and fall lawyer in Toronto.
Legal action may ensue if the injured person is lawfully on the property, categorized as either an invitee or a licensee. Invitees are those present for business dealings or public purposes, while licensees are social guests.
Trespassers—those lacking permission or legal right to be on the property—are not considered licensees. Thus, the property owner is usually not liable for any injuries sustained by trespassers on the property.
Whether categorized as an invitee or licensee, slip and fall incidents can transpire in various public settings, including but not limited to:
- Stores
- Restaurants and bars
- Parks
- Public roads and sidewalks
- Movie theatres
- Schools and universities
- Public pools
- Amusement and water parks
- Sports and entertainment venues
- Parking lots and garages
Additionally, slip and fall accidents can occur on private property, such as:
- Private residences
- Private swimming pools
- Privately owned land or real estate
Prevalent Hazards Associated With Slip and Fall Accidents
Numerous factors contribute to slip and fall accidents, often stemming from a property owner’s negligence. These include the following:
1. Wet surfaces
Wet surfaces, whether from spills, leaks, or recent cleaning, are a leading cause of slip-and-fall accidents. Locations with smooth or polished floors, like supermarkets, restaurants, or commercial buildings, are particularly susceptible to accidents when wet.
Property owners should establish routine maintenance protocols—cleaning spills, using warning signs, or employing absorbent materials—to promptly address wet surfaces and preempt potential hazards.
2. Inadequate lighting
Inadequate lighting in walkways, stairwells, or parking lots diminishes visibility and escalates the likelihood of slips and falls. Property owners should guarantee adequate illumination in all areas to augment visibility and forestall accidents, especially during nighttime hours.
3. Broken or missing steps
Broken or missing steps on staircases pose considerable structural hazards, potentially causing individuals to stumble or fall. Property owners must expeditiously rectify or replace damaged steps to preserve staircases’ safety and integrity.
4. Broken and uneven sidewalks
Broken or uneven sidewalks present hazards to pedestrians, particularly in urban locales or regions with inclement weather. Cracks, gaps, or uneven pavement can prompt individuals to trip and incur injuries.
Property owners, including municipalities, should prioritize sidewalk maintenance to ensure safe pedestrian passages.
5. Uneven floors
Uneven floors, encompassing surfaces with cracks, bumps, or depressions, readily induce individuals to trip and lose balance. Such conditions are prevalent in aging buildings, outdoor walkways, or areas with insufficient upkeep.
Property owners must prioritize repairs and maintenance to uphold even and safe flooring surfaces for pedestrians.
6. Loose floorboards
Loose or damaged floorboards pose a significant risk, notably in older buildings or areas with wooden flooring. These unstable surfaces can unexpectedly shift, leading to slip and falls.
Property owners must promptly address loose floorboards to forestall accidents and ensure their property’s structural integrity.
7. Cluttered walking surfaces
Cluttered walking surfaces, strewn with objects or debris, present obstacles that heighten the risk of slips and falls. Such conditions commonly manifest in bustling areas, construction sites, or homes lacking adequate storage.
Property owners should uphold clear pathways and consistently remove clutter to diminish accident risks.
8. Staircases without handrails
Staircases lacking handrails compromise stability and elevate the risk of falls, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or in dim lighting conditions.
Property owners should install robust handrails on all staircases to support and enhance users’ safety.
9. Snow and ice accumulation on walkways
During winter, for example, snow and ice accumulation on walkways pose substantial risks for slip and fall accidents. Property owners must expeditiously clear and salt walkways to avert icy patches and ensure pedestrians’ safe traversal.
Visitor Behaviour Contributing to Slip and Fall Accidents
In addition to property conditions, visitor behaviour can also contribute to slip and fall accidents:
- Improper footwear: Ill-fitting or slippery shoes exacerbate the risk of falling.
- Distracted navigation: Distractions like cell phones or conversations divert attention from potential hazards.
- Excessive focus: Overly focusing on surroundings can lead to neglect of immediate walking conditions.
- Rushing: Hurried movements without regard for safety precautions increase accident risks.
Slip and Fall Accidents Are Entirely Preventable Occurrences
Slip and fall accidents are major public health concerns due to their frequency and costs. Yet, they are largely preventable with the proper precautions.
Businesses and individuals can take proactive steps to enhance premises’ safety and minimize the risk of such accidents for employees, customers, and guests. Key measures to consider include the following:
- Promptly addressing spills and wet floors while signalling caution.
- Regular maintenance of pavements and flooring to rectify defects.
- Employing non-skid materials and strategically placing mats for moisture absorption.
- Clearing obstacles from walkways and ensuring proper lighting.
- Implementing regular cleaning protocols to maintain cleanliness.
- Employing design solutions to mitigate flooring transitions and glare.
- Vigilance in maintaining a hazard-free work environment.
- Ensuring the availability and proper utilization of safety equipment.
- Comprehensive training programs for employees, emphasizing safety practices.
Proving Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
Proving a slip and fall case hinges on demonstrating negligence by the person responsible for the property. To establish another party’s negligence, the victim who initiated the lawsuit and was injured in the accident must establish four key points:
- Duty of care: Property owners owe a duty to provide safe conditions for visitors.
- Breach of duty: Negligence or omission in fulfilling this duty constitutes a breach.
- Causation: The property owner’s breach directly causes harm or injury.
- Damages: Compensable damages suffered by the injured party occurred as a result.
Examples of negligence in a slip and fall lawsuit include the following:
- Inadequate installation of handrails and accommodations.
- Absence of warning signs for slippery surfaces.
- Inadequate stocking of shelves and goods.
- Failure to use runner carpets during inclement weather.
- Improper choice of flooring materials.
- Neglecting property inspections.
- Neglecting to repair and maintain appliances.
- Failure to promptly clean and warn of spills on walking surfaces.
- Use of inappropriate floor-cleaning solutions.
- Neglecting to address slip and fall hazards due to weather conditions.
- Failure to address uneven walking surfaces.
- Inadequate employee training, especially in construction sites.
- Absence of proper lighting systems in residential and commercial buildings.
- Misuse of flooring material and signage on steep walkways.
If negligence is proven, you may recover various expenses, including:
- Medical bills: Covering expenses related to injury treatment and medical care.
- Rehabilitation costs: Including physical therapy or counseling for recovery.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to missed work.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical and emotional distress endured.
Our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Toronto Can Help
Have you been hurt in a slip and fall accident? If so, contact Affinity Law as soon as possible. A slip and fall lawyer can investigate your fall and assist in collecting the necessary evidence to substantiate your claim.
To speak with a slip and fall lawyer in Toronto about your case in a free consultation, please call us at 1-844-786-5291 or contact us here .