Anyone can fall, especially if they are not paying attention to where they are going. However, sometimes people fall because of a hazard in a business, workplace, and even on public or private property. These hazards make the premises very dangerous, and any victim who falls might be able to bring a lawsuit against the owner.
As leading Austin premises liability attorneys, we have written his article to highlight the leading hazards pedestrians should be aware of.
Problems with the Floor
Often, a person trips because the floor is a hazard. For example, any of the following could be a problem:
- Uneven floorboards
- Holes in the floor
- Poor floor coverings
- Polished floors
- Worn treads
- Spilled liquids or other contamination
- Condensation
In other cases, negligent housekeeping contributes to a trip or slip, as when a landlord leaves objects on the floor that a person would not expect to be there. It is very easy to trip or slip and fall, injuring yourself.
Poor Lighting
This is another major cause of slips or trips, especially in stair wells where one wrong step could spell disaster. Poor lighting makes it very difficult for people to see, which can easily contribute to slip and fall or trip and fall accidents.
In addition to stairwells, poor outside lighting is also a contributing cause to falls in apartment building complexes and parking lots. Poor lighting can result from:
- A landlord does not replace burnt out bulbs.
- A landlord uses bulbs that do not provide enough light.
- Lightbulbs are too bright, which causes glare and blindness.
- The lighting is poorly designed so that it illuminates areas where someone is not stepping.
- Light switches are poorly placed on the wall, which makes them hard to find.
If you have fallen down stairs or in a walkway because of poor lighting, then you might have a legal claim.
Extension Cords or Cables
If you are like most people, you’ve been in many workspaces where extension cords crisscross the floor, creating a veritable landmine for anyone trying to traverse the space. These cords and cables are serious tripping hazards. Ideally, the space would be designed so cables do not need to cross large spaces, and they should never cross in front of doorways.
Weather
Texas storms can send leaves, water, and tree branches flying, any one of which can pose a trip or slip hazard, especially in parking lots or at the entrance of a store. Landlords have a duty to clean up debris shortly after a storm so that it does not create a hazard to pedestrians. Unfortunately, far too many landlords are lax, which contributes to injuries.
We Represent Victims of Slip and Falls or Trip and Falls
If you have hurt yourself in a fall, you should consider whether you have a valid legal claim. The attorneys at DJC Law help Austin slip and fall victims after they have suffered serious injuries.
If you need assistance, please contact us. One of our attorneys can meet with you to review the circumstances of your accident. We are only a phone call away, 512-888-9999.
