A slip and fall accident happens whenever a person stumbles, slips, trips, or otherwise loses traction and falls to the ground. Not every instance of losing balance and hitting the ground is a personal injury claim, however. For example, if you fell because you were intoxicated, wearing improper footwear, or for another reason within your own control, it may not warrant legal action.
Slip and fall claims are based on a third party’s negligence contributing to you taking a tumble. Common causes of slip and falls in Bloomfield often include spills, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces like broken sidewalks. Regardless of how or where your accident took place, a dedicated slip and fall attorney can help you analyze the specifics to determine whether you have a viable claim for compensation. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help.
Causes of Slips and Trips
Wet and slippery surfaces make it difficult to stay upright. The less traction there is, the more likely a step will turn into a slide, resulting in a fall. Thus, anything that makes a surface wet can increase the risk of slips and falls. Ceiling leaks, tracked in rain or snow, and spills are three common ways floors become slippery. Routine cleaning can also cause slippery floors until the surface dries.
Icy surfaces are also slippery. When someone improperly clears and maintains sidewalks, stairs, and entryways, they become quite easy to slip on. This makes ice, rain, mud, and other inclement weather one of Bloomfield’s most common causes of slip and falls.
Structural Issues and Tripping Hazards
Additionally, many slips and falls are actually trips and falls. These typically happen because of structural issues or debris. Loose floorboards, loose carpet, uneven floors, cracks in the floor, potholes, and uneven sidewalks can all increase the likelihood of a trip. A person might also trip over things like wiring, electrical cords, and extension cords.
Faulty Safety Equipment and Poor Lighting
Other common causes of slips and falls are faulty safety equipment and poor lighting. Loose handrails, broken steps, and insufficient lighting on a property can all contribute to hazards. The cause may not be apparent, especially when the property owner can quickly rectify it. Looking at the whole scenario is essential when determining why a fall occurred.
Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
If a person is lucky, their fall has no significant injuries. They might skin their knee, scrape their hands, and have some bumps and bruises. However, this is not always the case. Some slip and fall accidents can result in:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
Falls are especially hazardous for older adults because they can lead to severe injuries like hip fractures. In extreme cases, a fall can even lead to wrongful death.
Regardless of the injured individual’s age, recovery can be expensive and time-consuming, causing them to miss time from work. The damages available from everyday causes of slip and falls in Bloomfield vary depending on the extent of the injuries and the level of negligence involved.
Contact a Bloomfield Attorney To Recover From Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Since there are many common causes of slip and falls in Bloomfield, winning your personal injury case can be complex. It is not enough to demonstrate that you fell; you must be able to show negligence. To do that, you must prove that the property owner had a duty of care towards you, that they breached that duty, that the breach caused your fall, and that the fall resulted in injuries and damages.
With big firm resources and small firm attention, Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC can help investigate your case and determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim. Contact us now for a free consultation.
