Slips and fall accidents can happen anywhere, to anyone, and at any moment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three million seniors yearly are treated for emergency fall injuries.

And these accidents can lead to minor and major consequences ranging from simple bruises to brain and spinal cord injuries, and even possible death. Sometimes survivors may end up with life-changing disabilities, mounting medical expenses, and the associated emotional distress and physical pain. 

Nine possible causes for slip and fall accidents

In many cases, slip and fall accidents occur because of someone’s negligence. If this happens, you or your loved one are entitled to compensation for the injuries. Here are some common causes of slip and fall accidents:

Floor obstructions

Obstructions on the floor, like torn or uneven carpet, cords, and an uneven floor, can lead to an accident. And the owner can be held liable for injuries if they didn’t place warning signs. 

Poor weather conditions

Property owners cannot control the weather. However, as people can slip on water, snow, or ice, landowners must remove accumulated rainwater, ice, and snow as quickly as possible. 

Wet floors

Cleaning floors is necessary, but mopping leaves the floor wet and slippery. So property owners must put up wet floor signs to inform guests about the hazard. Similarly, drink, oil, or grease spills or splashes can cause a slip-and-fall accident.

Wiping them as soon as possible prevents someone from slipping and falling on them and failure to do so is pure negligence.

Raised or cracked sidewalks

Like torn carpets, even raised or cracked sidewalks can lead to a fall. Property owners who fail to inform guests about this can be liable if someone gets injured.

Poor lighting

Property owners should adequately light areas to avoid accidents. The inability to see possible risks makes avoiding accidents difficult and increases the chances of accidents and the property owner’s liability.

Irregular elevations and drop-offs

Any irregularities in elevations and retailing wall drop-offs are dangerous. As guests may slip and fall because of them, property owners have to place warning signs or fencing to prevent accidents. 

The higher the risk, the more precautions the landowner should take.

Absence of non-skid floor treatments

Premises that do not treat slippery floors with non-skid floor treatments can pose a risk to patrons. The owner is very likely to be held liable if someone slips and falls because of it.

Unsafe stairs

Staircases with poor lighting, chipped, uneven or warped steps, or without handrails can cause slip-and-fall accidents. Landowners must maintain staircases, and failure to do so only makes them liable to penalties.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a New Mexico Slip and Fall Lawyer

Suppose a slip and fall accident leaves you or your loved one seriously injured. You can likely file a lawsuit to claim compensation for the losses incurred if someone’s negligence caused it.

However, insurance companies constantly strive to pay out as little as possible. As filing compensation is challenging. It’s better to enlist the help of a reputed slip and fall attorney. We will take care of all the paperwork and attend court while you focus on your recovery. To schedule a free case evaluation, call our office today or contact us online.