If you’ve ever experienced a slip and fall accident, you know it can be a traumatic event, even though you worked with a slip and fall attorney residents trust. Even if you haven’t, you probably still have an idea of what can cause someone to slip and fall on someone else’s property. Common causes include water or ice on the ground, oil on the floor, or even pieces of paper scattered about that weren’t there before you walked through the door. According to our friends at David & Philpot, P.L., although these are all common slip and fall causes, there are some other very surprising culprits that slip and fall accidents are caused by every single day.
1) Slippery Shoes
Slippery shoes can cause a slip and fall because the bottoms of the shoes do not grip the surface they are on. This causes people to slide out of their shoes, which can lead to them falling. Slipping on wet surfaces is also a leading cause of slips and falls because there is either too much traction or too little traction for one person’s feet to handle. The type of footwear worn by the victim may contribute to whether they slip or not. For example, if someone wearing rubber-soled shoes walks across a wet floor with oil in it then it may be easier for them to make that same mistake than if someone wearing cloth-soled shoes did so.
2) Wet Carpet
Most people probably think of wet floors so wet carpet might sound strange, but it actually causes more accidents than you might think! One of the leading causes of wet carpet is some sort of plumbing issue. Wet carpet can be very slick, which can cause a fall. Oftentimes, wet carpet might be hard to spot. In fact, you might not even realize there is a wet spot until you step in it. Since you are unable to avoid it, it can interact negatively with the sort of footwear you have on, causing a slip injury.
3) Dirty/Muddy Floors
Dirty or muddy floors are a common cause of slip and falls. Excessively wet floors can also be a hazard. If you notice that there is something on the floor, it’s best to clean it up immediately to prevent the risk of slipping and falling. If your property has an issue with wet surfaces, you might want to consider installing a radiant barrier under the flooring or installing tile instead of carpeting. If you are aware of flooring issues on your property, make sure to put up plenty of warning/hazard signs to give notice to your customers. Otherwise you might find yourself on the end of a personal injury lawsuit!
4) Ripped Tiles/Torn Carpet
Slip and fall injuries are more common than you might think, but they can be avoided if you take precautions. Ripped tiles and torn carpet are often the culprits of these incidents. In order to avoid injuring yourself on a damaged floor, it’s important to keep an eye out for any damage or obstructions on your path. It is up to the owner of the flooring to warn you about these hazards, and if they do not, you should seek out the help of an attorney.
5) Wet Sidewalks/Walkways
Wet walkways are the most common cause of slip and falls. Wet surfaces, like wet sidewalks and wet floors, can be extremely dangerous because they create a slippery surface that can lead to serious injuries. It is important to take caution when walking in these areas by looking out for puddles or wet patches on the ground. If you notice any puddles or moist spots on your path, it is best to avoid them at all costs and find another way around.
If you experience an injury, contact a slip and fall attorney immediately for help.
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