Spring is the season of renewal and new beginnings, but with spring comes a host of potential slip-and-fall hazards. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere from residential properties to commercial establishments and any fall can result in serious injuries. Shockingly, slip and fall accidents occur far more often than you may think. In fact, more than one million people go to the emergency room each year for a slip and fall accident. That’s more than two thousand people each day in the United States alone.
As a law firm specializing in personal injury cases, we want to spread awareness of the most common spring slip and fall hazards so that you can stay safe. Below, you’ll find the top 5 causes of slip and fall accidents in the spring.
1. Wet and Slippery Surfaces
Spring is notorious for its wet weather, which can lead to indoor and outdoor slippery surfaces. Wet floors in public places, such as grocery stores or shopping centers, can be a major slip-and-fall hazard. Similarly, rain-slicked walkways, driveways, and parking lots can also be hazardous. Property owners and managers have a duty to keep their premises safe and free from “unreasonably dangerous” conditions. It is good to remember that rain alone cannot create an unreasonably dangerous condition giving rise to a claim for personal injuries. It is essential that the rain exacerbates an already dangerous or otherwise existing condition that the premises owner has knowledge of, like a very slick surface leading to on on the stairway that is made worse by the rain.
2. Uneven or Broken Pavement
Winter weather can take a toll on pavement, causing cracks, potholes, and other damage. As the snow and ice thaw in the spring, these hazards become even more pronounced. Uneven or broken pavement can be a tripping hazard, especially for those with mobility issues or who are not paying attention. Property owners are responsible for keeping their pavement in good condition to prevent accidents.
3. Debris and Obstructions
Spring cleaning can also lead to slip and fall hazards. Homeowners and businesses may be cleaning out their gutters, trimming trees, or doing other yard work that can create debris and obstructions. Loose branches, debris, and other objects left in walkways can be a tripping hazard. Property owners should take extra precautions as they clean up after any maintenance work to ensure that walkways are clear and safe.
4. Puddles and Standing Water
With spring comes tons of puddles and standing water, which can be a slip-and-fall hazard both indoors and outdoors. Wet floors in entryways or near windows can create slippery conditions while standing water in parking lots or walkways can make navigating difficult. Property owners should be vigilant about removing standing water and drying wet surfaces to prevent accidents from happening.
5. Financial Devastation
Discover how the Law Offices of Tim O'Hare's experienced attorneys can assist you following a slip and fall incident.
The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare is staffed with attorneys who possess vast experience in handling slip-and-fall claims, and they are knowledgeable about the challenges that victims typically encounter following such accidents. They will competently handle all the intricacies involved in the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery without any worries.
At our firm, we have an unwavering commitment to ensuring that negligent defendants and insurance companies are held accountable for the injuries caused to innocent people. While we strive to settle cases outside of court, we are not afraid to take on powerful insurance companies and litigate if necessary to obtain the compensation our clients deserve. Our track record of success speaks for itself. If you have suffered injuries in a slip-and-fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, we invite you to reach out to us for a free initial consultation. Our contingency fee basis means that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
