Like most people, you can’t watch every step you take. Even if you do your best to watch where you’re walking, there are times when this isn’t possible.
Dangerous floor conditions can pop up when you least expect it. From shopping malls to grocery stores to hotels, you never know when something will cause a slip and fall accident.
Here are some of the most common conditions that can lead to slip and fall accidents:
— Lack of warning that the floor is being cleaned or has been recently cleaned.
— Neglecting to use signs stating that the floor is wet.
— The use of too much wax, which can make it difficult to gain traction.
— Treating one part of the floor with a wax but not the rest, leading to a change in conditions.
— Using a floor treatment on steps or slopes.
— A torn or worn rug, particularly in an area that is lower than the rest.
— A rug that has a curled edge, which can act as a trip hazard.
Even if you know that these risks exist, it is not always easy to point them out as you walk through an indoor facility.
If you’re involved in a slip and fall accident, check yourself for injuries. For example, you may find that you’ve broken a bone or suffered a serious laceration.
If you’re injured, get immediate medical attention. Once you’re able to do so, learn more about the accident, including the cause and if you can take legal action against the property owner.
Source: FindLaw, “Indoor Slip and Fall Accident Conditions,” accessed Jan. 31, 2017