Every year, millions of people end up in the hospital because they slipped and fell. It’s not just older people; anyone can fall and get seriously hurt. Slips and falls can happen anywhere, but when they occur on private property, like someone’s house, a store, or an apartment building, they get more complicated.
Property owners are supposed to keep their space safe. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they could be held responsible. You can consult with a slip and fall attorney at DFW Injury Lawyers to prove liability and receive compensation. Before that, you should know some common ways an individual can slip and fall on private property.
Slippery floors
Slippery floors are one of the main reasons people slip and fall on private property. This happens when the floor surface loses grip, making it easy for someone to slip and fall. It’s not just about spills and cleaning products; leaks, rainwater brought in from shoes, or even polished surfaces can make a floor dangerous.
Some floors, like tiles or marble, are naturally slick, especially when wet. In places like stores or apartment buildings, if these areas aren’t dried quickly or marked with warning signs, they become a serious hazard.
Property owners are legally expected to keep their floors safe. That means fixing leaks, cleaning spills properly, and putting out warning signs when the floor is wet. If they don’t, and someone falls, they can be held responsible for the injury.
Poor lighting
Poor lighting makes it hard to see where you’re walking, which increases the chance of slipping or falling. Furthermore, dim lights, burned-out bulbs, or badly placed lighting can all cause problems. In low light, you might miss steps, not notice a wet floor, or trip over something on the ground.
This is especially risky in areas like staircases, hallways, parking lots, or entrances. You need clear visibility to judge depth, distance, and surface changes. Without proper lighting, even a small hazard becomes dangerous. On private property, it’s the owner’s responsibility to keep those areas well-lit. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they can be held legally responsible.
Potholes
Potholes are holes or uneven spots in the ground, usually caused by water getting under pavement and breaking it apart over time. They often form in driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots on private property.
When someone walks over a pothole and doesn’t see it, they can easily twist their ankle, lose balance, or fall. This is especially dangerous at night or in places with poor lighting where the hole isn’t visible.
Even small potholes can cause serious injuries if someone steps into them the wrong way. Property owners are responsible for fixing these hazards. If they ignore them and someone gets hurt, they are liable under premises liability law.
Uneven floors
Uneven floors refer to loose tiles, raised floorboards, or areas where the floor dips or slopes. When the floor isn’t smooth, it’s easy to trip, twist your ankle, or lose your balance. This is especially dangerous in places like homes, stores, or apartment buildings where people walk frequently.
Property owners are responsible for making sure their floors are safe. If they ignore uneven flooring and someone gets hurt, they can be held legally responsible. So, uneven flooring is definitely one of the ways an individual can slip and fall on private property.
Conclusion
If you or someone you love has been involved in a slip and fall accident on private property, consult with a slip and fall lawyer to hold the owner accountable and receive the compensation you deserve for all your losses.
By: Chris Bates
