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Common Causes of Trip-and-Falls

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

Common Causes of Trip-and-Falls

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Trip and fall accidents are often lumped in with slip and fall accidents; while the outcomes are certainly similar, the causes tend to differ. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a tripping hazard as any vertical change of more than ¼ inch. Cracked sidewalks are commonly to blame for trip-and-fall accidents, though there are a myriad of other prevalent trip-hazards. Property and business owners are required to look out for the safety of their visitors by providing and maintaining reasonably safe conditions. When a trip-and-fall occurs due to negligence on the part of the property owner, the injured party may be eligible to file a premises liability claim. To learn more about your options for physical and financial recovery after a trip and fall accident, reach out to a premises liability attorney.

Some of the most common causes of trip and fall accidents include:

  • Cracked concrete
  • Poor lighting
  • Clutter
  • Wrinkled rugs or carpet
  • Unsecured cables
  • Uneven steps
  • Uneven flooring

While some of these hazards might seem unavoidable, it is important to remember that property owners are required to ensure reasonably safe conditions for visitors on their property. The only scenarios in which a property owner is unlikely to be held responsible for dangerous conditions on their premises is when the injured party was trespassing or committing some other criminal activity.

Every state has a different statute of limitations regarding trip and fall injuries.

A statute of limitations is the window of time in which a person can take legal action to seek recourse for their injury. Different types of injuries may have different statutes of limitations. In many states including Texas, the statute of limitations for trip and fall injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If a premises liability claim is not filed before the end of these two years, the injured party waives their right to seek compensation for their damages.

Trip and fall accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including:

  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Head, neck, or back trauma
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Brain injury
  • Internal bleeding
  • Paralysis
  • Death

There is a tendency to shrug off trip-and-falls and slip-and-falls as less severe accidents; however, the consequences can be serious. Trip-and-falls are one of the most common types of injury and often occur to already at-risk parties such as those with disabilities or the elderly. It is imperative that property and business owners take these and other parties into consideration when arranging for safe mobility conditions.

Take pictures of where the trip-and-fall occurred.

If you or a loved one were injured in a trip and fall accident, it is imperative to take pictures of the location where the accident occurred. Cracked concrete, broken stairways, uneven flooring, and even a wrinkled carpet can all present a significant hazard. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of any contributing conditions, such as poor lighting and adverse weather. If anyone witnessed the accident, collect their name and phone number in case you need their testimony at a later date. If you were injured in a trip-and-fall, you may find yourself facing medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Reach out to a trip-and-fall attorney to discuss your options for physical and financial recovery.

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