Slip and fall accidents are the most common type of personal injury claim. This is likely because there are several types of hazards that a person could trip or slip over. An injury sustained from a slip and fall accident can range from mild to severe. For example, you may suffer a bruise after slipping on a patch of ice, or you could suffer a fracture when tripping over a broken staircase. If you or a family member was injured in a slip and fall accident in Pennsylvania, you should consult with an experienced Media slip and fall lawyer today.
The injury lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm can help you file a claim against a negligent property owner that caused your slip and fall accident. Dealing with a serious slip and fall injury could cost you thousands in medical expenses and even affect your professional life. You should not have to bear the burdens of another person’s negligence and should be adequately compensated for your injuries. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
5 Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
As mentioned, a slip and fall accident can occur practically anywhere. A slip and fall claim falls under the umbrella of premises liability cases. Premises liability refers to an area of law that deals with property owners who do not adequately maintain their property. A property owner has a duty to warn visitors of a known hazard on their property and a duty to correct hazardous conditions. For example, if a cup of water is spilled in a restaurant and a manager or owner does not place a caution sign or mop up the area, this could lead to a slip and fall.
The following is a list of common property hazards that may cause a slip and fall. This is not an exhaustive list of common causes of slip and fall injuries. If you were involved in a slip and fall accident that is not listed below, our firm could help you build your claim.
Snow and Ice
Snow and ice that is not shoveled properly can cause various issues for pedestrians. For example, if a storefront has an unreasonable accumulation of snow and ice, this may result in a serious slip and fall injury. Common injuries that can occur from slipping on a stretch of ice include back injuries, head injuries, and even fractures.
Poorly Lit Areas
Unfortunately, many parking lots and parking garages have an insufficient amount of light for people who need to travel to and from their cars. Inadequate lighting in a parking lot is dangerous because it may be hard to spot areas where the floor could elevate or drop off.
Unsafe Railings, Stairwells, and Banisters
We often rely on railings and banisters to support us when we are walking up or down a steep set of steps. However, some property owners have neglected to maintain important safety structures like railings. Unfortunately, this could lead a person losing their balance and possibly falling down a flight of steps. A serious fall could result in serious issues like a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a spinal cord injury (SCI).
Cracked and Uneven Pavement
Cracked and uneven pavement is another common cause of slip and fall accidents. Most cracked pavement is in locations with heavy pedestrian and road traffic. For example, the parking lot of a popular store is likely to have several areas where the pavement is unstable. This does not exempt the retailer from maintaining their property to keep their patrons safe. Tripping over cracked pavement could leave a person with a variety of injuries, like a serious sprain or bone fracture, if they fall hard enough.
Construction Defects
Roads and sidewalks are constantly under construction to keep up with the damage caused by frequent traffic. Unfortunately, not all construction sites contain adequate caution signs to warn pedestrians about possible hazards. This can result in someone possibly tripping over construction equipment and being seriously injured.
Media Slip and Fall Attorneys Can Help You File a Lawsuit
If you or a family member was involved in a slip and fall accident due to a property owner’s negligence, you should contact an experienced Media slip and fall attorney today. At The Reiff Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience, and we are ready to use that experience to provide you with aggressive legal representation for your case. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential case, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online. We are prepared to fight tirelessly for you.
