While most people are never injured in a slip-and-fall accident, this is more common than you may believe. It’s imperative to understand the most common causes of indoor slips and falls, as well as the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Here are five flooring conditions and defects that can result in a slip or fall:
- Wet floors: A wet floor, regardless of the cause, makes for a slippery surface. For example, if an entryway is wet after a heavy rain, it greatly increases the risk of an accident when entering from the outside.
- Too much wax or polish: Wax and polish are necessary on many types of floors, but using too much can result in slippery conditions.
- Failure to close off dangerous areas: This can include everything from a wet floor to one that’s damaged (such as a low spot). All of these areas should either be blocked off or explicitly noted.
- Torn, worn, or bulging carpet: Carpeting can and will wear out over time, thus acting as a trip hazard. For instance, a bulge in the carpet can catch your shoe, thus causing you to tumble to the ground.
- Defective stairs: This takes on many forms, such as rounded steps, missing or loose handrails and debris on the stairs.
If you’re injured in an indoor slip-and-fall accident, stay where you are and call for help. You should also do the following:
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries
- Report the accident to the building owner
- Keep track of your medical treatment
Doing these things puts you in a better position to protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries.
