Slip and Fall Lawsuits: What You Need to Know

Slip and fall lawsuits occur when a business or property owner fails to take reasonable precautions against slippery surfaces, tripping hazards, or other dangers that cause patrons to fall.

Such accidents are common in locations with lots of wet tiles, for example, because these surfaces are prone to moisture build-up and freezing. An unfortunate consequence of all this is the rise in slip-and-fall lawsuits.

The attorneys at Ryan T. Hughes Law understand how this may make you hesitant as a business owner or property landlord. However, businesses can reduce liability risk by learning about slip and fall litigation and taking practical measures to prevent future incidents.

Keep reading for more information on slip-and-fall lawsuits to protect your business interests better.

What are the most typical reasons for slip and fall accidents?

The following are the most typical reasons for slip and fall lawsuits:

• Moisture build-up on floors: Businesses can reduce the risk of a slip and fall injury if they keep floors dry and clean.
• Inadequate lighting: In low-lit areas, patrons may trip on an obstruction they can’t see if it’s on the floor.
• Weather conditions: Rain and snow pose a slip-and-fall risk if a business does not address wet surfaces or icy walkways.
• Poorly maintained walkways: Broken, cracked, or uneven walkways pose a tripping hazard.
• Lack of warning signs: Patrons must be aware of potential environmental hazards, like broken glass.
• Poorly maintained stairs: Staircases should be in reasonable condition to prevent falls.
• Defective flooring: In some cases, businesses may be held responsible for defective flooring.
• Defective furniture: Broken or improperly constructed furniture may cause a slip and fall.

Slip-and-fall lawsuits can be tough to win.

Slip-and-fall lawsuits are often difficult to win because the physical evidence of the accident is usually gone. If a slippery floor caused you to fall, the liquid might have evaporated when you cleaned it up.

This means there will be no clear evidence proving it was dangerous before the fall. The business may be able to defend against the suit by demonstrating it was not at fault for the accident.

This might include having a witness who saw the patron slip and fall because of their negligence. In some cases, a judge may rule in favor of the patron if their injuries were significant enough. This could result in a substantial settlement if the patron files a lawsuit.

How to defend against a slip and fall lawsuit

Businesses can defend against a slip and fall lawsuit by keeping floors clean and dry, inspecting walkways, and posting warning signs when necessary. If you have a cleaning crew, they should be instructed to mop each day thoroughly.

The staff should also use a squeegee to remove excess water from the floor after each customer. When inspecting walkways, look for any hazards, such as cracks, uneven surfaces, and debris.

If you find something you think poses a risk, remove it immediately, in addition to cleaning and inspecting walkways and floors and posting warning signs around the property to be extra safe.

These signs can alert patrons to hazards like broken glass or uneven walkways.

Slip-resistant Solutions

Many business owners and property managers rely on slip-resistant mats to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents.

These mats are available in many different styles and designs, including:

• Carpet-style mats: Carpet-style mats are commonly used in restaurants and hotels. They are non-slip and typically come in various colors to suit different décor styles.
• Rubber-style mats: Rubber-style mats are another popular commercial option. They come in several designs and can help reduce the risk of slip and fall events.
• Vinyl matting: Vinyl matting is another popular choice for businesses. It typically comes in various styles and can be a good choice for many businesses and locations.
• Polypropylene matting: A polypropylene mat is a good choice for outdoor locations. This type of mat will resist moisture and extreme temperatures.

Traction and treaded footwear solutions

In some cases, customers will want to wear their footwear, even if it is not as safe as what you offer. It is essential to encourage them to wear footwear with enough traction to reduce their risk of a severe fall.

These pieces of footwear are designed to keep the wearer safe and prevent the risk of a slip and fall:

• Athletic shoes: Athletic shoes are a popular choice of footwear among customers.
• Dress shoes: Dress shoes are an excellent option for formal occasions. They can also be worn to special events and work functions.
• Boots: Boots are famous for individuals who spend time outdoors.
• Sandals: Sandals are a good option for warm climates. They are also a comfortable choice for indoor locations.
• Heels: Heels are appropriate for formal occasions. They are rarely appropriate for outdoor areas.

Conclusion

Some businesses rely on dark-colored surfaces like hardwood floors to add décor to the space. Hardwood surfaces are beautiful, but they can become extremely slippery when wet.

You can reduce the risk of a slip and fall in an area with dark floors by using floor mats or putting down floor rugs. After each customer, you may also use a squeegee to remove extra water from the floor.

Considering using a dark surface for your business or property, consider the potential risk of slip and fall accidents and how to reduce that risk.

Shady characters, like hardwood, pose a higher risk of slipping and falling when wet. After each customer, use a squeegee to remove any excess water from the floor.