Slip, Trip or Fall Injuries: Why They Occur and When Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Slips, trips and falls can cause substantial injuries and the losses stemming from them can be distressing for the harmed individual and his or her family. If you were hurt while visiting public or private property, it is crucial for you to seek guidance from a knowledgeable legal professional who can help you learn more about your rights and take appropriate action to secure proper compensation for your emotional, physical and financial harm.

Those who own property in Pennsylvania (as well as tenants) can be held legally and financially responsible for numerous kinds of fall-related injuries. Below are some of the most common reasons for slip, trip and fall incidents. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, financial compensation may be available to the harmed individual.

The Building Was Not Kept Up to Par

Whether it’s stairs and handrails or curbs and sidewalk areas, all exterior and interior spaces are expected and required to meet building code requirements and standards. If you were hurt because of a building code violation, the owner of the property, an associated contractor and/or various other parties could all potentially be legally liable for your damages.

Defective Escalators and Elevators

Defects and poor upkeep of elevators and escalators can result in severe injuries. Property owners must take extra care to make certain that their equipment is working properly and safely, and they must restrict access as needed to items that need repairs and/or maintenance.

Loose/Broken Hand Railing

Missing, loose or completely broken hand railing in retail locations and other buildings can result in unexpected slips and falls, as well as other major injuries. Those who own retail property have an obligation to keep the facility safe for visitors.

Faulty Staircases

For some, navigating stairs can be tricky under normal circumstances. However, when there are issues involving crumbling concrete on stairs, loose treads, stairs that are excessively steep, stairs that lack anti-skid surfaces and other problems, slip, trip and fall accidents will undoubtedly happen.

Dangerous Sidewalks and Walkways

Poorly-constructed sidewalks and walkways lead to needless risks for customers and visitors. Walking areas that are uneven due to overgrown tree roots and other problems need to be properly handled by property owners/managers in a timely fashion.

Known Hazards That Aren’t Properly Marked

Freshly-mopped floors that do not have adequate warning signs, as well as curbs that are unmarked or not painted are just a couple examples of issues that lead to common slip, trip and fall hazards. Property owners and managers must ensure that potential visitors are made aware of such problems in a clear manner.

Whenever there is a known issue of suspicious individuals presenting a safety risk to guests and others, property owners and tenants must take appropriate security measures to lessen the risk of possible harm. Even if there’s no ongoing problem with such individuals, owners should always have some level of security in place.

Bad or Non-Existent Lighting

Poor lighting in parking garages, lots, along sidewalk areas, and interior spaces can hide slippery surfaces and other hazards that can result in slip, trip and fall incidents.

If you suffered injuries in a slip, trip or fall while on public or private property in Allentown or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. Get the help you need as soon as possible.