Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents are the second most common type of personal injury case filed, coming in second to motor vehicle accidents. If you have sustained injuries in a slip and fall incident, you should consider hiring a slip and fall accident lawyer to help you determine if you have a compensable case, to file the case, and to help you recover the maximum amount of money as possible. Here are some of the most common reasons why these types of accidents happen.

Icy Sidewalks or Walkways

During the winter months, ice and snow can accumulate on sidewalks and walkways. Commercial building owners are legally required to take steps to help ensure their parking lots, sidewalks and walkways are able to be safely navigated. This may include using de-icing salts, melting the ice or snow, or plowing the snow. 

Spills or Puddles That Aren’t Cleaned Up

Restaurants, store owners, and commercial building owners have a responsibility to clean up spills or puddles on their property. If someone spills a drink or a product breaks in a store and liquid seeps out, that liquid can make the floor slip or slick, causing someone who is unaware of the spill to slip and fall. 

Poor Lighting or No Lighting

Poor lighting or no lighting at all is one of the most common reasons why trip and fall accidents occur. When the lighting is poor, customers, clients, and even employees may be unable to see where they are walking or may be unable to see potential hazards. This can cause someone to slip or trip, which can then lead to a slip-and-fall personal injury case. 

Raised Carpeting or Bunched Door Mats

Chances are, you have been in a business before and either stumbled over raised carpeting or a door mat that bunched up. Unfortunately, this is common. But, while many people stumble or trip, this can be a serious concern if someone actually trips and injures themselves over the raised carpet or bunched up door mat. 

Tripping Hazards 

The final common reason why slip and fall or trip and fall accidents occur is due to tripping hazards not being addressed. A pothole in a parking lot can be a tripping hazard, as can an employee leaving products on the floor and not picking them up. Excess clutter, stairs that aren’t up to code, or wobbly handrails on stairs are all other common tripping hazards that can lead to potential injuries.  When you slip and fall or trip and fall, you can injure nearly any part of your body, including your head, neck, shoulders, arms, back, or legs. If you have sustained injuries when you slipped or tripped on someone else’s property due to their negligence or direct actions, you may be able to file a personal injury case and recover money for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Reach out to a slip and fall accident lawyer today to schedule a free legal consultation.