Common Causes of Slip and Falls in Aurora
A slip and fall may sound minor, but these accidents can cause devastating injuries, especially for older adults. There are many common causes of slip and falls in Aurora, and the resulting damages can be staggering. If you have been injured, contact an experienced slip and fall injury lawyer today to discuss your legal options.
Where Can Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?
Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain the safety of their spaces. However, the level of responsibility depends on the relationship between the property owner and the individuals visiting their property. Under Colorado Revised Statute § 13-21-115, the highest level of responsibility extends to commercial spaces where people visit as customers and clients.
For commercial properties, owners have a responsibility to not only warn visitors about and resolve any known dangers, but also to be proactive about seeking out potential hazards. To this end, they are held responsible for both known risks and any risks that they should have reasonably known about.
Many slip and fall accidents occur within these commercial contexts. Common sites of slip and fall accidents in Aurora include:
- Grocery stores
- Hotel lobbies
- Restaurants
- Icy sidewalks in retail spaces
- Parking lots
- Apartment complexes
Working with a lawyer could ensure you understand the kind of visitor you were at the time of your accident and how the classification could affect your claim.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
There are many ways that Aurora slip and fall accidents occur in Aurora.
Weather Hazards
Ice and snow present serious trip and fall hazards, and Aurora Municipal Code Sec. 126-312 requires removal within 24 hours. If a property owner fails to clear these weather hazards, they may be considered negligent.
Spills and Puddles
Spills and puddling water from melting snow on shoes or dripping umbrellas can pose serious risks. Mopping without proper signage can also cause visitors to fall on slippery floors. These hazards are especially likely in grocery stores, restaurants, and hotel lobbies.
Poorly Maintained Properties
In poorly maintained properties, crumbling staircases, loose handrails, unlit hallways, cracked floor tiles, loose carpeting, or uneven sidewalks are all causes of slip and fall accidents. Property owners, especially those inviting people into their space for commercial purposes, are responsible for identifying and eliminating these risks.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
When a slip and fall accident occurs, you may not understand what to do to protect your legal rights. First and foremost, it is essential to seek medical care, even if your injury seems minor. Not only does examination by a medical professional help in recovery, but it could also provide documentation of the incident and its impact.
If possible, you should take pictures of the place in Aurora where you fell before any spills or common slip and fall hazards are cleaned up and repairs are made. You should also get contact information from any witnesses.
Finally, report the incident to the business or property owner. Many businesses will have an established procedure for documenting accidents on the property. Be sure not to agree to any payment or settlement without speaking to a lawyer.
Reach Out to an Aurora Attorney for Legal Assistance Regarding the Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
There are many common causes of slip and falls in Aurora, and they should be taken seriously. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident, our team is ready to examine your case and help you get the compensation you need for recovery. Reach out to Amy G Injury Firm today to get started.
