Common Causes of Slip and Falls in Greeley
Slippery sidewalks and walkways, icy parking lots, and hazardous walking conditions are all common causes of slip and falls in Greeley. While everyone must use caution and do their part to protect themselves from injuries, property owners are responsible for keeping the premises hazard free.
Property owners and managers, especially at places of business such as grocery stores and malls, must complete regular inspections and clean up potential risks as quickly as possible. Landowners who fail to keep their premises safe can be held liable in the event of a slip, fall, or other accident caused by hazardous conditions. If you or a loved one suffered injuries on dangerous property, a skilled slip and fall attorney could help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Slip and Fall Claims
Personal injury claims can arise from accidents where an individual sustains injuries after slipping, tripping, or falling while on someone else’s property. The claim for damages is a premises liability claim and must show that the person responsible for the property’s upkeep was negligent.
Types of Visitors in Slip and Fall Cases
The cause of a Greeley slip and fall accident is not the only factor that affects how the case plays out. Someone’s reason for being on the premises at the time of their injury can also influence their case and potential compensation.
Property visitors are split into three categories based on their reason for being there; invitees, licensees, and trespassers. The category a person falls into will play a significant role in recovering compensation for damages. Invitees enter premises for business purposes. These individuals are owed the highest level of care. A licensee enters a property for personal reasons, such as a visiting neighbor, and the property owners owe them the second highest level of care. Trespassers who enter land without an invitation. The property owner does not have a legal responsibility to protect trespassers but cannot harm them intentionally.
Typical Causes Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can result from numerous circumstances, but Greeley’s common inclement weather does make for lots of injuries caused by snow, ice, and puddles. Some of the most common causes of slip and falls include:
Snowy or Icy Parking Lots
When temperatures drop below freezing, sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots become hazards. Therefore, the person responsible for the property must do their best to keep the areas clear and safe for visitors.
Wet or Slippery Floors and Surfaces
The floors and surfaces indoors also become more hazardous during inclement weather. Businesses and other locations with a high rate of foot traffic must stay on alert for safety hazards individuals bring in with them from outside. If the property owner cannot clean up as much as needed, they must warn of potentially slippery surfaces.
Uneven Floor Surfaces and Stairs or Handrails
Uneven walking surfaces, stairwells, and broken handrails are other hazards that often cause people to slip and fall. The person responsible for the property must inspect and correct potential dangers quickly. They must also warn of a hazard until they fix it. An attorney knowledgeable about the common causes of slip and fall lawsuits in Greeley could further explain property owner liability and potential compensation.
Discuss Common Causes of Slip and Falls with a Greeley Lawyer
Slip, trip, and fall accidents can be severe and leave you with lifelong injuries and disabilities. When property owners must keep their premises safe and hazard-free, they leave visitors at risk of slipping and sustaining serious injuries.
Our legal team is well-versed in the common causes of slip and falls in Greely and could help you take legal action after an accident. Call today to get started.
