What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents in Georgia?

Slip and fall accidents happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Although many people think these accidents are minor, they can result in severe injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and more.

Understanding the most common causes of slip and falls is critical to help you prevent them from occurring and knowing how to proceed when they do happen. Below, our Atlanta personal injury attorney explains in greater detail.

Wet or Slippery Floors

Recently mopped floors and spilled liquids create a significant risk of slip and fall accidents. Property owners are required to clean slippery floors as soon as possible or use signs to warn visitors of the risks.

Loose or Damaged Carpeting

When carpets, rugs, and floor mats are loose, they can slip, reducing stability for anyone using them at that time. When carpeting is damaged, such as when it is torn, this can also cause a person’s foot to catch on it, resulting in a slip and fall.

Uneven Surfaces

Uneven surfaces outdoors and indoors can create a serious risk of a slip and fall. These can include potholes, uneven flooring, and cracked sidewalks.

Cluttered Walkways

Electrical cords, inventory, boxes, and debris left in high-traffic aisles and corridors can make it difficult to walk through the area. If there is not appropriate lighting, or the people using the corridor have visibility issues, such as in nursing homes, a slip and fall can easily occur.

Inadequate Lighting

Poorly lit areas can obscure uneven surfaces and other obstacles, making it difficult to see potential dangers. Inadequate lighting in parking garages, stairwells, and hallways can also cause slip and falls, particularly during the evening hours when there is no natural light.

Missing Guardrails or Handrails 

When guardrails on elevated surfaces or handrails on staircases are missing or improperly maintained, it increases the risk of a fall occurring. These safety features are important for maintaining stability, particularly for individuals with mobility issues.

Irregular Steps

When steps on a staircase have uneven depths or heights, it can disrupt a person’s natural stride and cause a slip and fall accident.

Lack of Safety Precautions

When proper safety measures are not implemented in workspaces or public places, it can result in a slip and fall accident. These can include failing to use proper safety equipment or failing to properly maintain a property.

Distractions

Certain distractions, such as carrying large items that block your view or texting on a phone while walking, can also cause a slip and fall. Defendants often argue that accident victims were distracted at the time of the fall to shield themselves from liability and so, it is important to work with an attorney who can refute these claims.

Our Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta Can Determine the Cause of Your Accident

It is not always easy to understand what caused your injuries after a slip and fall. At The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC, our Atlanta personal injury attorney can investigate the accident to determine the cause and hold the property owner liable. Call us today at 404-476-2717 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.

Source:

ecfr.gov/current/title-46/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-5/subpart-B/section-5.29