When property owners fail to take appropriate care of their properties, they put their guests, customers, and tenants at unnecessary risk of harm, including slipping and falling. Here are seven signs of a negligent property owner that may lead to slip and fall accidents:
- Wet floors with no warning sign
- While wet floors are a common hazard in many buildings, a simple “wet floor” sign to warn passers-by is considered a basic part of maintaining safety. Without this kind of warning, someone may slip on the wet floor, resulting in an accident.
- Debris left on the floor
- Slip and fall accidents may also be caused by debris that is left on the floor, such as from spilled food or from construction activities. If not cleaned up quickly, it can become a hazard that leads to slip and fall accidents.
- Loose or damaged flooring
- Over time, floor tiles, floorboards, and carpeting can become damaged. If not appropriately maintained, they can become loose or collapse, resulting in potentially serious accidents.
- Concealed wires or table legs
- It may not be aesthetically pleasing to see wires or table legs in the open, but when people see these potential hazards, it is easier for them to avoid them. When they are concealed, meanwhile, there is an increased risk of someone tripping over these obstacles, causing them to trip and fall.
- Unlit parking lots or garages
- Parking lots and garages can be dangerous places for people to walk, especially late at night. If not properly lit, it can be easy for someone to slip and fall, resulting in a potentially serious accident.
- Broken or missing lights
- Of course, it does not matter if you have lighting installed if the lights are broken, missing, or burned out. Failing to replace these lights can create dangerously dark areas that put people at risk of slip and fall accidents.
- Wobbly handrails or guardrails
- People are often reliant on handrails and guardrails to catch them if they start to fall in stairwells or on balconies. If these rails are not adequately secured, however, they may not be able to support a person’s weight, causing them to slip or trip and fall.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.