Stores and business owners maintain a responsibility to keep their premises safe for visitors. The presence of unsafe or hazardous conditions puts guests and patrons at risk for moderate to severe accidents that often cause bodily harm.
Slip and fall cases place injury liability on property owners and managers, as they owe invited persons a safe and secure environment while visiting the premises.
Common hazardous circumstances
Both public and private places must keep walkways and common areas clear of risks and dangers that could cause a person to suffer an injury. Common reasons for slips or falls on another’s premises include:
- Wet or icy floors
- A lack of handrails or support bars
- Clutter or messes on the floor
- Unstable carpeting or rugs
- Conditions in disrepair
- A lack of proper signage to indicate a temporary hazard
These hazards put adults, teens, children, the elderly and any individuals with disabilities or mobility complications in danger of significant harm.
Duty of care
Those in charge of premises maintenance are often found liable for injuries sustained due to negligence or a lack of care. The law mandates a certain responsibility to either keep premises free from hazards or warn visitors of any potential dangers that could impede their ability to navigate the environment safely.
Should someone sustain an injury due to a store or business owner’s failure to uphold their duty of care, he or she may file a personal injury claim to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages or injury rehabilitation costs.
