Unfortunately, you can slip, trip or fall almost anywhere. If you do so while you are on someone else’s property and sustain an injury as a result, you may have a cause of action against the property owner.
FindLaw explains that property owners have a legal duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe and hazard-free condition. If they fail to do so, and/or if they fail to sufficiently warn you of hazards they have yet to fix, the law holds them accountable for your injuries.
Outside slip and fall risks
The most common places where outdoor slips and falls occur include the following:
- A poorly maintained parking lot
- A rough or uneven sidewalk
- A slippery deck surrounding a swimming pool
- Any inadequately lighted outdoor area
Your risk of slipping or falling outdoors increases during bad weather when rain, snow, ice, etc. accumulations pose additional hazards.
Inside slip and fall risks
Indoors, your face your greatest risk of slipping or falling from the following:
- A wet floor
- A highly waxed floor
- A poorly lit stairwell
- A hallway with toys or other objects carelessly left in it
Premises liability proof
Should you sustain an injury in a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property, you will need to prove that the property owner or operator knew about the hazard that caused your fall or should have known about it. Alternatively, you will need to prove that (s)he inadequately warned you and other visitors of its existence. For instance, maybe (s)he neglected to put up a sign or barrier.
