If you trip on a pavement, sidewalk or road and it is owned and maintained by the local authorities or by a private firm or individual? If you slip on a wet patch at work are you employers liable or is it the plumber who didn’t fix the pipe properly? These are all questions that will help you determine if you are entitled to a trip and fall settlement.
Some scenarios which have caused trip and fall injuries are as follows
- Slippery or uneven sidewalks, cobblestones, or pavement
- Potholes
- Steeply sloping driveways
- Slippery floor surfaces or floor coverings from oil, grease, water, liquids, or food on the floor
- Uneven stairs or inadequate stair rails
- Tree roots
- Cords or wires on the ground
- Blocked store aisles
- Bridge construction hazards, including fallen debris
- Unsafe balconies or railings
- Poor lighting
Around 60% of slip, trip and fall accidents involve uneven pavement. It’s important to know that pedestrians injured on public sidewalks have just six months to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires.
Trip and Fall Injuries
The injuries caused by slip and fall or trip and fall accidents can be severe, including broken hips, broken wrists and arms, back injuries, head injuries and brain injuries, even death.
Tripping is very common as many people get their feet caught on an object which causes them to fall. Tripping over electrical cords around the office or home is very common. Again in the working environment tripping is a very common cause of accidents. Workers may accidentally leave objects in open access areas where other workers might not notice them and then trip over them.
Any slips trips and falls that occur which were not your own fault could result in being awarded damages. The accident may have happened in your working environment or in public places or buildings. It could have been due to uneven flooring, wet flooring. Whatever the cause of your slip trip and fall you should seek advise about whether you may be entitled to compensation.
