Wet floor with sign

5 common causes of slip-and-falls in Connecticut

Thursday February 11, 2021

A slip-and-fall accident might mean broken bones or a sprain or strain as you try to catch yourself on the way down. If you fall too abruptly, it might mean a brain injury.

Obviously, it’s best to avoid losing your balance and traction if possible. One of the steps that you can take to help protect yourself from getting hurt in a slip-and-fall when visiting a store is to learn what issues frequently cause them to occur in Connecticut.

  1. Icy, poorly-maintained sidewalks and parking lots

During the colder months of the year, perhaps the most pressing risk is the accumulation of frozen precipitation on walking surfaces. Ice, snow and sleet can all make it slippery and dangerous to get from your vehicle into a business or to walk in an urban setting.

Property owners and tenants have an obligation to remove snow and ice accumulation for the safety of pedestrians and drivers alike. Unfortunately, many businesses slack off when it comes to snow and ice removal, which means that people get hurt on their property.

  1. Entranceways without liquid control measures

Have you ever noticed the metal grating placed in front of the doors at some businesses? Many facilities cover these with rugs. These serve as auxiliary drains for extra snowmelt or rain coming in on the people entering the facility.

Even without built-in drains, businesses should be proactive about maintaining dry entranceways by circulating air and using absorbent mats. Without proper precautions, people can get hurt the second they step into a building.

  1. Employees not placing warning signs after cleaning

Mopping the floor is an important part of keeping a facility clean. Whether a worker needed to mop to clean up after a spill or just as part of their daily maintenance responsibilities, leaving out a wet floor sign is crucial for the safety of visitors. If someone doesn’t know the floor is wet, they might lose traction and wind up hurt.

  1. Ignored tripping hazards

A business that leaves power cords in the middle of an aisle ignores a very real risk. Walk spaces should be clear of clutter. Floors also need regular cleaning to prevent dirt from reducing shoe traction.

  1. Improper maintenance of facilities and machinery

A business has no way of predicting when someone might drop or spill something, but they likely know if they have had frequent issues with a leak from the roof or moisture accumulating near a malfunctioning condenser.

Businesses should prioritize repairs that create risk for the public. When they let leaks and malfunctioning equipment go unaddressed, the moisture accumulation that results could cause someone to get hurt.

Slip-and-fall accidents can leave you with major expenses and lost wages. Pursuing a premises liability claim against a negligent business can reduce the impact of a fall on your life.

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
District Judge Denies Meta, Snapchat’s Transfer to CA Federal Court
News

District Judge Denies Meta, Snapchat’s Transfer to CA Federal Court

2

June
2023

News

Attorney Patrick Kennedy reappointed to Legal Specialization Committee

15

May
2023

KJSR Files Suit Against Heritage Village
Insights

KJSR Files Suit Against Heritage Village

27

April
2023

Can You Look Up Your Lawyer’s Success Rate Online?
Articles

Can You Look Up Your Lawyer’s Success Rate Online?

18

April
2023

Meta Inc. Files Motion to Move CT Product Liability Case to MDL
News

Meta Inc. Files Motion to Move CT Product Liability Case to MDL

23

March
2023

Is It Illegal To Drive With Your Hazard Lights On?
Articles

Is It Illegal To Drive With Your Hazard Lights On?

23

March
2023

How to Handle Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
Articles

How to Handle Chemical Exposure in the Workplace

20

March
2023

Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023
News

Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023

16

March
2023

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut
Insights

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut

28

February
2023

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Articles

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

20

February
2023