5 common causes of slip-and-falls in Connecticut

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.