The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that nearly 7 million people are treated in emergency rooms for fall accidents each year. Slips and falls represent a significant percentage of those accidents. A slip and fall accident can cause very serious injuries.
Most slips and falls can be prevented with proper safety precautions by businesses and property owners. Within this article, our Jersey City slip and fall accident attorney highlights some of the most common causes of slip/trip and falls in New Jersey.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Wet Floors
Wet floors are the leading cause of slip and fall accidents in North Jersey. A wet floor can be extremely dangerous—especially if it is not properly marked with warning signs. Wet floors should always be marked with a warning sign.
Uneven Walking Surfaces
Unusual and unexpected walking surfaces that are not even are another leading cause of fall accidents. Uneven walking surfaces can cause severe trip and fall accident injuries.
Stray Cords, Wires, or Other Debris
Stray cords, loose electrical wiring, and other types of random debris can pose a safety hazard. Trip and fall accidents frequently occur because of cords, wires, or debris left in walking areas.
Broken/Loose Floorboards or Damaged Carpets
Loose or otherwise damaged flooring—including tattered carpets—has the potential to cause serious slip and fall accident injuries. Businesses and property owners should take proactive measures to repair flooring and/or replace carpets.
Inadequate Lighting (Especially in Stairwells)
Another common cause of slip and fall accidents is inadequate lighting. This can be a problem in dark hallways and other dark places, though it is an especially pronounced safety hazard in stairwells. Poor lighting can cause serious (avoidable) fall accidents.
New Jersey Law: Negligent Business/Property Owner May Be Liable for a Slip and Fall
Slip and fall accidents are premises liability claims in New Jersey. Under the state’s premises liability laws, businesses and property owners are responsible for ensuring that they keep things reasonably safe for customers and other invited guests. If a business or property owner fails to properly maintain its premises and an accident occurs because of one of the most common slip and fall hazards, that company may be held legally liable for the victim’s injuries. Through a premises liability claim, a slip and fall accident victim can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Jersey City Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
At The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, our New Jersey. Slip and fall accident lawyer is an experienced advocate for injured victims. If you were hurt in a slip and fall, we can help. Give us a call or connect with us online for a free, no-obligation review of your case. We handle slip and fall accident claims in Jersey City, Hudson County, and throughout North Jersey, including Newark, Hackensack, Elizabeth, Linden, Morristown, New Brunswick, and Woodbridge Township.
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