Property Owners Could Be Liable for a Visitor’s Fall

In 2013, 556,000 people died because they fell. The category of falls was ranked only behind that of motor vehicle accidents as the most common cause of death in the United States. If you were involved in a fall, the owner of the property where it happened could be liable for damages.

Lack of Signage on the Premises Could Increase the Owner’s Liability

Let’s say that while you were at the grocery store you slipped on a puddle of water or on a floor that had just been mopped. If there was no posted sign or other indication that the floor was wet, the grocery store would likely be deemed at least partially responsible for your injuries and any issues that resulted from them. In lieu of a sign, wet or slippery floors must generally be covered by a carpet or kept off-limits to guests and others on the premises.

Carpets Should Be Laid Flat at All Times

If you walk on a carpet that is bunched up or otherwise not laid flat, you could be at an increased risk of tripping on it. Even if you don’t actually fall, you could still twist an ankle, pull a muscle or otherwise experience a significant injury. Whether the incident occurs at a retail establishment, residential home or rental property, the owner of that property has a responsibility to eliminate potentially dangerous conditions. In other words, you may have grounds for legal action if you trip or fall because of an improperly laid carpet.

Driveways and Parking Lots Should Be Cleared

As a general rule, the owner of a residential or commercial property has a responsibility to maintain any exterior space associated with it. Such spaces may include sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. If there is reason to believe that snowy or icy conditions could be present, these surfaces and others should be plowed and salted for protection of people who utilize them. If they are not, a pedestrian might be the victim of a slip and fall caused by the owner’s negligence.

Elevators and Escalators Should Operate Smoothly

If you are trying to get from one level of a building to another, there is a good chance that you will be using an elevator or an escalator. When they are running properly, there is little risk of being harmed by this type of equipment. However, when they suddenly come to a stop or move faster than they are supposed to, the unanticipated movement can cause a person to fall. In fact, injuries sustained while on an elevator or escalator tend to be more severe because it is typically harder to prepare for the unexpected change in motion.

Employees Should Be Certified to Use Equipment

It isn’t uncommon to see an employee using a scissor lift to repair a light or hang a sign in a store or commercial building. Similar devices may also be used to retrieve products or supplies from high shelving or other elevated storage. However, if employees aren’t properly trained in the use such equipment, the result could be accidentally knocking down a bystander or dropping something dangerous on that person.

If you found yourself inadvertently in the path of improperly operated lift equipment and you were seriously hurt, you may have recourse. The owner of the location where the incident occurred, the unqualified operator responsible for causing it or both could be found negligent and liable due to the lack of training. Our personal injury attorney from Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. will be willing to review your personal injury case and answer any questions you have about your legal options.

Was a Pool Gate Left Open?

If a residential property, a hotel or an apartment complex has a pool or hot tub located on the premises, it needs to be secured at all times. Typically, this means that there needs to be a gate or fence that can be locked whenever the pool or hot tub is not in use. Removing stairs or using a locked cover to prevent entry into the water could also be an appropriate way to keep people safe. In the event that you were hurt after falling in or near such a body of water, you may be compensated for those injuries.

Trauma sustained in a fall could have a significant impact on your quality of life. When you are looking for a personal injury attorney in New Jersey to handle your case, contact our office in New Brunswick at (732) 247-3600. We can also be reached at our office in Somerville at (908) 448-2560.