What Kinds of Hazards Could Cause Slips and Falls in Tampa?

A slip and fall can happen in less than a second – but it can change your life forever. After this type of accident, you might not even be aware of what caused you to fall. Head injuries can cause memory loss, and you might have lost consciousness after the impact. How can you determine what kind of hazard caused your injuries? What are some of the most common hazards that lead to slips and falls in Tampa?

Liquid Spills 

One of the most common causes of a slip and fall in Tampa is a liquid spill. Property and business owners have a legal duty of care to clean up spills as soon as they appear. Any unreasonable delay puts innocent people in danger, and this can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.

A classic example of a liquid spill is a spilled carton of milk at a grocery store. If you visit a restaurant, you might find cooking oil on the floor near a kitchen. These liquid spills do not only exist in food-related establishments, however. You might also find a puddle of engine oil at a gas station – and they can be particularly slippery.

 Physical Objects 

Physical debris can be just as hazardous as liquid spills. Floors should be kept clear of clutter, objects, and walking hazards. A particularly common hazard is an exposed power cable, and patrons can easily trip on these cables at a variety of establishments. Going back to the grocery store example, patrons often slip on bananas, grapes, and other foods. In a hardware store, you might be more likely to slip on loose nails or ball bearings.

 Broken Stairs 

There are few things more hazardous than a broken set of stairs. Every property owner must carefully maintain their staircases, as these features represent serious fall hazards. Even an outdoor staircase in a remote corner of a parking lot falls within a defendant’s property, and they must keep it in good condition. In addition, staircases must adhere to the building code. Staircases that are too narrow or steep may be inherently hazardous. The same logic applies to certain staircases that lack handrails.

 Inadequate Lighting 

Poor lighting is one of the most overlooked safety hazards. If you can’t see where you’re walking, it is impossible to navigate pathways and staircases with any degree of safety. This hazard can be particularly dangerous for seniors and the visually impaired.

 Weather Conditions 

While ice and snow aren’t an issue in Tampa, the city is no stranger to extreme weather conditions. Flooding and heavy rainfall can cause walking hazards in various establishments, and property owners must address these safety issues within a reasonable period of time.

Can a Tampa Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Help Me Determine the Cause of My Accident? 

A Tampa slip-and-fall lawyer may be able to help you determine the cause of your accident. These legal professionals are well aware of the most common walking hazards in establishments today, and they can guide you toward the compensation you deserve. Contact Anderson & Anderson today to get started with an action plan.

Sources: 

tampa.gov/construction-services/programs/codes

codes.iccsafe.org/s/FLAC2020P1/chapter-5-general-site-and-building-elements/FLAC2020P1-Ch05-Sec505.4