Slip and falls are a prevalent danger for property owners. Most falls result from a trip or slip from a wet surface such as a floor. Still, many other hazards need to be considered, like an uneven sidewalk, an exposed utility wire, and even unsecured furniture.
Slip and fall lawyers
When a person is injured in a slip-and-fall accident, the property owner can be liable for the victim’s injuries. The victim could be eligible for compensation up to $15,000 if they were hurt because of a building’s dangerous condition. Call Gainesville’s slip and fall lawyer if you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Gainesville.
Things a property owner should do to prevent slip and falls
- Remove water quickly
The property owner should remove any standing water on their property as quickly as possible. Standing water puts people at risk for slip and fall injuries, so the property owner must clean up any standing water as soon as possible.
- Keep walkways clear of debris
Property owners should make sure that there is no debris on walkways to help reduce trip and slip injuries. They should also look for areas with a more incline than others to watch out for wet spots, holes, or cracks. They should also ensure all furniture is secured or removed to prevent injuring oneself on loose objects.
- No loose objects
The owner should keep their property free of all loose items, including clutter, newspapers, rags, string, fishing lines, and other tangled items that can become trip hazards. They should take the time to thoroughly inspect their property for any trip hazards and place any trip hazards into an out-of-the-way area where they can be picked up later.
- Repair cracks
The property owner should repair any cracks in the pavement around their building; even the most minor damage can become a trip hazard for someone. They should also be sure to help pedestrians on sidewalks where there are cracked or uneven surfaces and repair any broken sidewalks or steps.
- Remove salt from walkways
If the property owner uses ice-melting products on their walkways, they should ensure that they do not go over salt them and create an unsafe surface for others to walk on. Over salted walkways can also cause ruts, where salt has become embedded in the pavement and makes it harder for others to walk on.
- Remove debris
The property owner should remove any debris from their property that would create trip hazards. They should make sure the inside of their buildings is clear of any sharp objects that could danger others. They should also ensure that no cords, candles, or other items could be tripped over and cause an injury.
- Inspect and repair stairs
The property owner should inspect their staircases for any loose steps, rusted metal steps, or unsafe conditions that can create a tripping hazard for people. If the stairs are dangerous, they should repair as quickly as possible to help prevent injuries from slip and fall accidents.