Slip and fall accidents are, unfortunately, common occurrences that can lead to serious injuries with costly consequences. In Alabama, business owners and property managers have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers and visitors. Failing to properly maintain floors and walking surfaces is one of the leading causes of damaging slips and falls. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident due to poorly maintained floors in Alabama, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. Read on to learn more about slip and fall hazards and your rights after an accident.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls Due to Floor Hazards
There are several types of floor hazards that commonly lead to slip and fall accidents when not properly addressed. These include:
Wet or Oily Floors
Floors that are wet from spills, leaks, or mopping can be very slippery and dangerous. Grease, oil, and other liquids create a major fall risk as well. If spills are not cleaned up quickly and “Wet Floor” signs used appropriately, customers may unexpectedly slip and fall.
Uneven Surfaces
Cracked or broken floor tiles, loose carpeting, and flooring in disrepair can cause people to trip and fall. Changes in flooring height and uneven surfaces should be fixed as soon as possible and marked with warning signs until then.
Polished or Worn Floors
Highly waxed and buffed floors can become dangerously slick. Old floors may become smooth and lose traction over time. Non-slip treatments should be applied and worn floors replaced when they are no longer safe.
Debris and Clutter
Boxes, loose cables, and other debris left in walkways pose tripping hazards. Store inventory should be neatly organized, and aisles should be kept completely clear.
Poor Lighting
In poorly lit areas, customers may not see slippery surfaces or objects on the floor. Adequate lighting should be installed and maintained throughout the premises.
Lack of Mats and Railings
Entryways and transitions between floor types need anti-slip mats to prevent falls. Staircases and elevated platforms require secure railings so people have support and can see elevation changes.
High-Risk Locations for Slips and Falls
Certain areas of retail stores, restaurants, offices, and other businesses tend to have more slip and fall incidents when the flooring is not managed safely. These include:
- Entryways where rainwater accumulates
- Bathrooms with frequent spills and leaks
- Kitchens and food prep areas with spills
- Produce sections with loose fruits and vegetables
- Stockrooms with cluttered boxes and shelves
- Staircases and steps without railings
- Escalators and elevators lacking mats
- Parking lots and sidewalks with uneven pavement
Businesses must be extra vigilant about floor safety in these locations by using signage, cleaning protocols, and preventative measures like floor treatments and mats.
Serious Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Slipping and falling can lead to a wide range of debilitating and costly medical issues depending on how the victim lands and the accident circumstances. Common serious injuries from slip and fall accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures, especially hips and wrists
- Traumatic head, neck, and back injuries
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Joint dislocations and muscular strains
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Depending on the severity, the health impacts of slip and fall accidents may be temporary or lifelong. Extended hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, home healthcare, and expensive medications are often required, in addition to missed work and wages.
Proving Liability for Slip and Fall Injury Claims
Under Alabama law, the owner or operator of a business premises has a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors. If they are negligent in keeping floors properly maintained, free of hazards, and slip-resistant, they can be held liable when customers or others get injured in a slip and fall accident.
To prove the business is liable for your damages and losses after a slip and fall injury, evidence must show:
- The owner created the hazardous condition or knew about it but failed to fix or warn about it appropriately.
- The hazardous floor was the direct cause of the slip and fall accident.
- The accident resulted in identifiable injuries and monetary damages.
Our experienced slip and fall accident lawyers can thoroughly investigate your accident scene, gather evidence proving negligence, calculate the full value of your claim, negotiate optimal settlements, and take your case to trial if necessary. We fight to hold hazardous property owners fully accountable so accident victims get the maximum compensation they deserve.
Damages Available in Slip and Fall Claims
If you or a loved one suffers an injury from a slip and fall, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages through a premises liability lawsuit or settlement. These can include:
- All past and future medical bills, services, equipment, and ambulance fees
- Payment for lost income from missed work time
- Payment for your reduced earning capacity if your disabilities are permanent
- Payment for pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Money for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and in-home care
- Money for specialist treatment, such as psychologists
- Punitive damages if the slip and fall was caused by gross negligence
An attorney can seek fair and full compensation not just for immediate accident injuries but also for ongoing care and lifelong impacts. With decades of experience successfully resolving slip and fall cases, our lawyers will relentlessly pursue maximum damages.
Contact Our Alabama Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers Today
Don’t wait to get help after a devastating slip and fall accident in Alabama. Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if you have been hurt in an accident. The dedicated lawyers at Monge & Associates will fight to get you fair compensation so you can move forward after this life-altering event. We offer no obligation, risk-free case reviews, and we don’t get paid unless we successfully resolve your claim. We also have 32 offices located in 19 states, including Alabama, Kansas, and South Carolina. Contact our experienced team today to get the compensation you need and rightfully deserve.