Slips, Trips, and Falls
A simple slip, trip, or fall may not seem serious at first, but these accidents can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage. Whether it happens in a grocery store, a workplace, or a public sidewalk, slip and fall accidents can have life-changing consequences.
Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries that occur. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Hazards That Can Lead to a Trip and Fall Accident
Trip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, often due to hazardous conditions that property owners fail to address. Common hazards that contribute to these accidents include:
- Uneven sidewalks and pavement
- Loose or torn carpeting
- Cluttered walkways and obstacles
- Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking lots
- Broken or missing handrails on stairs
- Cracked or uneven flooring
- Exposed electrical cords or wires
- Open drawers or cabinets in walkways
- Sudden changes in floor elevation without warning signs
When these hazards are not fixed or properly marked, property owners may be held liable for any resulting injuries. Identifying the cause of a trip and fall is crucial when pursuing a legal claim.
Common Injuries Following Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slip, trip, and fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering conditions. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones – Especially in the wrists, arms, hips, and ankles
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Concussions or more severe brain trauma from head impacts
- Spinal cord injuries – Potential paralysis or long-term mobility issues
- Sprains and soft tissue injuries – Torn ligaments, muscle strains, and joint damage
- Cuts and lacerations – From sharp objects, broken glass, or rough surfaces
- Dislocations – Common in shoulders, hips, and knees after hard falls
- Bruises and contusions – Painful but often less severe injuries
Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to complications, requiring medical treatment and recovery time. Seeking medical attention immediately after a fall is crucial.
Property Owners and Exercising Reasonable Care
In Illinois, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for lawful visitors. This duty of reasonable care requires owners to:
- Regularly inspect the property for hazards
- Promptly address or repair dangerous conditions
- Provide adequate warnings for known dangers
Failing to fulfill these responsibilities can lead to slips, trips, and falls. However, this duty does not extend to adult trespassers, except to refrain from willful and wanton conduct that could harm them.
Talk to Coleman Lynch & Partners, PLLC, About Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries
If you have been hurt in a slip, trip, or fall accident on another person’s property, you have the right to seek compensation. Call Coleman Lynch & Partners, PLLC, today to learn more.