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Simple Steps To Avoiding Slip-And-Fall Accidents

On Behalf of | Nov 30, 2020 | Slip-and-Fall Accidents

A fall may not seem like a major accident, especially if the person who fell does not experience a lot of pain in the moment. In some cases, a fall has the potential to leave some with significant injuries, lingering pain and other complications, and a victim may wonder how to pick up the pieces and move on. Slip-and-fall accidents may be grounds for a personal injury claim.

Some of these accidents are the result of the negligent or reckless actions of another party. New Mexico property owners have the responsibility of making sure there are no safety hazards that could cause harm to a visitor to the property. There are simple steps everyone can take that will reduce the chance of these types of accidents taking place.

Safety steps for everyone

Virtually anyone can play a role in reducing the chance of a slip-and-fall accident. The following steps are easy ways for employees, business owners, managers and those who maintain public property to increase safety:

  • If there is a visible and obvious hazard, report it or address the issue immediately.
  • Clean up spills and remove anything slippery from the floor as soon as possible.
  • Make sure that floor mats are flat at all times and not bunched up.
  • Provide handrails for areas where there are stairs or changes in floor elevation.

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, but they are especially prevalent in public places where there is a lot of foot traffic, such as retail stores, hotels, businesses and more. Owners and managers are responsible for addressing issues that could be a fall hazard as soon as possible. At a minimum, they should place signs and block off areas that could be especially dangerous.

The impact of a fall

A slip-and-fall accident can cause serious injuries, including head trauma and broken bones. These injuries can leave a victim in lingering pain and requiring medical attention. A victim may be unsure of what to do, but it is often possible these accidents are the result of factors beyond the control of the victim.

After this type of accident, it may be beneficial to speak with an experienced attorney about what happened. An evaluation of the case may reveal that a premises liability claim could be a reasonable option for someone who fell while in a store or other type of public place. Property owners may be liable for pain and suffering as well as financial losses.

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