All businesses in New Mexico and elsewhere that opens their doors up to consumer traffic have a duty to provide their customers with a safe shopping environment. Part of this process may involve taking steps to keep surfaces clean and free of clutter. Even if property owners implement frequent cleaning procedures, slip-and-fall accidents may still be an ever-present risk, especially if these measures prove inadequate.
There are various scenarios in which inadequate cleaning procedures could increase the chances of a potentially dangerous accident. Some common examples of insufficient measures could include:
- Lack of structure: A cleaning regimen that lacks structure may fail to produce the desired results and could run the unfortunate risk of opening customers up to unnecessary dangers.
- Lack of motivation: Without the proper motivation, store employees might not always feel inclined to adhere to cleaning procedures, potentially leaving dangerous safety hazards unattended in the process.
- Improper supplies: Certain spills or safety hazards may require the use of a specific cleaning substance and using the incorrect cleaning supplies for the job might do more harm than good.
- Cleaning schedules: Another vital component of adequate cleaning procedures may involve ensuring surfaces remain clean and free of debris or clutter by implementing frequent cleaning measures and any lapse in such schedules could prove detrimental.
Failing to take every possible measure to promote a safe environment could place the safety of both employees and customers at risk and accidents involving such hazards can have disastrous ramifications.
Regardless of how it occurs, a slip-and-fall accident could leave a person with severe injuries and facing a lengthy recovery period. Should such an incident occur due to negligent actions of a property owner, the victim could find it helpful to speak with an experienced attorney for advice on his or her available legal options. An attorney can examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and assist a client in New Mexico in preparing to seek the full amount of compensation to which he or she is entitled to receive.