When you show up at work, visit a store or walk down a sidewalk, you probably don’t consider these activities to be dangerous or risky. Even the simplest activities can come with certain risks, especially when there are unnecessary hazards in your path. Because of poor property management or negligent maintenance, there are certain things that could place you at an elevated risk for a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident.
Sadly, many of these incidents are preventable. While slipping or tripping may not seem like a major accident, it is possible to suffer injuries in these types of incidents that can have a major impact on your life. If you are dealing with pain, physical limitations and financial loss after a fall, you could have grounds to pursue compensation for damages and losses through a civil claim.
Common hazards
There are things that could cause you harm virtually anywhere you go. However, in cases where the hazards are noticeable and preventable, property owners and managers are responsible for fixing the hazard, removing it or placing barriers around it to keep visitors from harm. Some of the most common hazards that cause slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents include the following:
- Poor lighting
- Cables or wires in walkways
- Poorly placed tiles or floor coverings
- Uneven or damaged floors
- Slippery floors
- Objects left in walkways
You may assume that your fall was the result of your own clumsiness, but that may not be the case. It is possible you are suffering as the result of the actions or negligence of another party.
Possible injuries
Falls can result in injuries that may seem minor, but they can have a major impact on your life. Broken bones, bruising, strains, head injuries and emotional trauma are just a few of the ways your fall could affect your life. Through the civil justice system, you may be able to pursue what you need for a full and fair recovery, including coverage of your medical bills.
Your recovery
You may be unsure if you have a valid claim, but you can learn more about the legal options available to you with an assessment of your accident. A close look at your accident can help you understand what factors may have played a role in what happened to you and how you can take steps to hold liable parties in New Mexico accountable.