When you consider risks to your personal safety, you may not consider the potential harm you face when simply visiting a store or other place of business. While shopping, visiting a doctor’s office or visiting different public places, you could very well be facing a threat to your well-being because of a rug or carpet. While it may not seem likely, the security of a carpet could play a major role in whether you suffer an injury due to a slip-and-fall accident.
Stores, businesses and other types of public places have a responsibility of ensuring the safety of visitors and guests. If you suffered an injury in a trip-and-fall accident, it is possible that it was the result of the reckless or negligent actions of another person or party. Negligent maintenance, failure to maintain a safe premises and other factors could have played a role in what happened to you.
Carpet and rug safety
If you tripped and fell while in public, you may assume that your own clumsiness played a role in what happened to you. In reality, however, you may be the victim of factors that are far beyond your control. Something as simple as an unsecured rug or carpet could greatly increase the chance of an accident. One relatively minor fall could result in bruising, broken bones, head injuries and other complications. Studies find that falls related to unsecured rugs or carpets could lead to emergency room visits for tens of thousands of people each year.
Rugs and unsecured carpets can cause injuries when the edges fold up, rugs slip when stepped on or there are wet spots. Unfortunately, older individuals are commonly the victims of trip-and-fall accidents due to these factors, often suffering hip fractures and other injuries. Store owners, property managers and other parties can take certain steps that will allow them to lower the chance of an accident.
What if you are a victim?
If you are the victim of a trip-and-fall accident, you could have legal options available to you. You may have grounds to pursue a legal claim through the New Mexico civil justice system. Your trip-and-fall accident may be the result of negligent maintenance, known hazards and other preventable issues beyond your control. An assessment of your situation will allow you to understand how to seek justice after this type of accident.