Signs of Property Owner Negligence

In order to recover financial compensation after a slip and fall accident in Connecticut or New York, you need to be able to prove that someone else is to blame for your injuries. In many cases, the liable party is the property owner. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors and guests. If a visitor or guest is injured because the owner fails to meet this duty, the injured party has the right to file a legal claim.

8 Common Signs of Property Owner Negligence in Slip and Fall Accidents

So, how do you prove that a property owner is to blame for your slip and fall accident? There are many different signs of property owner negligence, and proving your claim will require evidence of the negligence that led to your injuries. Here are the common signs that you may be entitled to financial compensation for your slip and fall accident:

1. You Slipped on Spilled Liquid

Property owners’ legal duty to keep their premises safe includes a duty to promptly clean up any spills that could lead to slip and fall accidents. If the spill just happened, then there may have been nothing the property owner could have done to prevent your fall. However, if the spill was not new and the owner should have been reasonably aware of the danger, then you could have a claim for negligence.

2. You Slipped on Ice or Snow

Property owners can be held liable for weather-related accidents in some cases. For example, if a property owner allowed precipitation to dangerously accumulate and did not remove it promptly after the storm ended, then the property owner could be liable. It is important to note that municipal laws may differ concerning the length of time a property owner or occupant has to remove snow and ice after a storm. Contact a slip and fall accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.

3. You Slipped Because the Walking Path Was Obstructed

Walkway obstructions – such as product displays and carts – can force shoppers and other visitors to walk in potentially precarious locations. Making it difficult for shoppers or visitors to walk safely (or failing to remove an unintended walkway obstruction that presents a safety hazard) can be a form of property owner negligence.

4. You Slipped on a Flight of Stairs

Sometimes, slipping and falling on stairs is simply the result of misjudging your step. In other cases, however, the stairway itself may be unsafe. From stair risers that are too tall to stair treads that are too short, and from crumbling concrete to slippery surfaces, there are numerous property-related issues that can lead to dangerous stairway accidents.

5. Lack of Handrails and Guardrails

Did you slip and fall because you had nothing to hold onto to keep your balance? If so, then this could be a sign of property owner negligence. Property owners must ensure that their premises are reasonably safe. This obligation includes installing handrails and guardrails in areas where visitors may need the support (such as stairs and graded surfaces).

6. There Was No Way for You to See the Hazard That Caused You to Slip and Fall

Inadequate lighting, overcrowding, clutter, and various other issues can obscure slip and fall hazards. If any of these issues played a role in your accident, you may have a premises liability claim against the property owner.

7. The Property Is Poorly Maintained

Even if you are not aware of a specific issue that caused you to slip and fall, if the property was not well-maintained in general, it will be worth speaking with a lawyer about your legal rights. Although you personally may not be able to identify a specific issue, an investigation could reveal that there was more the property owners should have done to maintain the premises and reduce the risk of injury. For example, a bowed or sagging floor may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, but investigation by your lawyer may reveal damage to the property that the owner has failed to address.

8. You Aren’t the Only One Who Slipped and Fell

If other people also slipped and fell on the premises, this is a pretty good sign that you may not be to blame for your injuries. An investigation of previous accidents on the property could uncover evidence that the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition but failed to take action.

Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today

If you suspect the negligence of the property owner or occupant caused you to slip and fall, it is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The property owner may fix or remove the dangerous condition after the accident, leaving you with limited evidence of the negligence that led to your injuries. At Ventura Law, our lawyers have significant experience pursuing fair compensation on behalf of clients in slip and fall accident claims. We thoroughly and promptly investigate to secure evidence and build a strong claim on your behalf. Please call Ventura Law at (203) 800-8000 today for a free consultation. Our slip and fall accident lawyers serve clients throughout Connecticut, including Danbury, Bridgeport, Hartford, Norwalk, and other areas, as well as New York.