Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately common on both public and private properties, and they can lead to serious injuries. Many of these falls occur on Arizona properties because someone failed to repair or warn about a hazardous condition on their property. Understanding the common causes of slip and fall injuries helps people avoid getting hurt, and if an injury does happen, it helps victims know whether they might have a legal case.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Many hazards can lead to slip and fall accidents, especially when property owners fail to maintain their premises. Here are some of the most common hazards.
Wet Floors
Water on floors is one of the biggest reasons people slip and fall. This might be from cleaning, leaking pipes, spilled drinks, or tracked-in rainwater. Uncleaned spills and a lack of warning signs create dangerous conditions for guests.
Uneven Surfaces
Broken sidewalks, cracked tiles, or flooring that shifts under your feet can easily throw someone off balance. These uneven surfaces are often found in older buildings or areas that have not been well-maintained. People walking quickly or carrying bags may not notice the change in level until it’s too late.
Poor Lighting
If a hallway, stairwell, or parking lot is poorly lit, it’s much harder to spot obstacles or changes in floor level. Poor lighting is particularly dangerous in apartment complexes, alleys, or public walkways. Without adequate lighting, even safe areas can become hazardous after dark.
Cluttered Walkways
Stores, offices, and even homes can become hazardous when items are left in walkways. Boxes, cords, and other objects can trip someone if they aren’t watching every step. Clutter often builds up gradually, making it easy for property owners to overlook growing hazards.
Loose or Torn Carpeting
Rugs and carpets that bunch up or have holes in them are another serious risk. Loose carpeting near doorways, elevators, or stairs can easily catch someone’s foot and cause a fall. This type of hazard is hazardous for elderly individuals who may already have trouble with balance.
Icy Sidewalks
Arizona doesn’t get icy often. However, it can happen in colder northern areas or during early mornings in winter. Icy sidewalks that aren’t treated or cleared are a known danger, especially outside businesses and apartment buildings. Even a thin layer of frost can create a slick surface that leads to painful falls.
Spills
Managers, owners, and workers must clean up any spills on the floor, from cooking oil to soap, quickly. If left alone, these spills can cause accidents that result in serious injuries. Spills in grocery stores, restaurants, or restrooms are some of the most frequent causes of slip and fall claims.
Legal Responsibility for Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners here in Arizona have a legal duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. This is called the “duty of care.” When they fail to take care of dangerous conditions, and someone gets hurt, the owner can be legally held responsible.
It doesn’t matter if the property is public or private. What matters is whether the owner or person in charge knew about the danger and didn’t fix it. That’s called negligence. If the owner should have known about the hazard and didn’t fix it or warn people, they can be held accountable for any fall-related injuries that happen as a result.
Building code violations can also come into play. If a property fails to meet basic safety standards, like proper handrails or slip-resistant flooring, that can help prove fault in a lawsuit.
Types of Properties Where Slips and Falls Happen
Slip and fall accidents can take place almost anywhere. However, some places are more common than others. These include:
- Grocery Stores and Retail Establishments – Spilled drinks, food on the floor, and busy aisles can create dangerous conditions. Many claims come from falls that happen in these stores.
- Restaurants and Bars – Food and drink spills are common here, and floors are often slick from mopping. Walkways may be dimly lit or cluttered.
- Apartment Complexes – Landlords must maintain common areas, such as stairs, sidewalks, and hallways. Failure to address these hazards can result in serious legal consequences.
- Government Buildings and Sidewalks – The city or state might be responsible if a fall occurs on public property. These cases follow different rules and timelines, but still allow victims to seek justice.
- Private Homes – Homeowners can also be held responsible if someone slips and falls, either inside or outside, due to unsafe conditions.
Proving Liability in an Arizona Slip and Fall Lawsuit
To win a slip and fall case in Arizona, you must show that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the danger and didn’t fix it. That means clearly proving:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The owner didn’t warn about it or fix it
- The hazard caused your injury
Evidence that can significantly help your case includes:
- Maintenance logs can show managers or owners skipping inspections.
- Surveillance footage can show how long a spill or hazard is left without being cleaned up.
In some cases, lawyers may bring in people with knowledge of safety practices to give testimony. This process is known as hazard identification, and it’s a key part of making your case.
Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover
Slip and fall injuries can be painful, expensive, and long-lasting. If someone else’s carelessness caused your fall, you may be able to recover money for:
- Medical bills related to any emergency care for the injury
- Future care costs for home modifications, medical equipment, medication, and more
- Any lost wages due to taking time off to recover
- The emotional and physical impact of your injury
- The loss of mobility or long-term disability
Contact Our Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ Today
If you are hurt in a slip and fall, don’t wait to get help. Property owners need to take care of their spaces, and when they don’t, you have every right to hold them accountable. At Triumph Law Group, our slip and fall accident lawyer in Arizona, AZ, can help you better understand your rights and fight hard to protect them. Call our law firm now at 602-595-5559 to get started with a free consultation.
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