What factors can make a business liable for a slip and fall?
Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injuries and deaths in the state of New Mexico, as reported by the New Mexico Department of Health. Slip and falls can happen to nearly anyone, with the very young and the elderly most at-risk. While some falls are the result of pure accident, others happen due to hazards existing on property belonging to someone else. Our Santa Fe, New Mexico slip and fall accident lawyers discuss the causes of slip and falls, injuries associated with them, and premises liability laws below.
Causes of Slip and Falls
Slip and falls can happen nearly anywhere. Some of the most common causes of slip and falls include slick floors, spills, misplaced parking blocks, pot holes, inadequate lighting, damaged floors, and uneven surfaces. Slip and falls commonly occur in grocery stores, malls, parking lots, work sites, and in private homes.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and falls can lead to injuries that range from minor to quite severe. The head is one of the most at-risk areas of the body, with slip and falls commonly leading to traumatic brain injuries. Other injuries could include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Any of these injuries could leave you unable to return to work or complete other routine tasks for potentially several weeks or months. The most serious injuries can forever alter your physical abilities.
Premises Liability Law
New Mexico law holds that all property owners have a duty to ensure their premises are safe for visitors to the home or business. As part of this duty, property owners must inspect the premises in a reasonable manner to uncover any dangerous conditions. When a hazard exists, the property owner must remedy the hazard in a timely manner or mitigate potential injuries through the use of warnings.
Most slip and fall cases involve customers who are injured on property owned by a business. Common scenarios that frequently lead to premises liability cases include customers slipping in grocery stores, guests falling in hotels, and customers tripping in parking lots. Any of these accidents may lead to litigation. Slip and fall accident victims may be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner seeking compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a slip and fall accident lawyer for assistance with your case.
Posted in: Slip and Fall Accidents