If you slip and fall in a public place, you might assume the accident was somehow your fault. However, many slip and fall accidents in Nashville could have been avoided if property owners had taken proper care of their premises. Here’s a rundown of six common causes of slip and falls in Nashville and what to do if you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence.
- Broken handrails. Handrails help people move around safely, whether they’re climbing stairs or walking on the pavement. If a manager knows about a broken handrail and they don’t fix it—or at least display signs warning people about the hazard—they could be liable if someone slips or falls as a result.
- Damaged steps. It’s easy for someone to slip and fall on a broken, damaged, or uneven step, especially if it’s a busy area where people move around quickly. Tripping on a damaged step can cause injuries ranging from minor bruising to severe fractures, so staircases must be properly maintained.
- Dim lighting. Poor lighting can make an otherwise safe area hazardous. It’s common for people to slip or fall because they miss an obstacle or wet patch on the floor, but these incidents can be avoided if broken lights are replaced promptly.
- Poorly maintained premises. General clutter can make walkways like halls and corridors more dangerous to navigate. Other avoidable hazards include loose wires, uneven flooring, broken or damaged tiles, loose rugs, and floormats. Slip and fall accidents can sometimes be prevented if building owners keep their premises in a tidy condition.
- Weather hazards. Property owners in Nashville have a duty to keep sidewalks outside their premises free from snow and ice. This includes, for example, salting the sidewalks and clearing snow away. A failure to clear sidewalks could cause people to slip on the untreated surface.
Wet flooring. Leaks and spillages are common hazards. If spills aren’t cleared quickly, or there are no signs warning visitors about the hazard, then a person could easily slip and fall onto a hard surface like wood or concrete. Freshly mopped and freshly waxed surfaces should also be highlighted so that people know to take care.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Immediately after a slip or fall incident, you should take the following steps:
- Get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t produce symptoms right away.
- Report the accident. Tell the premises owner or manager about what happened and log an incident report. Get the names of the owners and managers of the property.
- Document the Scene. Photographs may help support your case, so take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene. Save the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident
- Identify witnesses. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their contact details. Avoid making any statements concerning the accident and do not talk to any insurance adjusters until you have contacted your personal injury lawyer.
Call a personal injury attorney in Nashville. A slip and fall attorney can review your case and advise if they think you have a claim.
Making a Slip and Fall Accident Claim
To make a slip and fall accident claim in Nashville, you must prove that:
- Someone owed you a duty of care. Property owners owe a duty of care to their visitors, but not to trespassers.
- The person breached this duty. For example, they failed to warn customers about a spill or they failed to repair broken steps.
- You were injured. Visiting your doctor and taking pictures can help prove your injuries.
- The defendant is responsible. You must show that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident.