Slip and Fall

Everyone understands that sometimes accidents just happen; but, a legitimate question is whether in a given case it could have been prevented. If the accident could and should have been prevented, who should be held accountable?

There are the classic examples with which everyone is familiar: dangerous workplace conditions, a slick grocery store floor, an uneven sidewalk or other walkway. In cases like these–spills not marked with “Wet Floor” signs, walkways damaged by tree roots that are not repaired, employers who fail to take adequate care for their employees’ and customers’ safety–the fault and responsibility is clear: they lie with the property owner. These are many cases where true negligence is present and someone else is responsible.

What many in the public do not recognize is that the more common and, frankly, more dangerous premises liabilityscenario relates to portions of an owner’s property that are not compliant with local building codes. The legal community–plaintiff’s as well as defense lawyers–are consistently surprised at the problems business owners and others allow to continue on their property. A stairwell which is dry, has a handrail and appears harmless, but which has riser and tread dimensions prohibited by the building code. A sidewalk or pedestrian ramp which appears well built but has too much or too little slope. A doorway which fails to afford the proper width or transition lighting from inside to outside. These requirements–so frequently ignored–are the product of extensive research, and have one goal in mind: safety of the people on the premises.

If you or someone you know has been injured by slipping or tripping and falling on someone else’s property, call Traywick & Traywick for help. Our professional staff has the experience with slip and fall and related accidents and will help you or your loved one recover the damages caused by the injury.