PROPERTY OWNERS MUST PROTECT VISITORS FROM TRIPS, SLIPS AND FALLS

On behalf of Hyland Law Firm, LLC posted in Premises Liability on Tuesday, October 21, 2014.

As we've discussed before, property owners have an obligation to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors. Negligent maintenance, supervision or security could lead to injurious accidents, and Kansas residents who have been injured because of a property owner's negligence may need to bring a premises liability claim to receive compensation for damages.

Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents are the most common kinds of accidents that lead to premises liability claims. In fact, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that each year about 8.9 million emergency room visits are due to falls, and in 2009, falls resulted in more than 25,000 deaths in homes and communities. Here let's go over some ways that property and business owners can prevent slips, trips and falls.

While in Kansas and Missouri we still have a couple of months before winter is upon us, now is the time for property owners to begin protecting against slip-and-fall accidents on icy surfaces. Water leaks and steam from laundry rooms are common and preventable causes of ice patches on sidewalks, and these hazards should be addressed before the cold weather arrives.

Likewise, cracks and uneven surfaces on walkways should be repaired to prevent trip-and-fall injuries. Debris, electrical cords and phone cords should also be removed from pathways. In retail stores, aisles should be free of tripping hazards such as clothing, toys and boxes. Spilled liquid is another hazard that often occurs in grocery stores.

If you suffer an injury in your apartment building because of a broken stairway, poor lighting or a blocked path, then you may have grounds for a premises liability claim against the property owner. In any case, a personal injury attorney can investigate your case and explain your legal options.