Slip-and-fall accidents in Connecticut can occur for many reasons. Some incidents can be attributed to clumsiness; however, for others, negligence is the cause.
Wet or slippery floors
Floors wet due to liquid spills, rainwater, snow or other substances can be dangerously slick and lead to slips and falls. Property owners and employers have a responsibility to keep their floors dry and safe from potential hazards like these.
Uneven surfaces
Uneven pavement, sidewalks, carpeting or stairs can create tripping hazards for those walking on them. Even if you are carefully paying attention to your footing, you can easily stumble, twist your ankle or fall on uneven surfaces.
Poor lighting
If a property owner or employer fails to provide adequate lighting in walkways and stairwells, it can be difficult for people to see potential hazards. This can lead to fatal slip-and-fall accidents if a person steps on something they didn’t see and land on a sharp or uneven surface.
Improper clothing attire
If a person is wearing improper shoes or clothing that does not provide adequate traction or protection against slipping, they may be more likely to slip and fall. OSHA and other safety organizations have specific guidelines for safety attire which employers and property owners should be aware of.
Clutter or debris in pathways
Any obstacle left in walkways or stairwells presents a hazard that can result in slip-and-fall accidents. If you see things like boxes, electrical cords, toys and other debris, you should immediately remove or flag them so that people can avoid them.
If injured at your workplace or someone else’s property, you can seek compensation through workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim. For worker’s compensation, you don’t have to prove whose fault it was, but with a personal injury claim, you must prove that the property owner was negligent or careless. In either case, getting maximum compensation requires sufficient evidence.