Accidents resulting from slips and falls are among the most common causes of injuries in everyday life. Often, people do not realize the severity of these accidents, yet they can lead to severe injuries, sometimes even resulting in death. What's more, these accidents can happen anywhere at home, your workplace, or a public place.

1. Wet and Slippery Surfaces

One of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents is wet and slippery surfaces. Places like swimming pools, sports fields, car parking lots, and convenience stores often become wet because of spills, rainwater, and leaking pipes, making them hazardous for people walking by. People often neglect to put signs indicating the wet or slippery grounds, resulting in falls.

2. Bad Lighting

Poor lighting can cause falls as people have difficulty seeing what's in front of them. This problem is primarily evident in residential areas in hallways, stairways, and outdoor spaces. For instance, if an outdoor staircase is not lit well, it can be hazardous, particularly in winter when it's often dark outside. It's common to find poorly lit parking lots and alleyways in industrial or commercial areas, making falls highly likely.

3. Uneven Floors

When walking on uneven floors and old carpets or mats, shoes may catch and trip people. These trip hazards are often found in staircases that have uneven risers or treads, elevators, or floors with sudden bumps. When your awareness is low, you can catch your foot on the uneven surface and fall. Therefore, ensuring that the flooring in your building is level and flat is critical to preventing accidents.

4. Inadequate Sturdy Handrails

Another common cause of slip and fall accidents is the lack of sturdy handrails on staircases or corridors. Handrails are vital safety features that protect users from falls. They should be appropriately installed in challenging areas, such as rough spiral staircases, outdoor staircases, and ramps. If handrails are not installed correctly or are absent, people could quickly lose their balance and fall.

5. Improper Footwear

The shoes people wear can significantly increase the risk of falls. This is especially true when shoes are slippery, don't fit properly, and lack proper grip on their soles. This makes it challenging for people to maintain their balance. People should wear shoes that fit well, have a good grip, and provide excellent foot support when walking on slippery or wet surfaces.

Houston Slip and Fall Lawyers

Preventing slip and fall accidents requires a proactive approach and a commitment to maintaining a safe environment. At Goldenzweig Law Group, PPLC, we are dedicated to promoting safety and providing legal assistance to those affected by slip and fall accidents. Contact us today at (713) 609-1930 to learn more about our services and how we can support you.