Slips, trips and falls can happen at almost any building or facility in Georgia. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls are the second-leading cause of injury at work. Furthermore, floors and floor materials account for two million injuries per year. Typically, individuals slip or fall on floors that are wet or are made slippery by ice or oil. Mud, wet leaves and other items can also increase the risk of a person falling.
Lobbies are among the areas where individuals could be at an increased risk of falling. This is because they may have to contend with snow or mud that is tracked in from outside of the building. Furthermore, the floors may be waxed or buffed on a regular basis to make them clean and shiny. Cafeterias are another area where slips, trips and falls can happen because drinks or food can drip or fall onto the floor.
Property owners can minimize the risk of falls by paying attention to weather reports. They can also prevent accidents by using mats to absorb liquid that may otherwise pool on the floor. It is also a good idea to properly train staff as it relates to cleaning spills or choosing a cleaner that is most appropriate to use on a given surface.
Those who own or exercise control over a property are responsible for minimizing the occurrence of preventable accidents. Those who are hurt because of a defendant’s negligent behavior may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other expenses. Negligence might include failing to warn a victim of a wet surface or a failure to take other steps to mitigate the danger that he or she could face. An attorney may use witness or victim testimony to show that negligence occurred.