What Is Considered a “Dangerous Condition” in a Slip-and-Fall Case?

A “dangerous condition” is anything that a reasonable person wouldn’t expect, like a wet floor with no warning sign, uneven pavement, or broken stairs. If these hazards cause injury, you may have a claim.

When attorneys talk about dangerous conditions in a slip-and-fall case, they’re referring to anything that a reasonable person wouldn’t expect. This can make for an unsafe environment, which explains why someone might slip, fall, and injure themselves.

One example of a hazardous surface is a wet floor. For instance, if a business’s employees have to clean up a spill, they should place cones or signage to alert others to the hazard. A lack of warning signs can cause customers to assume the surface is dry, potentially leading to slips as they walk by. 

Other examples of dangerous conditions in a slip-and-fall case include:

• Uneven pavement: Any dips or severe cracks in the pavement could pose tripping hazards. Property owners should address these concerns to prevent injuries.
• Poor lighting: When navigating an area at night, someone could injure themselves due to insufficient lighting, raising questions about the property owner’s liability. 
• Loose carpeting: Carpets that aren’t securely attached to the floor may create a tripping hazard or an unsafe walking surface. 
• Broken staircases or steps: Severe injuries may occur if someone navigates a stairway with defective steps. 

How a Property Owner May Be Liable for Dangerous Conditions in a Slip-and-Fall Case

Suppose you live in a rented space and face serious injuries when you slip on a wet floor after getting out of the shower. This might not be considered a dangerous condition, as many reasonable people expect bathroom floors to be slightly wet when stepping out of the shower. However, if a leaky pipe consistently drips water onto the floor and your landlord refuses to fix it, they could be liable for any injuries that occur. 

Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe property for visitors. If they’re aware of a safety issue and don’t address it, plaintiffs may argue that their negligence caused an injury. Premises liability claims often require the at-fault party (or their insurance provider) to compensate the victim for their medical bills, lost wages, and other losses resulting from the accident. 

Do you need to gather evidence of dangerous conditions in a slip-and-fall case? The team at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers may be able to help. Our attorneys can review your case and discuss potential legal options, such as filing a premises liability lawsuit. 

To request a free consultation, contact us online or call (484) 351-0350.