Slip-and-fall accidents are common occurrences in Arizona and across the nation as a number of factors can cause these mishaps to occur. Whether an accident is caused by objects lying on the ground, ice, water, or any other number of factors, all slip-and-fall accidents have one thing in common: an unsafe surface. In all slip-and-fall accidents, the degree of surface roughness plays into how an accident occurred.
A slippery walking surface increases the likelihood of an accident occurring both in and out of the home, and the smoother a floor, the easier it is to slip. Surface roughness dictates the potential a floor has to cause a slip, with smoother surfaces having less friction than rougher ones. This is why many Arizona slip-and-fall injuries occur in super markets, where aisles are often made from smooth, slick, and shiny surfaces. Floors may look nicer when they appear so smooth and clean, but are far more slippery than the rough concrete and asphalt outside. Ice and liquids also dramatically decrease the amount of friction on a surface and cause slipping.
When selecting flooring, it is important to consider the surrounding factors that may cause more slip-and-fall accidents than the floor alone could cause. When a person transitions from a non-slippery or carpeted floor to a slippery surface, he or she may not realize the change and slip because he or she does not change their walking pattern accordingly. If a floor is near liquids and is likely to be frequently spilled on, it should not have a slick surface and should incorporate some form of slip-resistant patterns or material.
It is the responsibility of every property owner to install the correct floor in relation to the surrounding conditions. When a property owner is negligent in the installation and maintenance of a floor and it causes a slip-and-fall accident, he or she is responsible for the damages sustained.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident caused by another’s negligence, the Chandler slip-and-fall attorneys at Breyer Law, P.C. can help. Our experienced attorneys can give you a free consultation on your case if you call our offices today at (602) 457-6222.
