Slips and trips are common causes of personal injury accidents. Many Arizona residents inflict injuries on themselves when they are careless or accidentally misstep. However, not all stumbles are self-inflicted. Many such injuries result from negligence committed on the part of others.

When individuals fail to maintain their properties and others are harmed by their negligence, premises liability claims may result. Premises liability is the part of personal injury law related to property-based torts. This post will introduce some of the common ways that negligent property maintenance results in premises liability injuries, but all readers are asked to speak with personal injury attorneys about their unique cases as this post offers no legal advice.

Unstable flooring and steps

Many slip and fall injuries occur because the surfaces where individuals walk in properties are uneven. A floor with boards that are not laid straight, or a loose rug that is easily caught by shoes can cause a serious fall and significant personal injuries. Many personal injuries result from uneven or loose steps. While collapsing steps are a significant sign of negligence, steps with torn coverings or that are warped can also inflict dangers upon unsuspecting victims.

Poor lighting and visibility

Other personal injury accidents in and on properties can happen when victims cannot see well enough to keep themselves safe. For example, a property with insufficient lighting may cause a person to misstep or walk into an obstruction. Similarly, when properties are filled with many objects and individuals cannot see where they are going, they may fall or trip over items that they did not know were in their way.

Wetness or slippery surfaces

Finally, slip and fall accidents can happen when individuals fail to clean up slippery substances from the floors of their properties. A puddle of water or a slip of a chemical may render the floor difficult to cross without hazard. Victims who encounter slippery surfaces may suffer injuries if they lose their footing and fall.

Premises liability incidents can result in serious suffering and pain. Victims do not have to work through the legal aspects of their claims on their own. They can seek representation from knowledgeable personal injury attorneys to help them protect their rights and pursue their legal claims.