Wet Floors, Loose Carpets, and Poor Lighting: Common Hazards Leading to Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injuries in Las Vegas, occurring in casinos, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and even private properties. While many assume these accidents are simply due to clumsiness, they are often the result of property owner negligence. Hazards like wet floors, loose carpets, and poor lighting can create dangerous conditions that lead to severe injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a slip and fall due to these hazards, you may have a legal right to compensation. Mainor Ellis is here to help you secure your compensation.
Wet Floors: A Leading Cause of Slip and Fall Accidents
Spilled drinks, freshly mopped floors, leaking pipes, and rainwater tracked indoors can all contribute to hazardous wet floors. Property owners have a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe for visitors, which includes promptly addressing wet floor hazards.
To prove a property owner’s negligence, you must show:
- The owner or staff knew or should have known about the wet floor.
- They failed to take reasonable steps to clean up the hazard or provide adequate warnings (e.g., wet floor signs).
- The wet floor directly caused your fall and injuries.
Many businesses, particularly casinos and hotels, have surveillance footage that can provide critical evidence in these cases. If you slip and fall due to a wet floor, it is important to document the scene with photos and report the incident immediately.
Loose Carpets and Uneven Flooring: Hidden Dangers
Loose, torn, or poorly installed carpets and rugs are another common cause of slip and fall injuries. These hazards can cause individuals to trip and fall suddenly, resulting in broken bones, head trauma, or spinal injuries.
Other flooring issues that contribute to falls include:
- Uneven floor surfaces with unexpected drops or rises.
- Worn-out rugs and mats that do not lie flat.
- Improperly secured floorboards or tiles that shift when stepped on.
Property owners are responsible for routine inspections and maintenance to identify and repair flooring hazards. If a business or property owner fails to address known flooring issues, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Poor Lighting: A Major Factor in Trip and Fall Cases
Proper lighting is essential in stairwells, hallways, parking lots, and other areas where visibility is crucial for safety. When lighting is dim, flickering, or completely absent, visitors may not see obstacles, uneven floors, or sudden drop-offs, increasing the risk of a fall.
Poor lighting is particularly dangerous in:
- Staircases with missing handrails or uneven steps.
- Hotel hallways and lobbies where guests may be unfamiliar with their surroundings.
- Parking lots and sidewalks where potholes and cracks may not be visible at night.
If a property owner fails to install, maintain, or repair lighting in these areas, they can be held legally responsible for injuries that occur as a result.
Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable
If you have suffered a slip and fall due to wet floors, loose carpets, or poor lighting, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatments).
- Lost wages if your injury prevents you from working.
- Pain and suffering due to long-term physical or emotional distress.
Contact Us Today
Our experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys fight for the rights of slip and fall victims. We thoroughly investigate accidents, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact Mainor Ellis today for a free consultation. You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone—we are here to help.
Source:
nvbar.org/for-the-public/find-a-lawyer/lrs/negligence/
