Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls in Iowa

Laying the foundation for your premises liability claim

The Hope Law Firm, PLC has substantial experience in trip, slip and fall claims. We can build a strong case to prove you sustained injuries because of an accident caused by a property owner’s negligence. Our attorneys pursue the maximum possible compensation for medical expenses, lost income, disabilities, and pain and suffering. If you are injured, Hope can help.

Slipping hazards

Any condition that causes a walking surface to become slick is a slipping hazard. Oftentimes, the problem is not obvious to pedestrians or customers, especially if they are focused on shopping or walking to their destination. Hazards include:

Icy patches on sidewalks, walkways, and steps
Spilled liquids in aisles or lobby areas
Wet and soapy substances on paths

Balls left in pathways
Loose rugs
Slick surface materials used on high-traffic areas

Businesses are obligated to regularly inspect their premises for slip hazards, especially in common places where falls happen.

Tripping perils

When a business fails to inspect, repair and warn customers about obstructions, visitors may trip and fall. Common trip accidents involve:

Wires strewn across a path
Objects left in the way
Uneven or cracked pavement on walkways

Broken stairways
Holes in the floor or ground

If you fell because of a hazard at a business, we can explain your rights and investigate the situation.

Falls from heights

Falls from heights are often fatal or debilitating. For survivors, injuries may include brain damage, spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, and multiple fractures. A variety of factors amounting to negligence may result in a fall from heights, including:

Broken balcony or stairway railing
An uneven platform

Missing window safety guards
Unreasonably sloped arena seating

In addition to slip or trip accidents, injuries are also commonly caused by objects falling from heights. The impact can cause traumatic brain damage, spinal cord damage or other serious injuries. Even an object that does not seem heavy at ground level can accumulate tremendous force the further it falls. Injuries commonly result from:

Improperly constructed scaffolding
AC units that are not properly secured
Tools and equipment on a construction site
Bottles, planters and other items set on ledges
Shelves over-stacked with products in store aisles

Lounge chair mattresses and umbrellas left out on a windy day
Store shelving that is not adequately secured
Heavy or tall display items that can be toppled

You are not expected to keep your eyes on the sky or ceiling to look for falling dangers. Instead, businesses and residents have a duty to consider whether they have created a hazard.

Hold the business or landowner responsible for injuries you sustained in a slip, trip or fall

The Hope Law Firm, PLC handles challenging slip, trip and fall claims in West Des Moines and throughout Iowa. Our law firm holds negligent corporations, business owners and residents accountable for injuries resulting from their negligent conduct. To learn more about your rights to recover, call us at (515) 298-5056 or contact us online. Your case evaluation is free, and we handle personal injury cases on contingency, so there is no risk in exploring your options.