Municipalities are held responsible for injuries you suffer on their property if the accident occurs due to their negligence. If you trip on a poorly maintained sidewalk under the care of your municipality, you can sue them for compensation. These are often labeled personal injury and premise liability cases and require an experienced slip and fall lawyer to navigate. Here are five types of negligence municipalities are liable for:
Poor Sidewalk Maintenance
Municipalities are responsible for maintaining public sidewalks and should repair them when they develop dips, bumps, or cracks. These hazards may be caused by tree roots, flooding, or general wear and tear. They could all increase the likelihood of a trip-and-fall accident, especially among elderly people.
Accidents can be prevented by scheduling timely inspections and repairs for sidewalks and following up on reported defects. If you have experienced an injury due to a poorly maintained sidewalk, contact a slip and fall lawyer to explore your legal options. A lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or other damages that resulted from the accident.
Insufficient Warning Signage
Hazardous conditions on municipality-maintained property should be clearly identified, and a sufficient warning should be given to visitors. Warnings include visual signage, cones, and barriers used to inform the public of potential hazards. Caution signs for wet floors should be placed after mopping. Signs warning of tripping hazards should be placed at construction zones, near temporary obstacles, or to indicate uneven walking surfaces. All signage should be placed in an easy-to-see area. If the municipality fails to post warnings for known hazards, they may be held liable for slip, trip, and fall accidents. A lawyer can help you prove the municipality failed to take reasonable measures to warn and protect you from harm.
Inadequate Lighting
Public spaces like sidewalks, pathways, parking lots, and parks require proper lighting, especially at night. Spaces hidden by buildings or bypasses also require artificial lighting during the day. Proper lighting allows you to spot cracks, uneven pavements, and other hazards, reducing the chances of trip and fall accidents. When a municipality doesn’t maintain public lighting, it could become difficult to see potential hazards. If a trip and fall accident occurs on poorly lit property, you may be able to seek compensation from the municipality with the help of an experienced lawyer.
Negligent Snow and Ice Removal
Municipalities are responsible for clearing snow and ice from public streets, sidewalks, and walkways during winter months or after a storm. Negligence in snow removal usually occurs when the municipality delays or fails to address the hazard. If the municipality fails to remove or treat snow or ice on time, pedestrians might face injury from slip and fall accidents.
Incomplete Inspections of Stairways and Ramps
Public stairways, entryways, and ramps should be regularly inspected for defects to keep them safe for public use. Over time, handrails may become loose, non-slip surfaces might wear away, or steps could become uneven. These conditions often increase the likelihood of slip and fall injuries, especially among people with balance or mobility issues. If the municipality fails to inspect and address hazards, you can sue them for injuries suffered in a slip, trip, or fall accident caused by their negligence in maintaining walkways.
Consult an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
Tripping, slipping, and falling are common accidents that can occur due to negligence. If your accident is caused by the municipality’s negligence, you can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, damaged property, emotional distress, and other damages. Contact a slip and fall lawyer today to learn more about your case and legal options.