When people go out and about to shop, the last thing they expect to happen is to come home with a serious injury like a broken bone, soft tissue damage or, in the worst cases, even a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury.
Unfortunately, however, there are many ways in which a person can slip and take a nasty fall while shopping at one of Northeast Wisconsin’s many retail stores, malls and shopping centers.
Generally, speaking, these slip-and-fall accidents can be prevented when the owner of the business exercises appropriate care and concern for customers.
For instance, one of the causes of slips-and-falls is torn or otherwise broken flooring. On a similar note, an escalator that is not working properly can also cause a fall, as well as a floor design that involves unexpected steps and slopes. Even the lighting in the store can make it more difficult for a person to see where he or she is going and thus keep his or her balance.
Furthermore, it goes without saying that Wisconsin often experiences rainy, snowy or icy weather, and these situations inevitable lead to wet floors. Spilled drinks and even routine cleaning can have the same effect.
The problem with these accidents is that, in each case, business owner could prevent them. For instance, the owner could frequently inspect flooring and make sure it is in good repair. Lighting and other equipment can also be repaired and updated as needs arise. Of course, spills and wet spots can and should be cleaned up and dried as quickly as possible.
When owners do not take care of their flooring, and a Wisconsin resident gets hurt as a result, the victim may be eligible for compensation.