Slip and fall accidents occur when a property owner creates an unsafe condition or hazard, or when they fail to take steps to prevent them from occurring. A laundromat is an example of a business that must take steps to ensure that anyone using the property does so safely. If you suffer an accident in these environments, getting help from a Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyer can help.
Consider the Dangers at a Philadelphia Laundry Mat
There are numerous reasons why a slip and fall accident may happen at a laundry mat in Philadelphia. For a slip-and-fall accident, the owner must have known of or should have known of the risk and failed to take action. Here are some examples of when this may happen.
Slippery Floors from Leaking Equipment
In situations where a washing machine leaks and causes a slippery floor, that can be the responsibility of the property owner. The owner must properly maintain equipment to ensure it does not create a dangerous condition for others. When they fail to do so, you can hold them accountable for your injuries and other losses.
Uneven Floors
If you slip and fall because of an uneven floor, such as a rug that is no longer lying flat or the flooring on the surface is missing, that can be a case of premises liability. If the flooring is unsafe or loose for any reason, it can pose a serious risk of injury if you trip and fall, especially if you strike your head.
Products on Floors
A patron drops a bottle of liquid soap onto the floor of the laundry mat. That creates dangerous, very slippery conditions. If the owner or manager knew of the risk or should have known, and had enough time to take action to clean up the mess but failed to do so, the owner could be responsible.
Here is another example. The laundry mat owner observes the product hit the floor, causing an unsafe condition. However, after cleaning it up, they do such a poor job that the floor is still very slick. That causes you to slip and fall. The owner can be accountable for this incident as well.
Parking Lot Injuries
The laundry mat slip and fall accident could occur outside of the actual building as well. This includes the sidewalk leading to the business or the parking lot. Unsafe conditions here may include parking lot potholes, uneven sidewalks, unmarked dangers, ice and snow buildup, or other trip hazards. If the owner of the parking lot differs from the business, the owner may be responsible for the losses you suffered.
Missing Railings or Damaged Steps
Many buildings require a patron to step up into them. This may include climbing a set of steps. In these situations, the owner must provide a safe step with a solid surface and a handrail to make the process safer for you. If the handrail is loose or missing, or the steps have uneven wear or loose treads, and that causes the accident, you can seek legal guidance.
Poor Lighting
Lighting is another factor applicable in these situations. Slip and fall accidents are more likely to occur when a person cannot see where they are walking. That can lead to falls that cause you to strike your head. Poor lighting and poor visibility are critical factors in ensuring that any dangerous condition is clear to see and avoid.
Obstructions and Debris in Walkways
Walkways within the laundry mat should be clear and free from any type of debris. Anything present could create a trip or fall accident. For example, if a person places a laundry basket into the middle of a walkway, and you do not see it, causing you to fall and strike your head, that is a cause of premises liability.
In these situations, the owner must recognize the risk or take action to prevent injury. If that does not happen, and you suffer injuries resulting from the accident, seek legal guidance on filing a claim for the losses you have.
How We Establish Fault in a Premises Liability Case
A Philadelphia laundry mat owner has a duty to ensure their property is safe for patrons to use. To be held accountable for the losses you suffer, the owner must have known of a risk or should have known. The injuries you have must stem from the accident caused by their lack of treatment or prevention of the accident.
To prove your claim, our legal team will:
- Gather evidence from the scene to substantiate your claim
- Determine all losses you have and file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance policy
- Negotiate a fair compensation
- Ensure that legal action, if necessary, occurs within the Pennsylvania two-year statute of limitations
- Fight for fair compensation
Schedule a Free Consultation Now
Turn to Kwartler Manus now for a free consultation to discuss your rights in these cases. Our Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyer can offer the guidance you need.