When people in Myrtle Beach head to a store, movie theater or other public space, they don’t expect to be injured during their trip. However, when business owners do not maintain their properties or clear away hazards, slip-and-fall accidents could pose a major risk. While many think of slip-and-fall accidents as minor problems resulting only in discomfort, people can be seriously injured, especially when falling from a significant distance or onto a hard or rocky surface. In addition, people with pre-existing disabilities may have extra reason to be concerned about the effect of such an accident.
There are a number of ways that people could be hurt in a business. Floors could be left wet and slippery with no warning sign to offer customers some notification of the need to protect themselves. Businesses may not pick up items scattered on the floor, leaving them as obstacles. The weather can also play a role in these types of accidents when a business fails to clear away ice and snow that could lead to slippery surfaces. Escalators and stairs present their own risks, especially if they are not properly maintained with mechanical defects or loose handrails.
Business owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises for their customers and other people on the property. They owe their customers a duty of care, which means that regular maintenance to clear up and avoid safety issues is a necessity. Businesses have to regularly inspect their properties, make repairs to hazards and warn customers when repairs cannot be done.
Slip-and-fall accidents can be surprisingly devastating and dangerous. People can wind up with broken bones, spinal cord injuries, facial damage and other serious injuries. A personal injury lawyer may help people hurt at a poorly maintained property to seek compensation from the business owner under the grounds of premises liability.