A quick stop for groceries shouldn’t end in the ER, but it happens more often than you think. A slick floor, loose handrail, or dark stairwell is all it takes for a typical day to turn into months of pain, medical bills, and missed work.
Accidents like these aren’t just a matter of bad luck; they often occur when property owners fail to prioritize basic safety. In Oklahoma, they have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for guests.
Some hazards are harder to see, but many are right in plain view. Here are five common warning signs of negligence to look out for, along with tips for protecting your rights in the event of an accident.
1. Poor Lighting in Stairwells or Parking Lots
Dim or missing lighting in stairwells, parking lots, and walkways makes it difficult to see hazards ahead. Steps, curbs, and uneven pavement can blend into the darkness, and shadowed areas increase the chances of a serious fall.
Signs of neglected lighting include:
- Overhead lights that flicker or stay burned out for days
- Fixtures with broken covers or missing bulbs
- Entire rows of lights turned off or disconnected
When lights remain in this condition, it’s a red flag that the property isn’t being monitored or repaired. Poor visibility makes falls more likely and can also make people vulnerable to physical violence or theft.
2. Broken Handrails or Uneven Steps
Stairways are among the most common places for falls, accounting for over one million ER visits in the U.S. every year. Loose handrails or damaged steps can turn climbing stairs into a safety risk.
Warning signs of poor upkeep include:
- Handrails that wobble, pull away from the wall, or end too soon
- Steps that tilt, crack, or feel unstable underfoot
- Missing or broken guardrails along elevated staircases
Stairs in this condition point to long-term neglect and a lack of inspection, putting visitors at risk of a serious fall.
3. Slippery Floors Without Warning Signs
Property owners and staff are responsible for warning visitors when floors are wet or slippery, often by placing a yellow caution sign. Spills and slick surfaces can lead to unexpected accidents without proper warnings.
Examples of negligence include:
- Failing to place mats or cones in wet entryways during rain or snow
- Ignoring spilled liquids in store aisles
- Mopping floors without setting up caution signs
Broken bones, back injuries, and head trauma are often results of slip and fall accidents. When no effort is made to warn guests, the property owner may be liable.
4. Overgrown Landscaping Blocking Walkways
Outdoor spaces require the same attention as indoor areas. When landscaping is neglected, it can spill into walkways and create hazardous conditions for anyone passing by.
These dangers can include:
- Branches hanging low enough to strike pedestrians
- Sidewalks buckled by spreading tree roots
- Shrubs tall enough to block sightlines near entrances or parking areas
Neglected growth doesn’t just look untidy; it creates tripping hazards, hides cracks in the pavement, and makes it harder for people to see what’s ahead.
5. Exposed Wiring or Crumbling Concrete
Damaged concrete and exposed wiring are clear signs of poor maintenance and pose immediate risks of injury to anyone nearby.
You may notice issues like:
- Wires hanging from ceilings, outlets, or walls
- Uneven sidewalks with cracks or sections lifted at the edges
- Railings, steps, or balconies with loose or broken concrete chunks
These conditions put visitors at risk of electrocution, dangerous falls, or structural collapse, and ignoring such obvious damage shows a disregard for safety.
Steps to Take After an Injury Caused by Property Owner Negligence
If unsafe property conditions lead to your injury, you can pursue legal action against the owner.
Here’s how to gather the evidence you need to support your claim:
- Take photographs of the hazard and your injuries.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
- Collect names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
After documenting the scene, speak with an experienced slip and fall attorney. Our team can investigate the conditions, gather evidence, and hold the negligent property owner accountable for your damages.
Get Legal Help for Your Slip and Fall Lawsuit
Unsafe property conditions are more than an inconvenience; they put lives at risk. When owners fail to repair hazards or warn guests, Oklahoma law allows injured visitors to pursue compensation.
At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we accept nothing less than what our clients deserve after serious, life-altering injuries. Our team builds evidence-backed claims that insurance companies can’t ignore; whether that means turning a denied claim into a successful one or increasing a lowball offer into a maximum settlement.
Premises liability cases are time-sensitive, and critical evidence can disappear quickly. Call today for a free consultation, and let us fight for every penny you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
