Common Causes Behind Slip and Fall Injuries

What Really Leads to These Falls and Why They’re So Avoidable

Slip and fall accidents don’t just happen out of nowhere. They’re usually the result of someone else cutting corners, ignoring hazards, or failing to maintain a safe environment. Whether it’s a cracked sidewalk in Brooklyn or a slick entryway in a Portsmouth coffee shop, most of these incidents could’ve been prevented with a little care and responsibility.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our slip and fall attorneys represent people injured in falls across New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. We know the most dangerous spots in cities and small towns alike and we know how quickly things can go wrong when property owners don’t do their part. 

Understanding the causes of these injuries helps build stronger claims and prevent them from happening to others. 

Wet, Slippery, and Just Plain Neglected

One of the biggest triggers for falls is moisture and it shows up everywhere, from grocery stores to subway entrances. When businesses or landlords don’t clean up or warn people, someone gets hurt. Here are a few ways water-related hazards create problems:

• Spills That Don’t Get Cleaned Up. Supermarkets, restaurants, and corner stores see plenty of spills—milk, coffee, cleaning supplies. But when staff doesn’t notice or fails to act fast, floors become slick and dangerous. Shoppers walking with carts or kids don’t stand a chance if the puddle isn’t visible. Without a “wet floor” sign, the blame often falls on whoever slipped.
• Entryways During Rain or Snow. Front doors and vestibules are high-risk areas when the weather turns. Rainwater collects on smooth tiles, and without non-slip mats, those surfaces become skating rinks. Snow dragged in from outside melts and re-freezes overnight, especially in lobbies with poor heating. These spots should be dry, mopped, and clearly marked.
• Bathrooms in Public or Commercial Spaces. High foot traffic plus frequent water use makes bathrooms particularly risky. If a sink overflows or a pipe leaks and no one blocks the area off, unsuspecting users can go down hard. Facilities in places like gas stations and department stores often go unchecked for hours, leaving behind dangerous conditions.

Cracked, Uneven, or Poorly Maintained Surfaces

The ground beneath you might look harmless, but one step in the wrong spot can change everything. Damaged or neglected surfaces are behind a huge share of fall injuries. Property owners are expected to make repairs, but some cut corners or delay fixes for months.

Sidewalks and walkways in New York and northern cities take a beating from weather, salt, and heavy use. Tree roots lift up concrete. Frost heaves warp pavement. And broken curbs near bus stops or schools get ignored, even when complaints are made.

Inside, the story’s no better. Loose tiles, warped floorboards, torn carpets, and unexpected elevation changes can trip even the most careful person. Stair edges without proper grip, gaps between floor transitions, or rugs without anti-slip backing all present avoidable risks. 

These hazards are especially dangerous in older apartment buildings and rental properties where maintenance falls behind.

Lighting, Visibility, and Blocked Paths

Sometimes the problem isn’t the floor. It’s that you can’t see what’s in front of you. Poor visibility makes it harder to detect spills, cracks, or steps. And when hallways or exits are cluttered or dark, a fall becomes much more likely.

• Dim Stairwells and Basement Access. Low lighting in stairwells is a consistent issue in older residential buildings. Bulbs go out and don’t get replaced, leaving stairs in shadow. People carrying bags, kids, or groceries may miss a step completely. This is especially risky when stairs are uneven or damaged.
• Blocked Emergency Exits and Hallways. Property owners often store boxes, supplies, or even trash in narrow passageways. When paths are blocked, tenants or customers have to maneuver around clutter—making tripping a real risk. Emergency exits should always be clear, but violations still happen in restaurants and office buildings.
• Outdoor Areas Without Lighting. Parking lots, courtyards, or exterior walkways without proper lighting hide surface hazards. Cracks, ice, or curbs blend into the dark. Especially in winter months when the sun sets early, these areas need well-positioned lights and visible markers.

Seasonal Hazards That Property Owners Must Prepare For

The Northeast is no stranger to bad weather, and property owners are legally expected to prepare for it. Snow, ice, and falling leaves create real dangers, and failing to address them quickly can result in serious injuries.

In New York, under Administrative Code Section 7-210, property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their buildings. Similar ordinances exist in cities throughout New England. Delays in salting, shoveling, or posting warnings about icy conditions are clear signs of negligence.

Autumn brings its own issues. Leaves pile up, get wet, and turn walkways into slick surfaces. If drains get blocked, water pools and freezes. Even gravel or sand tracked indoors from snowy boots can create indoor slipping hazards. These are  maintenance failures.

Unsafe Design and Lack of Warning Signs

Sometimes the layout itself creates danger. When buildings or spaces are poorly designed, even a cautious person can fall. Add to that a total lack of warnings, and it becomes a legal liability.

• Abrupt Floor Height Changes. A sudden drop between connected rooms, say from tile to hardwood, without a slope or warning strip is a setup for trips. These changes need to be obvious, either through color contrast or signage. Inconsistent flooring is especially dangerous in places like medical offices, schools, and gyms.
• Lack of Handrails on Ramps and Stairs. Both residential and commercial properties are supposed to have handrails where falls might happen. Yet many entryways, especially in older buildings, lack any kind of support. This isn’t just inconvenient. It’s a serious risk, especially for seniors or those with mobility issues.
• No Warning Signs for Known Hazards. If a floor was recently waxed or a step is under repair, there should be a sign. Property owners who fail to post warnings are far more likely to be found liable. And the absence of signs suggests they weren’t taking reasonable steps to protect visitors.

The Pattern is Always the Same: Neglect

At the heart of most slip and fall accidents is a simple truth: someone didn’t take the time to fix what they should’ve. Whether it’s a landlord skipping maintenance or a store manager ignoring spills, the result is the same. People get hurt.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys help injured clients across New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine prove what went wrong and who’s to blame. When you understand what caused your fall, you’re already one step closer to building a claim that holds up.

Don’t brush it off or wait for things to fix themselves. When property owners fail, you have every right to act. 

Request a free consultation with our trusted New York attorneys. We’ll hold negligent property owners accountable and fight for the full recovery you deserve because your safety should never be an afterthought.