The owner of any premises may be held liable for injuries to others that occur on that property. Slip and fall mishaps are often caused by the owner's dangerous inattention to wet floors, oily pavement, or dark stairways. While a simple fall won't normally result in serious injury, it certainly can if the victim is elderly, or has some preexisting condition aggravated by the trauma of a fall.

The following hazards can lead to a slip or fall accident:

• Poorly stored construction equipment or debris
• Personal assaults or violent crimes occurring at unsafe, non-surveyed residences or businesses
• Balconies, stairways, or porches that violate building codes
• Slippery surfaces near swimming pools and unsupervised swimming pools
• Dangerous or defective amusement park rides
• Broken pavement or potholes in driveways or parking lots
• Slippery floors