In the last article on this blog, we covered three of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents. However, there are many other dangers that result in people falling and getting hurt on someone else’s property. Often, it’s the more uncommon of these dangers that surprise us with a catastrophic injury.
Here are three dangers you should watch out for in this regard when you’re at someone’s property, shopping in the city or visiting an office building:
Elevators and escalators: We use elevators and escalators every day at the mall, in large office buildings or in apartment buildings and condominium towers. This everyday use can make us feel like there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to their safety.
Nevertheless, elevators are massive, heavy and they are prone to having problems. They can throw the occupants around or cause them to fall. In extreme elevator injury cases, they can sever limbs and their doors can open into empty space, causing people to fall inside. Also, escalators are not without serious dangers, as they are moving staircases that people can fall down and have their limbs and clothing sucked into.
Residential swimming pools: Swimming pools are particularly dangerous when the owners of pools have guests visit for a party and drinking is involved. They are also risky for children who haven’t learned to swim. Unfortunately, because swimming pools are common, property guests and their owners may overlook these dangers — but a drowning can happen in an instant.
Children and dogs: We love our pets, and most of us have had favorable experiences with dogs. This can confuse us into being friendly with a dog at someone’s house and trusting our children to play with the animal. In the case of an attacking dog, however, children are prone to suffering from serious injuries. Therefore, when visiting someone’s property, it’s important to keep a cautious eye on children around dogs.
If you or your loved one were hurt by one of the premises liability dangers listed above, take the time to explore your legal rights and options under Pennsylvania personal injury law.