Tripping over exposed wires or cables in public spaces can result in painful injuries, from twisted ankles to serious head trauma. If this happens to you, it’s important to understand what steps to take and who may be held responsible. Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to maintain safe premises.
Determine the cause of your fall
Your first step is to figure out what caused the fall. Look for the cord or wire that caused you to trip. Was it part of a temporary setup, like a display or equipment, or was it permanently installed but unsecured? Take note of whether the hazard was visible or obstructed from view. Take photos of the area and the cord placement before anything gets moved. This evidence will help establish whether the hazard was obvious and preventable.
Document injuries and conditions
Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions take time to show symptoms. Keep all records of medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information and whether they saw the fall. Make a written note of the lighting, floor condition, and any nearby signage, especially if there were no warnings about the cord.
Establish responsibility for the hazard
Determining liability depends on who controlled the area where the fall happened. If the cord belonged to a business or maintenance crew, they may have been negligent in how they managed it. If the property owner or business failed to inspect and fix the issue, that could support a claim. The key is whether the party responsible for the area knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to correct it.
Understand your next steps
After documenting everything and getting treatment, consider how the fall affected your daily life. Lost work, medical bills, and long-term pain can all result from one trip. If someone failed to keep the area safe, they may be legally responsible for your losses. It all depends on how clearly you can show what happened and why the hazard existed.