Property owners have a responsibility to protect the safety of those who come on their property to the best of their ability. This means working to prevent hazards that can cause trips, slips and falls.

It also requires taking measures to prevent thefts, assaults and other crimes against those on your property, through proper security measures including lighting, cameras, alarms and security personnel.

Of course, providing adequate protection against fire and a clearly-marked, safe, accessible route out of the building if a fire or other emergency occurs is necessary as well.

If you’ve tripped or slipped and been injured by a fall on a premises, you may be inclined to blame yourself and your own clumsiness. However, it’s important to consider these issues:

• Was there an uneven surface or change in elevation that wasn’t properly marked?
• Was there a hole or other imperfection in the floor or carpet that caused you to trip?
• Was the floor wet or otherwise slippery or sticky?
• Was there adequate lighting to be able to see where you were walking?
• Was there snow, ice, fallen tree branches or other weather-related conditions that should have been cleared?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall on a premises, whether public or private, and you believe that the injury could have been prevented by the property owner, renter or manager, you may find it worthwhile to consult with an experienced New Mexico personal injury attorney. He or she can help you determine whether you can and should seek compensation to help cover medical treatment, lost wages and other expenses that you’ve incurred.