According to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts report, nearly 47,000 people experienced fatal falls at home or work in 2022. Slip and fall accident causes can vary and occur in many settings, and not all are fatal. However, understanding common slip and fall injuries is crucial for prevention and legal recourse.
How Slip and Fall Accidents Occur
Common fall accident causes include wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, clustered walkways, and defective flooring materials. Let’s explore how each one creates a potential hazard:
Wet or Slippery Floors
Wet or slippery floors can happen due to spills rainwater trapped in from outside or improperly cleaned surfaces. Businesses and property owners are legally obligated to maintain safe conditions to prevent such accidents.
Uneven Surfaces
Uneven sidewalks potholes and damaged flooring can cause many slip and fall accidents. These conditions are often overlooked but can create hazardous walking environments that lead to serious injuries or loss of life.
Inadequate Lighting
Poor lighting can obscure potential hazards on the ground and increase the risk of a slip-and-fall accident resulting in serious injury. Adequate lights are essential indoors and outdoors to ensure all potential dangers are visible.
Cluttered Walkways
Cluttered or obstructed walkways are another common cause of slip and fall accidents. Items left in aisles, entryways, and hallways can create tripping hazards that lead to dangerous falls. Homeowners and businesses must mitigate this risk or face potential legal backlash.
Defective Flooring Materials
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are necessary to mitigate the risks associated with defective flooring. Faulty or worn-out materials can become slippery or uneven over time.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Understanding the common slip and fall injuries associated with various accidents can help recognize their severity and determine the appropriate course of action. Typical injuries include:
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Back injuries
- Head injuries
- Knee or joint injuries and pain
At Herren Adams, we are committed to helping people who have suffered from common slip and fall injuries due to the negligence of others. Seeking legal advice is essential if you or a loved one has been injured due to any of the slip and fall accident causes mentioned above.
Legal Considerations for Those Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident
The legal ramifications and how they can impact your case crucial considerations when dealing with a trip and fall accident. For example, property owners are required to uphold a duty of care that ensures their premises are safe for visitors. Failure to uphold this standard by allowing hazards to remain unaddressed means they can be held liable for slip and fall compensation.
To establish liability you must show that the property owner or manager was negligent. Proof involves demonstrating that they knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take appropriate action to eliminate it.
Gathering evidence is crucial for a successful claim, so collect photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, medical records, and maintenance logs. In some cases, the injured party may also be found partially at fault. Discuss comparative negligence laws to understand how they apply in your jurisdiction.
DID YOU KNOW: There is a time limit within which you must file a lawsuit following a slip and fall accident or injury. Be aware of these deadlines by discussing them with the Herren Adams legal team.
Conclusion
Herren Adams is committed to helping individuals who have suffered from common slip and fall injuries due to negligence. Our team is here to provide legal support and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
For more information on slip and fall accident causes and common slip and fall injuries, or to schedule a consultation, contact Herren Adams today.