Slips and falls are one of the most common forms of accidental injury, and they can cause anything from minor scrapes to more serious harm. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that their slip and fall could have been prevented had someone been responsible enough to take action. Unsafe floors are the most common reason why slip and falls occur, but it’s important to note that not all slippery or uneven surfaces are liable for a slip and fall injuries. In order for a slip and fall case to be successful, it must be shown that there was a hazardous condition that existed at the time of your fall that a property owner did not remedy or fix in a timely manner.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
Slip and fall incidents can occur due to various factors related to the condition of the surface you’re walking on. These may include:
- Damp or wet surfaces
- Unstable floorboards
- Wrinkled or bunched-up carpeting
- Unsecured mats or area rugs
- Food or liquid spills
- Cracked pavement or potholes
- Irregular floors or walkways
- Hazardous obstacles like exposed cables
Additionally, poor lighting, absent handrails, and damaged stair treads can also contribute to slip and fall accidents. To establish a valid slip and fall claim, you’ll need to demonstrate that your injuries resulted from another party’s negligence.
Where Slip and Falls Happen
Slip and fall accidents can occur in a wide range of locations, each with its own set of hazards and risk factors. Here are some common places where slip and falls often happen:
- Grocery Stores
- Restaurants and Bars
- Offices
- Hospitals and Nursing Homes
- Hotels
- Gyms and Fitness Centers
- Malls and Shopping centers
- Sidewalks and Streets
- Parking Lots
- Construction Sites
- Airports and Train Stations
- Schools and Universities
- Stadiums and Event Venues
- Apartment Buildings
Understanding where slip and fall accidents are most likely to occur can help in taking preventative measures and being more aware of your surroundings.
Consequences of Slip and Falls
Slip and falls can cause a variety of serious and costly consequences. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), nearly one-third of all preventable nonfatal injuries in 2018 resulted from falls. And that’s not even considering how many workers had to miss time from their jobs because of same-level falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a fall could result in life-threatening complications for senior citizens. One in five falls causes serious injury such as head trauma or broken bones, with 95 percent of hip fractures attributed to falling. A hip fracture can be disastrous for an elderly person, causing a host of other health complications that can drastically reduce the quality of life post-fall.
Falls can lead to a range of severe health issues, including:
- Brain trauma and various types of head injuries
- Damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in paralysis
- Broken bones
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Injuries to soft tissues
- Dislocated joints
Understanding the potential severity of these injuries underscores the importance of preventing falls whenever possible.
As such, it is important to try and take precautions wherever possible in order to avoid slip and fall accidents. If you are over the age of 65, make sure your home environment is free from potential hazards that could lead to you tripping or slipping up. You should also exercise regularly so that your balance and stability remain strong. Lastly, when out walking or shopping make sure you wear shoes that have good grip and traction so as not to increase your risk even more. Taking these
Take Legal Action for Slip and Fall
In a successful slip and fall case, the claimant must prove that the cause of the accident was a negligent act or omission of the property owner or employee. This requires demonstrating that the at-fault party had a duty of care to maintain a safe environment and failed to meet this obligation. The claimant must be able to show how their injuries were directly caused by such negligence.
A professional slip and fall lawyer can assist you in gathering evidence such as photographs of your injury and records supporting your financial losses. They will also review any relevant witness statements, police reports, insurance policies, or contract agreements for any information that can help build your case. Additionally, they will advise you through each step of the legal process to ensure all necessary documents are filed accurately in court. With an experienced attorney on your side, you’ll have better chances of receiving appropriate compensation for your damages without having to bear the burden alone.
Contact Phillipa Law Offices for Help
When seeking legal help, Phillips Law Offices is one of the most reputable law firms in the industry. With experienced personal injury lawyers, the firm specializes in slip-and-fall cases with attorneys who are knowledgeable about this particular area of the law. They have years of experience helping clients obtain justice from those responsible for creating hazardous conditions on another person’s property. The team at Phillips Law Offices is committed to working tirelessly on your behalf to make sure you get justice for your slip and fall injuries. They will provide legal advice and represent you throughout every phase of your case no matter how difficult it may be.
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