Millions of Americans visit the emergency room each year because of a slip and fall accident. The effects of a fall can vary – depending on the individual and the severity of the accident itself.
From scrapes and minor bruises to broken bones and traumatic brain injuries, there are some injuries that are more common following a slip and fall incident.
Regardless of how badly you are hurt, it is important to contact an attorney immediately after an accident occurs.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Most slip and fall injuries can be prevented – especially if the property owner would perform regular maintenance or safety checks of his or her property. What is important to note is that property owners are required by law to maintain safe premises – and if you are an invited guest or customer on that property, and you are injured, then the property owner is liable for any injuries that you may suffer. Some common and highly preventable causes of slip and fall injuries include:
Wet and uneven surfaces.
Slip and fall accidents are most common on slippery or uneven surfaces. This could include loose floorboards, cluttered floors, spilled liquids that have not been cleaned, parking lot imperfections, uneven sidewalks, torn carpeting, poorly constructed stairs, etc.
Weather conditions.
Another common cause of slip and fall accidents is hazardous weather – especially icy, snowy, or wet conditions. While a property owner cannot always predict the weather, he or she is still required to take steps to remove any hazards from the moment when they are noticed. Therefore, if the property owner had ample time to salt or remove ice from sidewalks and does not, he or she is still liable for the accident.
Improper workplace training.
Plenty of slip and fall accidents occur in the work field just as much as on private property. When work areas are not cleaned, or workers are not provided with proper on-the-job training for safety, injuries can happen.
Improper footwear.
Instead of the responsibility falling on the property owner, this would fall on the plaintiff. Often, falls could be prevented just by wearing proper footwear.
Nursing home neglect.
Another common cause of slip and fall injuries is nursing home neglect. Those in nursing home and care facilities rely on their caretakers to help them remain mobile. When they are not properly monitored, or when a patient is left to care for themselves, it is likely that a fall will occur.
Fraud.
This is a very rare instance, but still one that may occur. In some cases, slip and fall injuries can be fraudulent – meaning that the plaintiff did not truly fall and, instead, created the fall in order to collect compensation.
Most slip and fall claims are legitimate and highly preventable. If you were injured because of a defective sidewalk, spill that was not properly cleaned, or another form of negligence, then you could be entitled to compensation under the law.
Have You Been Injured On Someone Else’s Property?
If you’ve been injured due to neglect while on someone else’s property you need to speak with an experienced premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 234-9556 to schedule your free consultation.