Types of injury-causing accidents that we most commonly think about are automobile crashes, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. What you may not realize, though, is that the chances of being involved in a slip and fall accident are high as well. Most people do not realize how extensive the dangers of a slip and fall can be until they’ve already been involved in such an incident.
The leading causes of ER visits each year are attributed to slip and fall accidents. The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) has performed studies that reveal approximately 8 million emergency room visits per year, a quarter of which occur because of flooring issues. Not only that, but of the total number of accidental home deaths, half are caused by falls each year. And 1/3 of citizens 65 and older will be involved in a fall every year.
Each of these slip and falls pose a significant threat of injuries, including fractures, head injuries, muscle/ligament strains or tears, scarring, and more. Not only are victims faced with these serious, sometimes lifelong, injuries – they are also faced with medical bills and recovery time spent away from work. The total cost to the victim of a slip and fall incident is much higher than you may think.
- Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents are:
- Wet floors
- Uneven or faulty flooring
- Poorly maintained public areas, such as sidewalks
- Stairways that are unsafe due to narrowness or broken parts
- Construction area falls due to unsafe practices, such as unguarded manholes
- Handrails that are not tightened fully
- Low lighting that causes difficulties with vision
Each of these common causes of slip and fall accidents occur every day and exist in many of our daily routines. Safety code violations or otherwise faulty pathways can be extremely dangerous. In certain situations, however, an at-fault party can be held liable for these hazards. Property owners are most commonly found to be at-fault for slip and fall accidents, but it is important to hire an experienced injury attorney soon after the accident. Unfortunately, proof of fault tends to disappear quickly after injury-related accidents, so the sooner you hire an attorney to represent your best interests, the sooner an investigation can begin.
