Most Common Slip and Fall Accidents

We've witnessed the profound and far-reaching impact of slip and fall accidents. In the blink of an eye, these incidents can alter your life dramatically, especially when they result in catastrophic injuries like spinal cord trauma or traumatic brain damage.

It's a common misconception among accident victims that they are solely responsible for their fall. However, this isn't always the case. If a property owner, business operator, or landowner is aware of a perilous condition on their premises and neglects to take measures to prevent accidents, you may be eligible for compensation.

Additionally, when a dangerous situation leads to a fatal accident, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim.

Of course, the ideal scenario is to avoid such accidents and the resulting injuries altogether. In this article, we will delve into the five most prevalent causes of slip and fall incidents and provide guidance on what to do if you or a loved one find yourselves in such a situation.

Decoding Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents occur when individuals lose their balance while walking, slipping, or tripping, particularly on stairs.

When the negligence of a property owner or business operator contributes to such incidents, the victim may have grounds for a slip and fall accident claim under premises liability law.

Potential damages in these cases may encompass medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

These incidents can happen virtually anywhere - we've documented them in grocery stores, airports, hotels, shopping centers, college campuses, public schools, parks, and government buildings.

In the case of older adults, fall accidents become an even greater concern. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 800,000 Americans are hospitalized each year due to fall-related injuries, with head injuries and hip fractures being the most frequent.

The fear of falling can lead to a decrease in activity levels, creating a detrimental cycle wherein less active individuals become more susceptible to future falls.

Unpacking the Top 5 Slip and Fall Scenarios

Wet Floors: Globally, wet walking surfaces top the list of culprits behind slipping and falling. Wet floors can crop up anywhere there's a leak, and it's the responsibility of businesses to identify and rectify such known hazards to prevent foreseeable injuries.

Water isn't the sole liquid to make a floor treacherous – other substances, such as food, grease, oil, detergents, soaps, and floor polishes, can pose more significant risks. The incorrect choice or quantity of cleaning solutions by a property owner can lead to dangerously slippery floors.

Uneven Surfaces: Even if a flooring surface is dry and clean, it can still pose a hazard if it's uneven. Such irregularities can manifest as chipped tiles, wrinkled carpets, and sidewalk cracks, often found near large trees.

Property owners' failure to maintain floors properly or alert visitors to uneven surfaces can result in severe injuries since these uneven areas often go unnoticed until a fall occurs.

Ice and Snow: Preparing for ice and snow is crucial for businesses and property owners, especially in regions without specific laws governing snow and ice removal, like Georgia.

Courts typically apply a reasonable care standard in such cases, demanding the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise.

Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting can turn a safe environment into a hazardous one, with parking garages and apartment buildings being common settings for poor lighting conditions.

Injuries from falls in poorly lit areas include broken bones, facial and dental injuries, cuts, lacerations, and FOOSH (fall onto an outstretched hand) injuries.

Clutter and Obstacles: A cluttered environment can limit physical movement, and like uneven surfaces, accidents can happen before the victim has a chance to spot the hazard.

Examples of clutter that can lead to severe injuries include pallets and stocking materials obstructing store aisles, extension cords, empty bins, cardboard boxes, trash, and endcap displays blocking aisles. Property owners may be held liable for injuries resulting from hazards they either knew about or should have known about.

Post-Slip and Fall Protocol

Following a slip and fall accident, there are four essential steps that accident victims should take:

Report the Incident: Ensure the incident is documented, providing verifiable evidence that the accident took place.

If the property or business owner wasn't present during the accident, promptly notify them before leaving the premises and request a copy of any prepared report to share with your personal injury attorney.

Preserve Evidence: Since police or law enforcement often do not respond to slip and fall incidents, it's up to the victim to safeguard evidence.

Capture photos or videos of the hazardous condition, and ask for any available video surveillance footage. Collect contact information from potential witnesses. Remember, hazards can disappear quickly, whether through cleaning or natural processes.

Seek Medical Attention: If you sustain an injury, it's crucial to promptly seek evaluation in an emergency room. Your medical treatment history serves as essential evidence for your personal injury claim.

Delaying medical care and then claiming injuries later can raise questions about the seriousness of your injuries by the insurance company.

Consult a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer: Avoid discussing the incident with an insurance company representative until you've consulted with an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are slip and fall accidents, and how common are they?

Slip and fall accidents occur when individuals lose their balance, leading to falls. These incidents are quite common and can happen anywhere. They often result from slippery or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or clutter. The frequency of these accidents varies by location and environment.

What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?

After a slip and fall accident, it's crucial to report the incident to ensure there's documented proof. Notify the property or business owner if they were not present, and request a copy of any prepared incident report. Preserving evidence by taking photos, seeking medical attention, and consulting a lawyer are also essential steps.

Can I seek compensation for a slip and fall accident?

Yes, you may be eligible for compensation if a property owner, business operator, or landowner's negligence contributed to the accident. Such cases typically fall under premises liability law. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

What are the most common causes of slip and fall accidents?

The most common causes of slip and fall accidents include wet floors, uneven surfaces, ice and snow, poor lighting, and clutter or obstacles. These hazards can be encountered in various settings, from businesses to public spaces.

How can I protect myself from slip and fall accidents?

To reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents, be mindful of your surroundings, especially in areas with known hazards. Walk carefully on wet or slippery surfaces, watch out for uneven terrain, and use caution in poorly lit areas. It's also crucial to report any hazards you encounter to the responsible parties.

Should I speak with an attorney after a slip and fall accident?

Consulting with a slip and fall accident lawyer is highly recommended. They can evaluate your case, determine if you have a valid compensation claim, and help you navigate the legal process, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.

Can I file a claim if my loved one experienced a slip and fall accident and passed away due to it?

If a slip and fall accident leads to a fatal outcome, surviving family members may have the option to pursue a wrongful death claim. This claim seeks compensation for the loss of a loved one and related expenses.

Are older adults at a higher risk of slip and fall accidents?

Yes, older adults are at a higher risk of slip and fall accidents. Statistics show that falls are a significant concern for this demographic, often resulting in head injuries and fractures. Fear of falling can also lead to decreased activity levels, which may further increase the risk of falls.

What kind of evidence should I preserve after a slip and fall accident?

It's crucial to preserve evidence such as photos or videos of the hazardous condition, contact information of witnesses, and any available video surveillance footage. This evidence can be vital in supporting your compensation claim.