Slip-and-fall injuries are usually regarded as not especially serious, but to the victim, this type of accident can have long-lasting and painful consequences. While such accidents rarely result in a death, they can cause permanent injuries that can seriously interfere with the victim’s ability to work. In some cases, a slip-and-fall accident can cause a serious loss in income, very high medical and therapy bills or force a person to apply for disability benefits. A recent study looked into the most common types of slip-and-fall accidents.
Types of slip-and-fall accidents
Perhaps the most common slip-and-fall accidents are those caused by wet floors. Unfortunately, these kind of accidents are also among the most easily preventable. Wet floors are the frequent result of spills, leaking equipment or food spills. Because so little effort is usually required to remove the spilled liquid, this type of accident should be more often prevented by routine and careful maintenance.
A second frequent type is a slip and fall caused by uneven surfaces. Among the most frequent causes for this type of accident are loose flooring, damaged stairs, improperly installed mats, old carpeting and damaged sidewalks and parking lots.
A third cause is poor weather conditions. While a property owner cannot be blamed for poor weather, all property owners have a legal responsibility to remove snow and ice, put salt on slippery spots, and clean the sidewalks leading to a building’s entrance.
Workplaces contain many potential causes for slip and fall accidents. Electrical cords that are not properly stowed can easily trip a person. Trash on the floor and inadequate lighting are also common causes of workplace slip and fall accidents.
Medical institutions, especially those that provide specialized care for elderly patients, are common sites of slip-and-fall accidents.
Recovering damages for a slip-and-fall
A person who has suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a slip-and-fall accident may wish to explore a claim for damages. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can provide a helpful evaluation of the evidence and provide a useful estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost past and future income and pain and suffering.