The Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
By Space Coast Daily // September 30, 2022
Each year, millions of people globally have to get emergency medical care due to slip and fall accidents. Although it may not seem like it, these accidents are incredibly common. Their impacts can vary from simple bumps and bruises to more complicated broken bones and traumatic brain injuries.
A few of these accidents are fatal. Most slip and fall accidents are preventable, and it all starts with knowing the most common causes of these accidents.
Wet and Uneven Surfaces
Wet and uneven surfaces are a major reason these accidents happen. Under this category are accidents caused by parking lot potholes, cluttered floors, loose floorboards, loose mats, poorly constructed staircases, mopped or waxed floors, and defective sidewalks.
All these causes are common in public places, industrial, commercial and domestic settings. The numerous sites where these cases appear is why these accidents are so common.
Many of these accidents are caused by negligence where the person responsible did not remove the hazard or conditions that led to an accident. In these cases, you might be entitled to compensation if you are injured. You can get in touch with a personal injury lawyer so you can start the process of getting compensated for your injuries.
Weather Conditions
It is impossible to control the weather and different conditions can lead to fall and slip accidents. Think about a corridor still wet from rain that stopped an hour ago. Winter is another time when healthcare professionals record a significant number of slip and fall accidents.
Even though we cannot control the weather, local governments and property owners are responsible for ensuring all walking surfaces are suitable for walking. They should do this by salting steps and walkways, plowing streets, and shoveling sidewalks.
If they neglect to do this and someone gets injured, the part responsible can be liable.
Poor and Inadequate Training
A significant number of these accidents happen in the workplace, with the construction industry leading in the number of incidents. The cause of many of these accidents is poor and inadequate training.
Each employee should be trained to take proper precautions, especially with tools around to ensure their safety. Cleaning the workspace and removing clutter are also important steps in reducing the risk of severe injury.
Workers should also be provided with the right safety equipment. Such equipment ensures they remain safe at all times, even in cases where they slip and fall.
Nursing Home Neglect
A worrying statistic is that nursing home neglect is a common cause of slip and fall accidents. Seniors are more susceptible to these types of accidents because of their reduced sense of balance and strength. Seniors are also at a higher risk of a fall and slip accident resulting in a fatality. In the less serious cases, there is a high risk of hip injuries, bone fractures, and other severe injuries.
Unfortunately, fall and slip accidents are very common. Because their causes are known, it is possible to prevent them. If your accident is as a result of someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation so get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible.
