Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone at any time. These incidents can lead to serious, life-threatening and debilitating injuries. When you slip and fall at work or on someone else’s property, the other party may have culpability in your injuries.
Common causes of various accidents are not necessarily the injured person’s fault.
The dangers of slip-and-fall accidents
Not all people understand or recognize the dangers associated with slip-and-fall accidents. In fact, about 42,000 people suffered fatal injuries from slip-and-falls in 2020. Slip-and-fall injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Falling can result in life-altering consequences.
The common causes of slip-and-fall accidents
When you visit another person or entity’s property, you have the right to reasonable safety. The owners must make a reasonable effort to ensure safety by promptly cleaning up any wet or slippery surfaces, fixing uneven sidewalks and lighting dark, inadequately lit areas.
Common causes of slip-and-falls include:
- Liquid spills on a restaurant, office or supermarket floor
- Rain or snow on sidewalks
- Torn carpet in businesses or residences, cracked sidewalks and loose tiles
- Dark stairwells and hallways that may make navigating difficult
If you walk past a shop only to slip on untreated ice, the building owner may owe you in compensation. It is the shop’s responsibility to ensure there are no hazards on the sidewalk, including treating weather-related risks.
All employees should have proper training to protect themselves and others from employers or other businesses that may have hazards that could result in slip-and-fall accidents.