Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of personal injuries due to negligence, and according to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, are responsible for almost 15% of all accidental deaths in the United States.
Unlike other accidents, slip and fall accidents can occur at any place such as at work, at the shopping mall, at a friend’s house, at home, or at any other place.
Slip and fall accidents often lead to severe and sometimes permanent injuries which can often prove fatal and this is especially true for small children and the elderly.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Surface conditions are a prime culprit in slip and fall accidents. Surface conditions may include the following:
- Uneven surfaces without a warning sign
- Potholes in parking lots
- Recently mopped or waxed floors
- Loose floorboards, rugs, or mats, often on stairs
- Grease or oil which has not been removed from the floor
- Spilled liquids that are not cleaned up
Environmental conditions come next. They are also a leading cause of slip and fall accidents. Environmental conditions include the following:
- Poor lighting which makes it difficult to see obstacles
- Trash or debris on the floor
- Bright light reflecting on a shiny floor
- Cords or wires across walkways
- Open desk or cabinet drawers
Ladders and stairs come next because several slip and fall accidents take place on ladders while climbing up or down. Ladders and stairs conditions include the following:
- Failure to secure a ladder or not having someone to hold it
- Lack of a handrail or not using it when climbing stairs
- Rushing up or down on a stair or taking multiple steps instead of one
- Using a chair, stool or other piece of furniture instead of a ladder
Some industries and occupations are more prone to slip and fall accidents due to the nature of work. These include factory workers, manual laborers, and workers in the construction industry, as well as chefs and other kitchen workers.
It’s a good idea to be careful of any uneven surface, obstacle, and danger-prone environmental condition. Being careful can help you avoid a painful slip and fall accident.
If you are a business owner, you need to be even more careful because a slip and fall injury that happens on your premise can lead to a lawsuit in which you can be held liable and may have to pay a hefty compensation to the injured or affected persons.
Conclusion
If you or your loved one got seriously injured because of a slip and fall accident, call our legal gurus and speak with an experienced, leading Florida slip and fall attorney immediately. Don’t hesitate. Learn about our no win, no fee promise by contacting us at (727) 498-8771.
