Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents are common and can happen anywhere and anytime. The effects of slip-and-fall accidents can vary, but often, slip-and-fall accidents result in serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. The National Floor Safety Institute estimates that more than a million slip-and-fall accident victims visit the emergency room annually. Unfortunately, some slip-and-fall accidents can even result in death.

Slip-and-fall accidents happen for a variety of reasons. However, whereas some slip-and-fall accidents are unpreventable, most slip-and-fall accidents are preventable. In other words, most slip-and-fall accidents occur because of other people’s negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or you’ve lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident, you may have the right to file a compensation claim if the accident happened because of another party’s negligence. A skilled slip-and-fall attorney can guide you accordingly and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Five of the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

The following are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:

Unfavorable Surface Conditions

Unfavorable surface conditions are one of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents. Examples of surface conditions that can cause slip and fall accidents include the following;

•       Loose floorboards
•       Torn carpeting
•       Uneven flooring
•       Recently polished or waxed floors
•       Spills that are not cleaned up
•       Moisture collection
•       Surfaces without warning signs
•       Loose mats
•       Potholes in parking lots

These are common occurrences in industrial, commercial, public, and domestic places. Every property owner has a duty to use reasonable care to eliminate these hazards and lower the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Failure to use reasonable care to eliminate hazards and reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents can result in a property owner being held liable when a slip-and-fall accident occurs and causes serious injuries or death.

 Environmental Conditions

Examples of environmental conditions that can cause slip-and-fall accidents include the following;

•       Poor lighting that makes it hard to see
•       Debris or trash on the floor
•       Bright lighting that causes glare
•       Cords running across walkways
•       Open drawers and cabinets

Nursing Home Neglect

Slip-and-fall accidents are quite common among older people. Nursing home neglect is among the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents among older people. It is very worrying that many caregivers in nursing homes fail to help and monitor their residents properly. Because of the failure to assist and monitor residents, nursing homes are among the most likely places for slip-and-fall accidents.

Unsafe Stairs and Ladders

Another common cause of slip and fall accidents is unsafe stairs and ladders. The following are some of the dangerous situations that can cause slip-and-fall accidents;

•       Lack of handrails
•       Worn or warped steps
•       Trash or debris on steps
•       Polished or waxed stairs without non-skid surfaces

Weather Conditions

It is impossible to control the weather. However, property owners have a legal duty to, for example, shovel sidewalks and salt walkways and steps during the winter season to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. When property owners fail to take reasonable steps to prevent slip-and-fall accidents, they could be held liable when a slip-and-fall accident occurs.

Proving a Slip and Fall Case

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a slip-and-fall accident, or you lost a loved one in a slip-and-fall accident because of another party’s negligence, you may have the right to file a claim against the negligent party and recover compensation. To prove negligence on the defendant’s part, the following are the elements you would need to establish;

•       The property owner had a duty of care
•       The duty of care was breached
•       The breach was the cause of your harm or loved one’s harm
•       Actual damages were suffered

Generally, establishing that the property owner had a duty of care is easy. The more challenging elements to prove are that the property owner breached their duty by an act or omission that resulted in damages. Fortunately, a skilled slip-and-fall attorney can help you establish the four elements of negligence.

Damages Recoverable in a Florida Slip and Fall Claim

If you are able to prove your slip and fall case, the following are some of the damages you may recover;

•       Medical expenses (both past and future)
•       Lost wages
•       Pain and suffering
•       Rehabilitation costs 

For reference, here is the source information: NFSI Quick Facts. 

Contact a Naples Slip & Fall Attorney

A slip-and-fall accident might feel straightforward to you. However, the truth is that there is nothing straightforward about slip-and-fall accident cases. It is in your best interest to let an attorney help you with your case. Our Naples slip & fall attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro are here for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.