10 Important Considerations In Slip and Fall Accidents
According to the National Safety Council, falls were the number one cause of non-fatal preventable injuries and the number three cause of fatal preventable injuries in the nation in 2018.1 Slip and fall accidents, as well as trip and fall accidents, make up a percentage of these injuries, with fractures and head injuries being two of the most serious. Arm, leg, wrist, and hip fractures, internal bleeding, and brain injuries create devastating life-altering effects. Slip and fall accidents resulting in injury due to the negligence of others are common reasons individuals contact a lawyer or legal team.
Slip and fall accidents, as well as trip and fall accidents, can happen virtually anywhere, and for a wide variety of reasons. The following are 10 important considerations regarding slip and fall accidents:
1. Slip and fall accidents can happen on land, on nautical vessels including boats, yachts, and ships, and in flight. This includes in homes, workplaces, and businesses such as restaurants, stores, and doctors’ offices.
2. Accidents may occur on docks, bridges, or landings.
3. Water, grease, soap, food, or other substances on floors, walkways, and decks are slip and fall hazards.
4. Walking-area surface changes, including texture variations, inclines, drops, or steps, particularly in instances where no warning is posted, create the potential for slip and fall hazards.
5. Ponding due to overhead leaks, water runoff, or improperly placed gutters may create slip and fall accidents.
6. Loose, uneven, buckling, or missing flooring, including tiles, pavers, floorboards, and steps, can create slip and fall hazards.
7. Nonexistent, improper, or insufficient lighting on stairways, walkways, docks, paths, and patios may lead to accidents.
8. Broken, missing, improperly installed, or insufficient stair handrails may create slip and fall hazards.
9. Ropes, wires, cords, tie-wraps, large bolts, and protruding materials across, on, or near walkways, especially when not readily visible and/or no warning is posted, may lead to accidents.
10. Broken, missing, multiple-size, and odd-shaped stairs can create slip and fall accidents.
Accidents involving falls are further complicated in instances when an individual is taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) or other medications that create the potential for additional bleeding, or the individual has a blood disorder. Internal bleeding, including brain hemorrhaging, can lead to permanent injury or even death.
If you or a loved one has experienced a slip and fall accident, contacting an experienced lawyer for an initial consultation is an important step. It is helpful to research information about lawyers who specialize in slip and fall cases, or if possible, who specialize in the particular type of slip and fall lawsuit case you may be dealing with.
Many lawyers and legal teams offer free initial consultations. At Mallard & Sharp, P.A., we specialize in a wide variety of slip and fall, and trip and fall, cases. To schedule a free initial consultation with our expert legal team call 877.662.5527 or 305.461.4800.
1 https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/all-injuries/deaths-by-demographics/top-10-preventable-injuries/