Approximately one million people will visit the emergency room in a given year because of an injury relating to a slip and fall accident. While the types of these injuries vary, they generally fall into one of several categories of causes:
- Poor surface conditions. People often suffer slip and fall injuries due to some type of surface hazard, such as a wet and slippery floor or pavement that has cracks, potholes or bumps. Torn carpeting and poorly built staircases can also lead to slip and fall injuries. Property owners can perhaps avoid liability by placing warning signs about surface conditions, but it is their responsibility to make sure those conditions are safe.
- Weather conditions. Slips and falls due to icy or snowy sidewalks would fall into this category. Property owners are responsible for shoveling their sidewalks, and cities are responsible for plowing their streets within a reasonable amount of time.
- Improper training. When slips and falls occur in the workplace where there are narrow pathways or slick surfaces, employers can be held liable if they failed to provide the proper training for working in such a dangerous environment.
- Nursing home neglect. Elderly people are much more susceptible to slips and falls than the general population. When there is improper supervision in a nursing home, they could suffer falls and serious fractures.
- Poor footwear. According to information from the National Floor Safety Institute, approximately a quarter of all slips and falls are due to people wearing improper footwear, so be sure that you have the right shoes for the right occasion.
If you are wondering whether your slip and fall claim could lead to you receiving compensation through legal action, speak with a Bradenton attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.