When a property owner or manager fails to provide safe premises for invited guests, dangerous slip and fall accidents can occur. These accidents, which are usually quite preventable through the implementation of reasonable safety precautions, may lead to significant injuries.
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that falls alone account for more than 8 million emergency room visits each year — or about 21 percent of all visits. Slips and falls cause another 1 million ER visits and account for about 12 percent of all falls.
The injuries that result from slip and fall accidents vary widely. Fractures tend to be the most serious, although they account for just 5 percent of all people who experience falls. Hip fractures often cause the most damage, as they can lead to additional health complications and even death for the injury victim. These are most common in people ages 55 and older.
The responsibility of property owners
There are numerous parties who may be at fault for a slip and fall accident. One common scenario occurs when the staff members at a store do not act quickly enough to clean up a spill, leading a customer losing his or her balance on the slippery surface. Other frequent problems are related to cracked sidewalks, uneven walking surfaces and broken or unsteady handrails on staircases.
Whenever there are hazardous conditions present on public property, the owner or manager must address it as quickly as possible. A failure to do so many be considered negligence and injured parties may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party or an insurance company.
For more information on what you should do after a slip and fall accident in Florida, speak with a dedicated Bradenton premises liability attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.