Slip and fall accidents are more common than you might think. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slips, trips, and falls account for over 1 million visits to the emergency room each year. Fractures are the most serious consequences of falls and occur in five percent of all people who fall. These accidents can happen anywhere, from the grocery store to the workplace, and can result in serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, or even long-term disabilities.
Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, are the most susceptible demographic to slip and fall accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospital visits among seniors in this age group. Factors such as reduced mobility, weakened muscles, balance issues, and vision problems increase their risk. Children, workers in certain industries, and people with disabilities or medical conditions are also at increased risk.
Common Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slip and fall accidents are often caused by hazards that can be easily overlooked. Some of the most common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors. Spilled liquids, freshly mopped floors, or icy sidewalks can cause someone to lose their balance.
- Uneven surfaces. Cracked sidewalks, torn carpeting, or uneven flooring can cause a person to trip.
- Poor lighting. Inadequate lighting makes it harder to see obstacles or hazards, increasing the risk of tripping.
- Cluttered walkways. Items left in hallways or stairwells, such as boxes or cords, create a tripping hazard.
- Weather-related conditions. Snow, ice, and rain are all common causes of slips, especially when property owners don’t clear their walkways.
Premises Liability: The Responsibility of Property Owners
In some cases, slip and fall accidents happen because a property owner failed to maintain safe conditions. Under premises liability law, property owners are responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe for visitors. This means they should fix hazards like wet floors or broken steps in a timely manner and put up warning signs when necessary.
If a property owner knew about a dangerous condition and did nothing to address it, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur.
How a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident due to another person’s negligence, a slip and fall accident attorney can help you seek compensation. They will investigate the incident, gather evidence, and negotiate with the property owner’s insurance company to help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A slip and fall accident might seem like a minor issue, but the injuries can be life-changing. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney who can guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today!
A slip and fall accident lawyer can help you recover a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained in a slip, trip, or fall caused by the negligence of another with no up-front costs to you. We know the sneaky strategies used by insurance companies to get injured people to agree to settlements far below what they are worth. Our clients typically end up with a settlement or jury award that is five to ten times larger than they could have negotiated on their own. We have been representing injured people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. Contact the experienced and hard-working personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation!
