How Dangerous Are Slips and Fall Accidents?

Slips and falls are more than just an inconvenience; they can be dangerous occurrences with long-lasting consequences. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of all accidental injury in the United States. They represent a significant portion of all emergency-department visits, at 21.3%. Unfortunately, these visits can reveal serious injuries that can affect a person for months, years, or even the rest of his or her life. Fractures occur in about 5% of cases and also occur for 5-11% of workplace fatalities.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can occur for virtually any reason, but some are more common than others. Slip and fall accidents may occur inside or outside, and the common causes of each differ.

Indoors, a slip and fall accident may occur from a wet or slippery floor, including floors that have been recently cleaned or waxed. Uneven surface texture or inadequate maintenance may also be to blame, such as torn areas of carpet or holes in the floor. Slip and fall accidents are particularly dangerous when they occur on stairways – these might arise from broken or absent handrails, uneven stairs, or debris and objects on the steps themselves. Indoor slip and fall accidents may also occur because of inadequate lighting or negligent upkeep.

Outdoors, a slip and fall accident may occur from uneven surfaces such as cracks in a sidewalk or dips or divots. Exposed tree roots or debris on negligently maintained sidewalks may also be to blame.

Slip and Fall Accidents Common Among the Elderly

While anyone can become the victim of a slip and fall accident, the nation’s elderly population is particularly vulnerable.

• The NFSI reports that one in three victims over the age of 65 will suffer a serious fall each year. Approximately half of older fall victims are repeat fallers, and the risk for fall accidents tends to go up with each decade of life.
• Among victims over the age of 65, fall accidents cause about 87 percent of fractures. Hip fractures are some of the most serious injuries victims commonly suffer, and they often lead to significant health complications. About 50 percent of elderly fall victims who suffer a fractured hip are unable to return home after the injury or are no longer able to live independently.
• Falls are the second leading cause of injury-related death for victims age 65-84. They are the leading cause of injury-related death for those who are 85 and older.
• Shoulder slip and fall injuries are very common among the elderly.

Who Is Liable for My Slip and Fall Accident?

Slip and fall accidents can occur at the workplace or as a patron of a public establishment. Liability will depend on the nature of the accident itself.

Accidents in the Workplace

An employer has a legal responsibility to provide a reasonably safe work environment. Failure to do so may result in liability, but only in certain cases. More often than not, an accident incurred at work will result in the filing of a worker’s compensation claim. This no-fault system will provide compensation for any injuries you may incur throughout the course of performing your job duties, including those from a slip and fall.

In some cases, you may have grounds for a third-party personal injury claim from your slip and fall. If, for example, you slipped and fell on a construction site due to negligently installed scaffolding from a third party, you might have a claim against that party. An attorney can help you determine if grounds for a claim exist, and who to file it against.

Accidents on Another’s Property

Property owners, like hoteliers, have a responsibility to maintain their public spaces and ensure a safe environment for patrons. Failure to do so may give rise to a personal injury suit, especially when an injury from a dangerous or defective condition was reasonably foreseeable. Grounds for a slip and fall claim involve the following elements:

• The property owner owes you a duty of care (i.e., you were an invitee or a guest).
• A dangerous or defective condition existed on the property that the property owner did or should have known about.
• The property owner did not address the defective or dangerous condition, leading to your injury.
• Your injury was foreseeable.

The circumstances surrounding each case are unique, so consulting with an attorney following any slip and fall accident is essential.

The Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Cogburn Law Offices can help you determine if you have grounds for a slip and fall case, whether it occurs at work or on another party’s property. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.