6 Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents lead to millions of emergency room visits every year. A slip and fall may cause a minor injury such as a bruise or bump or something more serious like a traumatic brain injury or even a fatality. Our firm has represented many victims of slip and fall accidents and have found that these are six of the most common causes of such accidents:
1. Hazardous Walking Surfaces
There are a variety of ways a walking surface can turn into a hazard. When a floor or ground is cluttered, has potholes or loose tiles or floorboards, has been recently waxed or mopped and is still wet, or features torn carpeting, someone can easily slip and fall.
2. Weather Conditions
While property owners cannot always predict the weather, they have an obligation to shovel their sidewalks, salt their steps and walkways, and plow their streets. If they fail to do so and someone slips and falls as a result, they may be held legally liable.
3. Nursing Home Neglect
Unfortunately, it is common for nursing home residents to slip and fall. Sometimes, they fall because of weak bones and the natural process of aging. However, other times, they do so because of nursing home negligence and a nursing home's failure to take safety precautions to prevent slip and fall accidents.
4. Improper On-the-Job Training
Employers in industries like manufacturing or construction must provide their employees with adequate on the job training in order to help them prevent slip and fall accidents. If they fail to do so, they can be responsible if one of their employees slips and falls.
5. Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can lead to slip and fall accidents, especially in the winter months when it becomes dark earlier. When indoor and outdoor property lacks proper lighting, visitors can find it difficult to navigate and see potential dangers that may cause a slip and fall accident.
6. Improperly Maintained Stairs
Stairs can pose a serious danger when they are not properly maintained. When they contain debris, uneven surfaces, or broken handrails, a slip and fall accident may occur. Stairs with highly polished wood floors that are more slippery than those of carpet and stone and can cause slips and falls as well.
Contact Our Joliet Premises Liability Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been injured as result of a slip and fall accident, you should reach out to our highly skilled Joliet premises liability attorneys. We can examine your case and determine whether you have a valid premises liability lawsuit. Call the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., today at 815-666-1285 for a consultation.
Source: https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/