Slip and fall accidents are surprisingly common. There are a multitude of circumstances that can lead to this kind of injury, especially when someone isn’t being careful or aware of their surroundings. These accidents can happen when you least expect them to and can result in life-changing injuries. A slip and fall accident can lead to fractures, brain injuries, and other painful and serious conditions. These injuries can prevent victims from being able to go to work for long periods of time. These are accidents that should definitely be avoided as much as humanly possible.

As a slip and fall accident victim, know that you are not alone and that you might have important legal rights. It is smart to make sure that you’re aware of what your rights are in the event that this accident happens to you or someone you care about.

Facts about slip and fall accidents

The National Safety Council (NSC) and the National Flooring Safety Institute (NFSI) both researched slip and fall accidents and injuries, and they reported the following facts:

• Falls were the leading cause of ER visits and the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States.
• More than 1 million people went to the ER for slip and fall injuries per year.
• Slip and falls cause more missed days of work than any other type of workplace accident.
• Slip and falls are the #1 cause of workers’ compensation claims for people over 55.
• One-third of people over 65 will slip and fall.
• Half of patients over 65 will not return home after a fall and will need long-term care.
• Falls are 100% preventable.

Slip and falls affect many people in the United States and can have so many adverse effects, whether they be physical or financial. Some victims, depending on their age and the severity of their injuries, will not even be able to return home after their fall. This can be a devastating blow for the victim and their family. It is best to avoid falls as much as possible because of how much of an impact they can have on a victim’s life.

The cost of slip and fall accidents

• In total, slip and fall injuries cost about $13 – 14 million each year in the U.S.
• Employee slip and fall accidents cost nearly $70 billion in workers’ compensation benefits.
• 22% of slip and fall injuries cause victims to miss more than 30 days of work.
• 60% of compensable fall cases involve slip and falls.

Slip and fall accidents are very costly for companies and individuals. It is advantageous for both employers and employees to avoid slip and fall accidents as often as possible because of how expensive they can be to treat.

Serious slip and fall injuries

• Fractures: About 5% of slip and fall victims suffer one or more broken bones.
• Hip Fractures: Older adults often suffer hip fractures in falls, which can be the most serious type of fracture.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Falls are the second most common cause of TBIs, which can cause permanent cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Injuries: Falls are also the second leading cause of serious spinal cord damage, which can lead to paralysis.

The physical toll of these accidents can be severe. These injuries can take an extended amount of time to recover from. This is why many slip and fall victims end up missing many days of work, sometimes for more than an entire month. Along with preventing the pain involved, avoiding these kinds of accidents can save time recovering from injuries as well as money paying for medical treatment.

You can slip and fall anywhere

Slip and fall accidents can happen in any environment, including:

• At home
• At a shopping mall
• In a hospital
• On the job
• At a parking lot
• On a sidewalk

This is just a small list of some of the many different places that these accidents may happen. Since slip and fall accidents can occur virtually anywhere, it increases the risk of an accident happening to you. Caution can help prevent accidents from happening. Having good spatial awareness skills, no matter where you are, can potentially protect you from unnecessary injuries.

What are the common causes of slip and falls?

To avoid slip and falls, it is important for everyone to recognize their common causes. Companies and property owners should take steps to prevent risk factors. Proper signage and warning allow people to recognize hazards and avoid a slip and fall.

• Flooring materials – Flooring materials lead to about 2 million slip and falls each year. This includes overly worn floors, insecure rugs and carpets, etc.
• Slippery surfaces – Floors can be slippery for many reasons, such as ice and snow, liquid spills, and recently washed floors without proper safety warnings.
• Items on the floor – It is common for objects or debris to be left on the floor, and people can easily trip or slip on them and fall.
• Dangerous stairs – People can slip and fall on stairs for many reasons, including broken railings, worn steps, or stairs that are not measured to code.

Slip and fall accidents are extremely common and can lead to very serious injuries. However, the NCS and NFSI say that these accidents are 100% preventable. Try your best in your everyday life to avoid potentially dangerous situations, to foster safe environments that won’t lead to injury, and endeavor to have constant spatial awareness so that you can spot potential accidents before they happen.

If you find yourself needing an experienced personal injury attorney, call the law firm of Attorney Dean Boyd. Our Team has the knowledge and skills to get you the compensation you deserve. You can reach us at (806) 242-3333 or Contact Us by email.