In America, there are 2.2 million individuals who seek medical care due to a slip and fall accident on an annual basis according to the National Floor Safety Institute. As a result, more and more slip and fall cases are ending up in litigation in America’s courts. In fact, the National Floor Safety Institute estimates slip and fall claims amount to $8 million dollars a day.
With so many claims entering the court rooms, acquiring a good lawyer is crucial to get an accident case through the proper channels in a relatively rapid manner. Below is more information about slip and fall accidents:
The most common locations of slip and fall accidents are as follows:
- Stairs – Loose stair treads or worn steps coupled with missing or broken hand rails can lead to a slip and fall accident and should be fixed in a timely manner.
- Parking lots – Poorly lite or insufficiently maintained parking lots can pose an increased risk for slip and fall accidents. Elements such as snow and ice can increase this risk.
- Sidewalks – Gaps or cracks in paving stones or concrete can result in an uneven walking surface and lead to a falling accident.
- Restaurants – According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, eating establishments can create numerous falling hazards for employees and customers. Often times, these accidents occur as a result of wet floors due to spills.
- Stores and retail shops – Cluttered aisles full of merchandise and other obstructions can lead to trips and falls in stores and shops.
- Escalators – According to the Accident Analysis and Prevention Journal, there were around 40,000 people over the age of 65 who became injured while riding an escalator during the years 1991 to 2005. This statistic shows how dangerous escalators can be and how they can become a factor in a falling accident.
- Playgrounds and parks – More than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger are taken to the emergency department of their local hospitals due to fall injuries sustained on school playgrounds, public parks or playgrounds or at daycare centers. These injuries can include dislocations, fractures, concussions and internal injuries.
- Job sites – In 2011, there were around 667 workplace falls according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Standards.
- Theaters and stadiums or arenas – poorly maintained bleachers, uneven or slippery floors, crowded stairways or aisles and other issues can lead to falling accidents in these locations.
- Nursing or retirement homes – According to the Center for Disease Control, there are around 1,800 older adults who die each year due to falling accidents. For those who do survive, they typically face hip fractures, head injuries or permanent disability.
The following represent the four types of premises liability cases involving falling accidents:
1. Trip and fall:
This type of accident can occur anytime an individual trips and falls. For example, this type of fall could be a result of loose carpeting or clutter. The technical explanation of this type of fall is an accident in which pedestrians encounter a foreign object in their walking path.
2. Step and fall:
This type of accident occurs when a person’s foot encounters an unexpected hole or unevenness in their walking surface.
3. Slip and fall:
This type of accident occurs when an individual’s center of gravity is compromised due the failure of an individual’s shoe or the floor to support the walker. This in turn leads to a fall.
4. Stump and fall:
This type of accident occurs when an individual’s moving foot encounters an impediment in the walkway. This could include a defect or tacky point hat impedes the foot.
Falling accidents of varying types make up many of the accident cases that go through the American court systems. Many of these cases are legitimate and ensure victims of these types of accidents are compensated. Victims deserve compensation to make up for their lost wages, to cover the cost of their medical bills or as recompense for their pain and suffering due to their accident.