Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Author: Auger Law | October 7th, 2016
It is estimated that one million people visit the emergency room each year after experiencing a slip and fall accident. Both the reasons and results of these falls can vary. Someone may slip on a wet floor and sustain a broken bone. Someone else may trip over a crack in the sidewalk and receive a large gash to their knee. In the worst cases, a slip and fall can result in death.
While the causes of a slip and fall accident can vary widely, there are causes that tend to be the most common. Here are five of them.
1. Problems with Surfaces
The National Floor Safety Institute says that 55 percent of all slip and fall accidents are caused by issues with walking services. What does that mean? It means that a surface may be wet, or it could be uneven. It could be cracked, or it could be warped. Cluttered floors and torn carpeting are also risky.
2. Weather
Outdoor slips and falls can frequently be caused by hazardous weather conditions. Rain, ice and snow can all make the ground difficult to walk on. If people notice that a sidewalk or driveway has not been cleared in the winter, despite the property owner’s requirement to do so, it is advisable to avoid that area.
3. Nursing Home Neglect
As we age, we often lose our ability to balance properly. This increases our chances of slipping and falling, no matter the surface. When attendants and other medical staff don’t properly monitor their residents, slips and falls become a risk.
4. Improper Footwear
Just under 25 percent of slip and fall injuries are caused by the wearing of improper footwear for the purpose. Walking in heels, wearing slippery-soled shoes in the rain, and flip-flops no matter the time of year are not always the best idea. Think about what you will be doing before you choose your shoes for the day.
5. Fraud
Some people find it surprising that about 3 percent of slip and fall reports are about accidents that never really occurred at all. The NFSI says that there are some claimants who set up their own falls in order to sue businesses, and others that simply fake a fall to get out of responsibilities like work or school.
If you or a loved one has suffered a slip and fall accident in Charlotte, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered. Reach out to our team of attorneys and schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation today.
