Slip and fall accidents can cause some serious injuries to victims. In fact, according to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of injuries that require hospital emergency room visits. Fall injuries tend to result in over 8 million hospital emergency room visits each year, which represents a whopping 21.3% of all ER visits. What’s more, falls typically account for 5% of job-associated deaths for women, compared to 11% for men.
In this blog post, we will discuss five of the most common reasons why slip and fall accidents occur. If you are aware of these dangers, you can take steps to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
#1 - Wet or Slippery Surfaces
One of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents is wet or slippery surfaces. When a surface has any kind of liquid on it, even if it is just moisture from rain or snow, it can become quite dangerous. To prevent slipping and falling due to wet surfaces, always use caution when walking on them and wear shoes with good grip and traction.
#2 - Poor Lighting
Having inadequate lighting in an area can make it difficult to see obstacles that could potentially cause you to slip and fall. To prevent this type of accident from happening, make sure your home and workplace are properly lit so that you can easily identify potential tripping hazards like cords, rugs, toys, etc.
#3 - Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces can also be a source of slip-and-fall accidents. If a surface has bumps, dips, or holes in it, you are much more likely to trip and fall. To prevent this kind of accident, always pay close attention when walking and look out for any potential tripping hazards.
#4 - Cluttered Areas
Clutter is another common cause of slip and fall accidents. Items such as boxes, toys, clothes, etc., that are left lying around can easily create an obstruction that might make you stumble or trip over them. To prevent this type of accident from occurring, keep all areas you are responsible for clean and tidy so that there is no risk of you tripping over something.
#5 - Poorly Maintained Surfaces
Finally, slip and fall accidents can also be caused by poorly maintained surfaces. Loose tiles, broken steps, and cracked pavement can all easily cause you to slip or trip over them. To avoid this type of accident, make sure all surfaces are properly maintained and any damaged areas are repaired as soon as possible.
By understanding the five most common causes of slip and fall accidents, you can be much better prepared to prevent them from occurring in your home or workplace. Pay attention to wet floors, maintain proper lighting, be aware of uneven surfaces, keep clutter off the ground and always stay on top of repairs for any damaged areas. Doing so will help ensure that you stay safe when walking and avoid any potential slip and fall accidents.
We're Here to Help Injured Slip and Fall Victims
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a slip and fall accident as a result of negligence, our experienced attorney is here to help. We understand the vast complexities of these types of cases and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back on your feet. Don’t delay—we are ready and willing to do everything in our power to help you receive the justice you deserve.
Give our Kent personal injury attorney at Dore Law Group, PLLC a call today at (253) 236-3888 to discuss your case.