The National Safety Council and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics regularly review data on the occurrence of slip and fall accidents in the United States. Statistics show that these accidents occur quite frequently and result in many injuries.
Some of the injuries that victims face can be quite severe. Every year, many people fall victim to these types of accidents as a result of someone else’s negligence. However, most people who are injured in slip and fall accidents do not know the legal rights available to them.
Below are some of the most important facts and pieces of valuable information about slip and fall injuries that you should know. This data can help you understand the severity of such accidents. Slips and falls can even lead to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Because of their severity, victims should never take slips and falls lightly, and they should take the necessary legal steps to get justice.
Why do slip and fall accidents occur?
The types of injuries that occur in slip and fall accidents can vary widely, because each situation will be unique. Some situations that lead to slips and falls are entirely unexpected, and people can become injured in these types of accidents nearly anywhere. Victims can file slip and fall claims to get justice and recover compensation for the losses they have incurred. These are some of the situations that often lead to slip and fall injuries:
- Uneven or wet surfaces: It is not uncommon to come across places where the ground is uneven or the floor is wet. Loose floorboards, cluttered floors, poorly constructed staircases, parking lot potholes, torn carpeting, or newly mopped or waxed floors are some of the most common scenarios that can lead to slips and falls. In fact, uneven or wet surfaces are the leading causes of slip and fall injuries.
- Negligence at nursing homes: Many reports of slips and falls occur among patients in nursing homes. Older patients are more likely to experience fractures and life-threatening injuries as a result of slips and falls.
- Wearing the wrong footwear: This might seem minor, but inappropriate or faulty footwear is one of the most critical reasons that people slip and fall. This might occur if sneakers have lost their tread or if a heel breaks off of a pump. Studies show that women are more likely than men to incur injuries in a slip and fall accident.
- Poor workplace training: Many types of workplaces are prone to situations in which employees fall and hurt themselves. Some of these injuries are minor, but others can be severe. The leading reason for workplace slips and falls is a lack of training. While working on uneven, elevated surfaces or with complicated machines, employees receive proper training from their employer to avoid injuries.
A slip and fall victim may be able to file a personal injury claim if another party’s negligence caused the accident. Many people hire a personal injury lawyer to learn more about the legal options available to them. If you file a claim, you should have sufficient evidence to prove the at-fault party’s negligence. Doing so can increase your chances of reaching a reasonable and fair settlement.
Where are you most likely to suffer slip and fall injuries?
The places where slip and fall accidents often happen are as varied as the situations in which they occur. Some of the most common places where slip and fall accidents happen include:
- Restaurants
- Swimming pools
- Parking lots
- Workplaces
- Assisted living facilities
- Nursing homes
- Movie theaters and playhouses
- Stadiums and other sports arenas
- Private homes
Slip and fall injuries can occur at any place, even in a private home. A property owner has a duty to provide a safe and compliant space for visitors.
You can file a slip and fall claim if your injury is severe and the accident was not your fault. The best way to seek justice and pursue the compensation that you deserve is by working with an experienced San Antonio slip and fall lawyer. They can help you navigate each step of your case and gather the evidence you need to prove your claim.