7 Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Every year, more than one million Americans are rushed to the emergency room after a slip-and-fall accident. That’s more than 2,000 visits per day. So what causes these all-too-common accidents? Let’s take a look.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
1. Wet Floors
Many slip-and-fall injuries happen on wet, slippery floors. This situation is prevalent in supermarkets, grocery stores, and restaurants, where liquids can spill. Slips and falls may also occur in wet parking lots or on recently waxed floors. Property owners are advised to implement regular maintenance checks to mitigate these risks and promptly address any spills or other slippery conditions.
2. Uneven Surfaces
Another common cause of slip-and-fall accidents is uneven surfaces, which could cause you to trip and lose your balance. This hazard can occur on sidewalks, parking lots, businesses, and even inside homes. The risk is particularly high in areas with heavy foot traffic or where environmental conditions, such as freezing and thawing, cause the ground to crack and settle. Property owners must take immediate action to rectify these hazards by leveling the ground, repairing damaged flooring, or providing adequate warning signs to prevent falls and ensure the safety of all visitors.
3. Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, particularly ice, snow, and rain, significantly contribute to outdoor slip-and-fall accidents. While property owners can’t control the weather, they are still responsible for taking reasonable steps to make their property safe, such as salting walkways in winter and ensuring drainage systems are clear during rainy seasons. Individuals should always exercise caution by wearing appropriate footwear and being mindful of the weather conditions.
4. Poor Property Maintenance
Poorly maintained property can also lead to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents, including broken tiles, loose carpeting, uneven floorboards, or uncleared ice. Under Minnesota law, all property owners have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. Failure to do so could leave them liable for any injuries that occur as a result.
5. Lack of Workplace Training
In the workplace, insufficient training on safety procedures can lead to a higher incidence of slip-and-fall accidents. This oversight is particularly true in industries such as construction or warehousing, where employees often work around slippery surfaces, littered job sites, ditches, and holes. Employers are required to provide all employees with the proper training to navigate these risks safely. If an employee is injured on the job, they may have grounds for a workers’ compensation or third-party claim.
6. Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting in walkways, parking lots, and stairwells can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of tripping or falling. Again, property owners must ensure that all areas are well-lit to prevent such accidents by installing sufficient lighting fixtures and regularly checking them for functionality.
7. Improper Footwear
Wearing shoes with poor traction can dramatically increase the risk of falling, especially on slick or uneven surfaces. Try to choose shoes that are appropriate for the weather conditions and your walking locations. If you have to choose between fashion and safety, safety wins every time.
Legal Rights After a Slip-and-Fall Injury
Slip-and-fall accidents can have significant legal implications. Minnesota property owners have a “duty of care” to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. If this duty is breached, it is considered a form of negligence. And when that negligence results in an injury, the victim may have the right to seek compensation for their damages – including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Do You Need Help With Your Slip-and-Fall Case?
Knowing the common causes of slip-and-fall injuries can go a long way in preventing them. However, no matter how careful you are, accidents still happen. If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
SiebenCarey is the ONLY law firm in Minnesota that has spent seven decades helping injury victims get fair compensation. When you work with SiebenCarey, you benefit from our record of:
- 70 years of experience in personal injury law
- Thousands of cases successfully handled by our team
- Proven expertise in negotiating settlements and conducting jury trials
- Comprehensive legal resources
- An entire team of dedicated attorneys, legal assistants, and in-house investigators
Our steadfast commitment to the “Know Your Rights” approach to representation: personalized care and unwavering support for every client
Most notably, we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t owe us anything unless your claim is successful.
Schedule your free consultation today!
