It doesn’t take much for a slip and fall to occur regardless of where you are. Literally, anywhere you can walk, you can slip and subsequently take a dive. While it may not seem like a big deal, slip and fall injuries can be serious and permanent fairly easily. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it is estimated that slip and fall accidents account for 15 percent of accidental deaths that occur in the United States each year. On the bright side, the person or the business that owns the space that the slip and fall occur in is almost always held legally responsible. After all, it is their responsibility to ensure that accidents like that do not occur on their premises. Failing to do this makes this liable for any injuries you may have obtained. Continue reading below to uncover the most common causes of slip and fall accidents.
Slip & Fall Causes
While there are many different ways in which a person can slip and fall, the most common hazards that lead to accidents like this are as follow:
- Surface conditions
- Uneven surfaces (with no warning signs posted)
- Recently waxed or mopped floors
- Floorboards, rugs, or mats that are loose
- Parking lot potholes
- Liquids that have been spilled and not cleaned up
- Grease or oil that has splashed onto the floor and the not cleaned
- Outdoor ice that has not been salted
- Environmental conditions
- Debris or trash on the floor
- Glare caused by a bright light reflecting on a shiny floor
- Poor lighting that makes it hard to see obstacles
- Open drawers or cabinets
- Cords that run through walking areas
- Flooring transitions (carpet to wood, etc.)
- Stairs and Ladders
- No handrail or not using the present handrail
- Rushing while going up or down stairs
- Failure to ensure that ladder is secure or ask someone to hold it
- Using furniture instead of a ladder
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents
When it comes to ensuring that you do not end up on the liable end of the slip and fall accident, there are several steps you can take.
Eliminate Wet Or Slippery Surfaces
If you are concerned about people slipping and falling on your property, we would suggest that the first step you take is to remove any slippery surfaces. You can do this by mopping up any spills, making sure parking lots and sidewalks are properly cleared when there is ice or snow that has accumulated. We would also suggest that you purchase moisture-absorbing mats at the entrances of your property to further prevent slipping.
Get Rid Of Obstacles That Are Blocking Walkways
You can reduce the chances of slip and falls occurring by simply clearing any obstacles that may be blocking walking pathways. Whether there are cords that are being pulled across aisles, moving boxes stacked in hallways, or other items that could cause injury in areas with heavy foot traffic, be sure to eliminate them as soon as you can.
Maintain Proper Lighting
It is imperative that people can see clearly when they are on your property, otherwise the chance of a slip and fall occurring is much higher. Your space should be bright and clean, making it easy for people to navigate whether they have been in the space before or not.
Have You Been Injured In A Slip & Fall Accident?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you should reach out to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The law offices of Chad J. Robinson can surely help you to work towards getting the compensation you are owed. Contact us today and acquire the best legal representation in all of Boca Raton.