Slipping on an icy sidewalk or tripping over a loose rug can have life-changing repercussions, including serious injury or death. According to the National Safety Council, 35,000 people died from slip and fall accidents in 2019 alone. Although sometimes falls are inevitable, being aware of common dangers can help you stay safe. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a slip, trip, or fall accident, a personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of your options.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Wet or uneven surfaces – More than 50% of slip and fall accidents are caused by dangerous walking surfaces. Some hazardous conditions that can cause injuries include:
• Spilled liquids
• Cluttered floors
• Loose rugs or torn carpets
• Missing or loose floorboards and stairs
• Defective, cracked, or pitted outdoor walkways
• Potholes in parking lots
• Recently mopped or waxed floors
Broken or defective handrails – Slip and fall accidents also may occur on staircases. Reaching for a handrail for stability while walking up or down the stairs is a natural thing to do, but if the railing is broken or loose, it can throw you off balance and result in a catastrophic injury.
Weather conditions – Both indoor and outdoor slip and fall injuries can occur due to weather conditions such as snow, ice, and rain. Property owners have an obligation to ensure that sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances are free of hazards, regardless of how bad the weather may be. If a property or business owner fails to clear ice and snow and someone falls, they may be liable for any injuries.
Nursing home neglect – Falls are common among people age 65 and older, but this does not mean that they are unpreventable. When nursing home staff fail to properly supervise and assist residents, slip and fall accidents are much more likely to happen.
Work-related injuries – Improper training, poor safety standards, and inadequate equipment often lead to serious falls on slick surfaces in the industrial, manufacturing, and hospitality industries.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip, trip, and fall accidents can result in serious injuries that may require costly ongoing medical care and affect an injured victim’s ability to earn a living. Some common injuries sustained in these types of accidents include:
• Broken bones, particularly of the hand and wrist
• Sprained, strained, or torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
• Neck and shoulder injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Cuts and abrasions
• Knee injuries
• Shoulder injuries
The best accident attorneys understand that injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident can have a significant impact on a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial stability. It can be challenging to put a number on damages like pain and suffering in these cases, so it is critical to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney.
If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident, you do not have to go it alone. Contact a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to learn about your options. Perna & Abracht have tremendous experience with slip and fall cases and serve the areas of Chester, Delaware, and Lancaster Counties in PA.
This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/common-causes-of-slip-and-fall-injuries/
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