We’ve all slipped and fallen at some point in our lives, and while many cases may simply end with mild embarrassment and minor injuries, others can be rather serious. Understanding the most common causes of slip-and-fall injuries will allow you to keep yourself and others safe from accidents in the future.
Wet or Icy Floors
When a floor is wet, or if the ground is covered in ice, it is bound to be slippery. This is why property owners are expected to provide wet floor signs or salt their walkways and steps in the event of ice; if you do not already realize that the floor is slick, or even if you do, you may be in for a serious accident. Such accidents can also occur on recently waxed floors.
Uneven Flooring
Sometimes, instead of slipping, you’ll trip because you ran into an uneven floor part. This can include potholes and loose or broken floorboards, clutter and debris, torn or bunched-up carpeting and rugs, and defective staircases.
Low Visibility
It is all too easy to fall if you can’t see what’s in front of you. Poor visibility, whether it is an unlit parking lot or bad indoor lighting, is a very common cause of slip-and-fall injuries. If you or someone you know struggles with their eyesight, getting help to get through a poorly lit area is key.
Neglect or Poor Training
There are cases where another party has a duty to keep you and others safe, either through proper attention and assistance when needed or through giving you the training and advice you need to handle yourself properly. A lack of these things makes slip-and-fall injuries unfortunately common in nursing homes and construction sites.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know were harmed in a slip-and-fall injury due to the property owner’s negligence, Shlesinger & deVilleneuve can help. Don’t wait; contact us today.