Slip and fall accidents, and their close cousins trip and fall accidents, are the most commonly occurring injury accident in Massachusetts and nationwide, with the exception of vehicle crashes. They are especially dangerous for older adults and young children, although any person of any age can fall victim to such accidents.
CDC Fall Statistics
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 19,700 older adults died as the result of unintentional fall injuries in 2008. In 2009, approximately 2.2 million older adults were treated for nonfatal fall injuries in U.S. emergency departments, 581,000 of whom were hospitalized. In addition, about 8,000 children are treated in emergency departments annually in the U.S. for fall injuries. Falls can cause serious injuries and incur inordinate medical costs and, contrary to popular opinion, they are usually not caused by clumsiness.
Slip and Fall Accident Causes
Slip and fall accidents are often attributed to clumsiness, but, most of the time, they are the result of negligent maintenance, repair, or management of a property, thus falling under the scope of premises liability law. There are a variety of situations that may cause a slip and fall accident, including the following:
- Puddle of water on the floor;
- Icy sidewalks or walkways;
- Poor lighting;
- Dirt or other debris on the floor;
- Broken stair;
- Broken handrail;
- Soap residue left on the floor/Improper cleaning; and
- Improper waxing of floor surfaces.
Contact an Experienced Massachusetts Premises Liability Attorney
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere: in a shopping mall, grocery store, hardware store, restaurant, office building, hospital, and even in someone’s home. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an MA slip and fall accident because the property owner failed to warn of or resolve an unsafe situation, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim.
The knowledgeable Boston slip and fall accident attorneys with the Kiley Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options and are committed to obtaining the compensation you deserve. Call (888) 208-1695 today for your free consultation. The call may be free, but the information is priceless.
