Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Slip and Fall Accidents: Causes and Statistics
A “slip and fall” occurs when someone slips, trips or falls due to a dangerous or hazardous condition. Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. They can be particularly dangerous for the elderly and children.
If a slip and fall accident occurs on someone else’s property, they may be held liable in a civil court for negligence.
Slip and Fall Accident Statistics
Here are some recent accident statistics regarding slip-and-falls:
- 8 million – the number of slip and fall accidents that occur every year in North America
- 540,000 – the number of slip and fall accidents that occur annually in the U.S. and require hospitalization
- 55 – approximate number of people that die each day in North American due to a slip and fall accident
- 30% – percentage of reported injuries that are caused by a slip and fall
Slip and falls are the leading cause of death in the workplace, as well as #1 cause of accident injuries in restaurants, hotels and public buildings.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Common injuries suffered in slip and fall accidents include those to the head, neck and back. Additionally, accident victims often have shoulder injuries and knee injuries – likely from trying to brace themselves from impact while falling.
Head injuries from slip and fall accidents are often serious and can be deadly. Bleeding, tearing and swelling of the brain can occur due to the traumatic event and cause temporary and, sometimes, permanent brain injuries.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accident
As with any accident there are a number of contributing factors which may lead to a slip and fall accident such as:
- Slippery floor surfaces or walkways
- Poor lighting
- Failure to provide adequate warnings
- Use of excessive wax or polish
- Torn or broken areas of carpeting
- Debris in pathways or on steps
- Missing handrails
Who Are Most Susceptible to Falls?
Children and seniors are at the highest risk of injury due to slip and fall accidents.
Slip and falls are the leading type of accident occurring in nursing homes and other long-term healthcare facilities, according to insurance providers.
The National Safety Council reports that more than 30,000 people over the age of 65 are seriously injured in a fall each week and nearly 250 die from their injuries.
Falls are also responsible for the most common type of child injuries, including traumatic head injuries.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Slip and Fall
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident outside of your home, you can bring a personal injury claim against the negligent party. Remember that as a victim of a slip-and-fall there are steps you should take to preserve your claim.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a trip and fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should contact a Boston slip and fall injury attorney who can get you compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.
The Boston firm of Kiley Law Group specializes in defending accident victims. Contact us for a FREE evaluation of your case. We can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for the injuries you, or a loved one, have suffered.
To get started, call our toll-free number: 1-888-208-1695.
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