While slip and fall accidents can be preventable, they are incredibly common and according to the CDC, nearly 8 million people are treated for slip and fall accidents around the world annually. While not every slip and fall accident results in major injuries, serious injuries happen quite frequently. We can see the actual severity of slip and falls by referencing these stats gathered by the CDC:

• One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
• 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries annually.
• Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.
• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Slips and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims.
• Slip and fall incidents account for more severe injuries in the United States than motor vehicle accidents annually.
• Slip and Fall injuries remain the leading cause of non-fatal medical treatment in the US annually.
• Slip and Fall remain the leading cause of injury-related deaths in individuals over sixty-four years of age.
• More than 60% of all slip and fall accidents occurred in the retail trade, wholesale, and services industries.

Slip and fall accidents can happen for various reasons. Common slip and fall injuries include uneven walking surfaces, loose mats, folded carpets, slick floors, spills, ice, or snow (unsalted), loose wiring, poor lighting, cluttered pathways, open drawers, loose shelving, obstructed views, and unsecured handrails. These unsafe walking conditions can lead to injuries that include:

• Hip Fractures
• Lower Extremity Fracture
• Upper Extremity Fracture
• Spine/Back Fracture
• Cut/Lacerations
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Neck/Vertebral Column Fracture
• Torso Fracture
• Superficial Contusion
• Death

After experiencing a slip and fall incident, the victim should act swiftly. Be sure to inform the property owner, take photos, if necessary, complete a full incident report, seek medical attention if needed, and gather witnesses if able. While the statute of limitations gives you four years to file a claim, sooner is always better to be able to get the compensation you deserve. These compensations can include medical treatment, lost wages, lost future wages, property damage, physical suffering, or emotional distress.

When filing your claim, it is important to note the status of the individual who had the accident on the premises, this will affect what you are compensated for and is broken down into five categories:

1. Public Invitee – an individual who was invited on-site as a member of the public for public purposes.
2. Business Invitee – an individual invited onsite to directly or indirectly further the profits for the site.
3. Invited Licensee – an individual who is a social guest
4. Uninvited Licensee – an individual who enters or stays on site for their own convenience without being invited.
5. Trespasser – an individual who enters the site without an invitation or license.

Other factors that can affect your liability claim and the state of Florida requires that you not only establish that you were legally on the property but also that the business or landowner breached the duty of property inspection and implementing safety measures, the extent of damages, and the amount of negligence that contributed to injuries.

We have stated before, falls are easily preventable in both the workplace and at home. Here are some quick factors to remember when creating a safe environment wherever you are:

At Home

• Keep the work area clear of hazards and spills
• Keep floors and surfaces free of clutter
• Keep electrical cords and phone cords out of frequently walked areas
• Wear sensible footwear
• Properly arrange furniture to arrange pathways
• Never stand on chairs, tables, or anything with wheels

In The Workplace

• Employees should be properly trained on how to use equipment
• The area should be regularly checked for potential hazards
• If you work outside, check the weather forecast
• Use the correct tool for the job
• Ensure ladders and stepladders have locking devices
• Never use old or damaged equipment
• Replace any lightbulbs that are out
• Have proper signage for wet or slick floors

If you or a loved one has injuries from a slip and fall incident and believe you are entitled to compensation, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gechtman Law. We will carefully review the circumstances of your claim and consult with you on the next steps to see if you are entitled to compensation for your accident.