Statistical Details Regarding Slip-and-Fall Injury & Accidents
Statistics and other information about slip-and-fall accidents
Did you know that slips, trips and falls were responsible for more than 25,000 deaths in 2009? The older that someone gets, the higher the chance for an injurious slip-and-fall accident. In fact, for those 65 and over, there is a fatality rate that is four times greater than for those in other age groups.
While a slip, trip and fall accident can occur in any location, there are some places where these accidents are more common. These include:
- Stairs
- Ladders
- Doorways
- Ramps
- Uneven surfaces
- Hallways with clutter
- High traffic areas
These include both residential and commercial properties. When someone suffers an injury because the property owner did not address unsafe issues that may lead to a slip, trip or fall, the owner may be held responsible for the injured party’s medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
Here are some tips to prevent slip-and-fall injuries in your home:
- Keep phone and electrical cords out of the way of foot traffic.
- Make sure any spill is cleaned up as soon as possible.
- Repair damage to walkways and steps as soon as possible.
- Keep stairs, hallways and other walkways free from clutter.
Falls are the number one cause of unintentional deaths in communities and homes. It’s important to prevent such occurrences on your own property, but property owners who do not do what is legally required to keep visitors, employees or customers safe can be held liable. An experienced premises liability attorney can provide more information on seeking compensation for your injuries.
Source: National Safety Council, “Slips, Trips and Falls,” Accessed on Aug. 12, 2014