Slip and fall is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of premises liability and personal injury law in general. Unfortunately, the term is often dismissed out-of-hand as the territory of “ambulance chasers” and frivolous lawsuits by those who do not understand the severe, and sometimes fatal, injuries which can result from this type of accident and that it is often due to negligence on the part of a property or business owner, rather than the victim’s own carelessness.
Causes of Slip and Fall
Slip and fall accidents can occur inside or outdoors. Some conditions leading to slip and fall are those which should have corrected but were not, such as damaged flooring. Others are known, recurring conditions, such as slippery floors in commercial kitchens, which can be prevented by standard remedies such as proper floor mats. When dangerous conditions cannot be prevented or corrected, warning signs should be used to minimize the risk.
Examples of dangerous conditions which can lead to slip and fall accident include:
- Spills which are not cleaned up in a timely fashion
- Cleaning products, grease, or other slippery residues not removed from floors
- Slick flooring materials
- Debris and other messes
- Electric cords
- Floor mats which are wrinkled, folded over, or unsecured
- Damaged flooring
- Uneven floors or walkways
- Uneven or damaged stairs
- Faulty handrails or lack of handrails
- Failure to post warnings of slippery surfaces
- Failure to post warning of step up or step down
- Low obstacles
- Open drawers or file cabinets
- Inadequate lighting
- Failure to remove snow, ice, or hail
- Failure to maintain a clean environment leading to overgrowth of slick mold
- Cracked sidewalks
- Loose gravel
- Potholes and otherwise damaged parking lots surfaces
Slip and Fall Injuries
The potential severity of slip and fall injuries is often underestimated. Slip and fall accident can result in very serious injuries, including permanently disabling and fatal injuries. Sometimes, the fall itself is not the only cause of injury. Landing in toxic chemicals or on unsanitary surfaces can cause even further injuries including chemical burns and infections. Slip and fall injuries can include:
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Back injury
- Neck injury
- Facial injuries
- Shoulder injury
- Broken bones and fractures
- Vision loss
- Chemical burns
- Severe infections
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Impalement