How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Be it the injured party simply fell due to bad shoes, or general unsteadiness due to age, health, or that there was a dangerous condition that led to the accident. Slip and falls remain one of the most common accidents in emergency rooms that require treatment.

In general, a slip and fall occurs when a person loses traction or balance or trips on a surface. While these can also occur at a variety of heights–like falling from a ladder–they often happen at surface level.

Common causes of surface-level slips and falls include:

• Clutter or loose rugs
• Poor lighting
• Bad weather like snow or ice
• Uneven or unstable surfaces like broken flooring or potholes
• Unsafe staircases
• Medical negligence in the case of nursing home negligence leading to a patient falling

In addition to these negligent conditions which can lead to a slip and fall, sometimes, the victim shares part of the fault. Common situations in slip and fall cases where it is not entirely the property owners fault for the accident include:

• Tripping over shoelaces, poor foot attire, etc.
• Knowing there is a danger (in your own home or otherwise) and still not acting as a reasonable person would

Know that the reasonable person standard is the idea that all people have a duty to act as a reasonable person would to avoid actions that risk harm to others. While there is not a clear definition of who a reasonable person is, it’s more the idea of in that scenario, how one should act to avoid causing harm.

According to the Mayo Clinic, other risk factors for falls include:

• Age
• Previous fall
• Poor vision
• Chronic conditions
• Use of multiple medications
• Fear of falling

However, just because someone belongs to one of these categories does not mean that they hold complete fault or are even at fault at all for the accident.

What Injuries Are Common in a Slip and Fall Accident?

In elderly Americans, slip and falls often lead to traumatic brain injuries, hip damage, and a higher susceptibility to falls in the future. Often this is because of pre-existing conditions, medications, difficulties with mobility and balance as well as fall-related anxiety which reduces the amount of activity the person engages in.

Though the elderly population remains most at-risk for severe injuries following a fall, so too are those in certain employment fields where injuries can occur.

Common injuries following a slip and fall accident include:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Cuts and abrasions
• Bone breaks and fractures

While some of these injuries resolve with treatment and time, depending on the severity, they can result in life-long changes which include long-term medical treatment, disability, decreased earning potential, and more.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Slip and Fall Claim?

If you or a loved one are injured in a slip and fall accident because of a property owner’s negligence, you may be able to seek a premises liability claim. When successful, you may be able to recoup compensation for the following:

• • Medical bills (current and future)
  • Lost income (current and future)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Home health care
  • Transportation costs

However, to recover compensation, you must be able to prove negligence against the property owner. Regan Zambri Long can help.

Regan Zambri Long Can Help With Your Slip and Fall Case

If you have a premises liability case and need the help of the experienced premises liability lawyers at Regan Zambri Long PLLC, don’t wait any longer.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis which means you don’t pay unless we win.

Call (202) 960-4596 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.