What Are the Leading Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents?
Orland Park Premise Liability Attorneys
Leading causes of slip and fall accidents include wet or uneven walking spaces, improper safety training, weather conditions, loose cords or electrical wires, handrails in need of repair and insufficient lighting.
On Wet or Uneven Walking Spaces
The majority of all slip and fall accidents are caused by wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces where people walk. Some of the most common slip and fall hazards include:
- Loose floorboards
- Loose floor mats
- Carpet that is worn or not intact
- Recently mopped or waxed floors/wet floors
- Potholes in pavement
- Damaged sidewalks
- Staircases in need of repair
- Floor obstructed by clutter
- Moist or damp floors
These hazardous conditions contribute to nearly all slip and fall accidents in public, domestic, commercial, and industrial areas. The responsible parties must eliminate these types of hazards as they arise to prevent any injuries.
Improper Safety Training
In commercial or industrial settings, particularly in the construction industry, employees must be appropriately trained to prevent accidents while working in hazardous conditions. Although slip and fall accidents may occur in any occupation, fatal falls typically happen in construction, mining, and maintenance jobs. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, along with other entities, has formed a standard for training individuals to avoid slipping and falling accidents. Construction workers must receive adequate training on properly using the equipment and preventing falls that may result in severe injury or death. If a construction worker is injured on the job due to a lack of proper training, their employer may be deemed liable for any damages.
Weather Conditions
Hazardous weather conditions cause a large number of slip and fall accidents. Inclement weather conditions naturally occur and cannot be controlled. However, safety measures may be performed to prevent slipping and falling, such as salting sidewalks and shoveling snow in the winter and repairing any damage to walkways caused by harsh weather conditions. Building owners and cities are usually held responsible for the maintenance of streets, sidewalks and, and walkways and may be deemed liable for any damages that result from a slip and fall accident in a specific area.
Loose Cords or Electrical Wires
Tripping over a loose cord or electrical wire is among the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. The responsible party should secure all cables or ropes to prevent any accidents. Failure to do so may result in the responsible party being deemed liable for any compensation for damages suffered by the accident victim.
Handrails in Need of Repair
Handrails are typically placed along staircases or walkways and in bathrooms to help people balance to prevent slipping and falling. Barriers that are broken or damaged pose a significant threat to anyone who uses them. If an individual is injured due to a broken or damaged handrail, the responsible party may be deemed liable for any compensation to the victim of the slip and fall accident.
Insufficient Lighting
Slip and fall accidents commonly occur in poorly lit areas. Adequate lighting is essential for minimizing hazardous conditions. All public facilities and workplaces are required by the Board of Occupational Safety and Health Administration to have sufficient lighting. Dimly lit areas make it more difficult to avoid any obstacles when walking from one place to another. The property owner is usually held responsible for creating a safe environment, including installing sufficient lighting. If the responsible party fails to facilitate a well-lit environment that leads to a slip and fall accident, they may be deemed liable for any damages that result from the fall.
Could I Sue an Employer for a Slip & Fall Accident?
According to the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Act, employers must provide workers’ compensation to employees. As a result, employees who receive compensation for a work-related injury are typically restricted from filing a negligence claim against an employer. However, there are some unique cases where suing an employer is possible. If you sustained a work-related injury and would like to seek compensation, you should hire a skilled slip and fall accident lawyer like Michael J. Brennan.
Who is responsible for a slip and fall accident?
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, the liable party is determined according to where the accident occurred. If you fell in a public facility, the commercial property owner or business owner will most likely be deemed liable for your injuries. If your accident occurred in someone else’s home, your damages are likely to be covered by the other party’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, Michael J. Brennan may be able to help you seek any compensation you may be entitled to. By contacting Michael, you may be able to take advantage of his years of experience in helping personal injury victims recover the compensation they deserve.