Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries are common, and most of the time they result in little more than a few bumps and bruises. However, some slip-and-fall accidents can be more serious, especially in cases where elderly individuals have fallen.
Here are the common causes of slip and fall injuries, and what to do if you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident.
Causes of Slip & Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can occur seemingly out of nowhere. The most frequent situations that result in a slip and fall accident include but are not limited to:
- Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills, rain, snow, or cleaning can leave floors slippery and increase the risk of falls.
- Uneven Surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, uneven flooring, or loose floorboards can cause tripping hazards.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles or changes in flooring surfaces.
- Obstacles and Clutter: Items left on the floor, such as cords, boxes, or debris, can create tripping hazards.
- Loose Rugs or Mats: Rugs or mats that are not secured can slip and cause falls.
- Stairs: Defective or poorly maintained stairs, lack of handrails, or uneven steps can lead to falls.
- Weather Conditions: Ice, snow, rain, or mud tracked indoors can create slippery surfaces.
- Inadequate Footwear: Wearing inappropriate or worn-out footwear can reduce traction and stability.
- Lack of Handrails or Guardrails: Absence of proper handrails in stairways or guardrails on elevated surfaces can contribute to falls.
Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries for many individuals, including broken bones, head injuries, lacerations, bruising, concussions, and more.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Have Been Injured
If you or a loved one have been involved in a slip and fall accident, it is important that you seek medical assistance right away. Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out, especially if you hit your head in any way. Once you are evaluated for injuries, obtain documentation from your doctor or hospital where treatment occurred.
Be aware of any odd symptoms you have in the following days and weeks after the accident. Many times, serious injuries take time to manifest symptoms.
In some cases, a brain injury causes only mild symptoms like headaches and fatigue. In this case, consider erring on the side of caution and get yourself fully evaluated for any injuries that may be related to the accident.
Once your medical condition is stable, consider reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you determine if you may have a legitimate case, and if you could possibly be eligible for compensation for your injuries.
At the Sarkisian Law Offices, we understand how devastating a slip and fall accident can be for a family, and we are committed to providing you with comprehensive, aggressive legal assistance. Call our office today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case at 219-942-7171.
