The Causes And Prevention of Slip-and-fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere. Sometimes they are just bad luck or carelessness, and sometimes they are caused by the carelessness of the property owner, a business, or an employer. The victim might get up and walk away with a few bruises and a lot of embarrassment for falling. At other times, a person slips or falls because of unsafe conditions and is injured badly enough to need a trip to the hospital and medical care.
Workplace Trips and Falls
If a person is injured after slipping, it is important that they seek help to make a claim to get the medical cost of their injuries covered. Filing injury claims is not an easy task for the average person. An attorney who specializes in personal injury claims can make the claim for the injured party more successful. These attorneys know how to file a claim and they understand all the ins and outs of this type of claim. They are experienced in working with lawyers and insurance companies.
If a trip-and-fall accident happens in the workplace, the injured party must show that the accident meets certain criteria. There may be unsafe work conditions that must be corrected. OSHA regulations for a safe workplace may not have been followed. Owners of businesses can save money over the long run by following OSHA regulations and advice for preventing workplace tripping and safety hazards.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents On Property Belonging To Others
People can trip or slip and fall on icy sidewalks or fall on an unsafe staircase. A person can trip on a damaged sidewalk or slip on a floor where a spill has been left untreated. There are many unsafe conditions in and near commercial properties that can cause accidents and injuries. These safety hazards may exist because of the carelessness or neglect of property owners.
Business and Property Owners Can Prevent Slip-and-fall Accidents
Since slip-and-fall accidents are caused by carelessness, unsafe conditions, weather hazards, and poor maintenance, they can be prevented. Business and property owners can save thousands of dollars in injury claims b
A few recommendations from OSHA include:
- Good Housekeeping
- Proper lighting
- Safety signs identifying hazards and prompt cleanup of spills or debris
- Keep flooring in good, safe condition
- Follow OSHA guidelines for safety practices
- Good property maintenance and repairs as needed
Not all slip-and-fall accidents are the fault of a property owner or business owner. A person can be careless or on a cell phone and not pay attention to where they are walking. A person can be impaired due to the use of alcohol or drugs. Sometimes people can trip without a reason. When a person slips or trips and falls, they need to prove that the accident was caused by unsafe conditions or owner negligence to make an injury claim. An attorney can help the injured person decide if they have a legitimate claim for damages.
The conditions and processes for slip-and-fall injury claims are different for workplace injuries and injuries sustained on property belonging to others. Each slip-and-fall injury claim is unique and must meet certain criteria to file a successful injury claim.
It is important for every person to protect themselves from slipping or tripping and falling by being aware of their surroundings at all times. Wear safe footwear for the conditions and right for the activity being engaged in. Avoid inattention and distractions while walking. When people are vigilant, they can see and avoid many hazards.