Slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in the country. Depending on the severity of the incident, a slip, trip, or fall could leave someone with a sprain, broken bones, a concussion, and could even be fatal. People injured in slip and fall accidents can incur medical expenses, miss work, are in pain, and even long-term or even permanent side effects. As a result, a person injured in this type of accident may be able to sue the person responsible for their fall for money damages. Shane Smith Law is a law firm dedicated to representing people injured in slip and fall accidents, and strives to obtain the best possible outcome for each client we represent.
Preventing slip and fall accidents
According to the National Safety Council, falls account for the leading cause of injury in the United States, resulting in more than 8.7 visits to the emergency room each year. In addition, one in every three adults over the age of 65 falls each year, and falls for the older population often result in more serious injury than for younger people. The best way to avoid injuries from slip and fall accidents is to minimize the conditions that may result in such and injury. Some common risk factors for falls include physical hazards in an environment, issues related to age, or issues related to a person’s health. The National Safety Council recommends taking the following steps to reduce the risk of sustaining an injury from an accidental fall:
- Maintaining clean floors and stairs
- Reducing clutter
- Having good lighting both indoor and for outdoor areas where people walk
- Using rugs or mats in places that may get slippery, such as bathrooms or kitchens
- Having handrails on all stairways
- Using step stools to reach high places
- Promptly cleaning up all spills
- Wearing high traction footwear
- Not standing on chairs, tables, or any surface with wheels
- Arranging furniture in a way that allows ample room to walk
- Maintaining outdoor walkways and stairs
- Removing outdoor debris such as leaves or loose gravel from walkways
- Be particularly careful when consuming alcohol or taking prescription drugs that may affect your balance or coordination
Contact a Fayette County personal injury attorney for a free consultation
Accidental slips, trips, and falls can result in serious injuries. Accidents happen, but if you have fallen due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Conditions that can result in a fall and may be due to the negligence of another party include wet floors, cracked pavement, debris on the floor or ground, or failure to adequately remove ice or snow. If you believe that you may have sustained an injury that was someone else’s fault, you should have your case reviewed by an experienced personal injury attorney. To schedule a free consultation, contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 today.