One moment, you are walking through a grocery aisle or stepping over cords in your workplace warehouse, and the next, you lose balance and are in a lot of pain. A sudden fall can happen in the blink of an eye, yet the impact can last a lifetime.
Many people often, and mistakenly, blame these incidents on clumsiness. However, in many cases, there are other factors that contributed to your accident and injury. Hazardous environments, negligence, and unsafe practices frequently play a significant role in causing you to lose your footing. Whether it happens at work or on a neighbor’s lawn, a fall is rarely just an accident; it is often a preventable occurrence.
Understanding the common causes of slips and fall accidents can help you be more diligent in your own home and workplace, and help your friends, family, and co-workers make their environment a safer place for everyone.
Key Takeaways of Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents
- Slip and fall accidents are often preventable and frequently caused by unsafe conditions rather than simple clumsiness.
- Falls are a leading cause of serious injury and death, especially among older adults, making them a major public safety issue.
- Common hazards vary by location, including loose rugs and poor lighting in homes, wet floors and uneven surfaces on commercial properties, and clutter or exposed cables in workplaces.
- Property owners and employers have a duty to maintain safe environments, and failing to fix or warn about hazards can lead to liability.
- After a fall, documenting the scene, reporting the incident, and seeking medical care are critical to protecting both health and legal rights.
National Statistics of Trips, Slips, and Falls
It is easy to underestimate the severity of a slip or trip until it happens to you. However, accidents leading to serious injuries and hospital visits are more common than you may think.
According to the National Safety Council, falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths. In 2023 alone, 47,026 people died in falls at home and work. This accounts for 21% of all preventable injury-related deaths in the United States.
The risk increases significantly with age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that, in 2021, there were over 38,000 deaths caused by falls for adults 65 and older.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents Across Different Environments
Most slips, trips, and falls are preventable. Property owners, employers, and site managers have a legal and moral responsibility to maintain safe environments. Under OSHA regulations, employers must ensure that all walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition. When they fail to address hazards, you shouldn’t have to pay the price for their negligence.
Hazards in the Home
Whether you’re in a neighbor’s house or your job requires you to do work inside customers’ houses, there are frequent slip and fall hazards around the house that might seem normal for most people. However, oftentimes, proper cleaning and maintenance can make the house a safer place for any visitor.
Here are common household slip and fall accident risks:
- Loose Rugs and Carpets
- Cluttered Walkways
- Inadequate and Low Lighting
- Lack of Safety Features (Handrails or grab bars in bathrooms)
Commercial Property Hazards
Whether you’re shopping for groceries in the store or out at dinner with friends and family, poorly maintained businesses can lead to preventable accidents. Here are common slip and fall hazards in stores, restaurants, and other commercial properties:
- Wet and Slippery Surfaces (Especially with no warning sign)
- Uneven Walkways (Cracked sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, and torn carpeting)
- Structural Negligence (Broken stairs or faulty escalators)
Workplace Hazards
Some industries and jobs are more dangerous than others. That’s why business owners and managers have a legal duty to make sure your workplace environment, tools and equipment, and training all follow legal guidelines.
Here are common workplace slip and fall hazards:
- Exposed Cables and Wires
- Cluttered Stockrooms and Messy Offices
- Inadequate Training
Construction Site Hazards
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but that is why safety standards exist. Common causes of fall hazards on a construction site include:
- Scaffold Failures
- Unprotected Edges
- Ladders and Stairways
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
When someone else’s negligent actions, or lack of actions, cause you to fall and get injured, you have the right to hold them responsible for the accident. To strengthen your case, here’s what you should do immediately after a slip and fall accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor at first, it’s essential to see a doctor to evaluate and document any damage. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the area where the fall occurred, especially any hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. This documentation can be used as important evidence later.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Request that they make an official incident report and ask for a copy for your records.
- Gather Witness Information: If anyone saw the accident, get their names and contact information. Witness testimonies can provide additional support when building your case.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident. These items may help demonstrate the conditions that caused the fall, such as slippery soles or accumulation of debris.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: Understanding your legal options can be challenging, especially when dealing with property owners or insurance companies. Speaking with a skilled slip and fall accident attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.
We Fight for Your Recovery
Recovering from a serious fall is physically painful, emotionally exhausting, and financially overwhelming. You should not have to face this complicated process alone. At DM Injury Law, we believe that when negligence leads to injury, justice must be served.
Why Choose DM Injury Law?
- Proven Results: We have won over $1 billion for our clients.
- Zero Financial Risk: We operate on a contingency basis, meaning there is no fee unless we win your case.
- Full Support: Our dedicated attorneys and support staff of investigators, case managers, and medical records specialists are here to guide you through every aspect of your case, answering your questions and alleviating your stress.
We have offices all over the Midwest and are ready to help you with your slip and fall accident claim. Contact us for a free consultation or call us at 816-888-7500 to discuss your legal options.
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