Slip and fall accidents occur every day.  It can happen while walking along the sidewalk, at the workplace, grocery stores, shopping centers, amusement parks, nursing homes, and just about anywhere. 

Anyone, not just the elderly but also healthy individuals, can be a victim. Falls can cause bruises, bone fractures, joint dislocations, and serious head trauma. Some victims even face years of physical pain, anguish, and financial difficulties.

It’s crucial to know the most common causes of slip and fall accidents and ways to prevent them. Source: Finz & Finz, P.C., the law firm provides further information about this so one can as quickly as possible. 

Understand that an injured person can file legal action if the slip and fall accident happened due to a hazardous condition in the property.  Such cases are handled by slip-and-fall lawyers in Queens, New York. 

Most Common Causes of Slip and Falls

Some common causes of slip and fall accidents arise from the property owner’s failure to maintain their properties in good condition or failure to warn others about potential damages.

1. Hazardous areas. One may slip and fall because of wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, and unfastened cables and wires. 

2. Inclement weather. Dangerous conditions like ice, snow, rain, and sleet increase the risk of falls outside homes and workplaces. 

3. Building structure. Certain conditions like dark or poorly lit rooms, damaged structures, and hazardous materials can increase the risk of injury.

4. Swift movements. Hurriedly rushing from one place to another to get to their destination on time puts someone at risk of slipping and falling.

5. Distractions. When one uses the cell phone, talks with others, and doesn’t pay attention while walking, there’s a tendency to lose focus and slip.

6. Improper footwear. Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or lack traction with the ground makes walking on unfamiliar roads more challenging. 

Ways to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

Everyone – from the property owners, management, and visitors – can do their part in taking precautions to avoid such accidents. 

1. Posting warning signs to notify people to take caution or avoid the area.
2. Repair existing damages or cracks on the floor and road surfaces.
3. Keeping floors free from any spills.
4. Address safety during extreme weather conditions.
5. Provide proper lighting in walking areas.
6. Remove tripping hazards in walkways, stairs, and doorways.
7. Educate workers and household members to stay alert.
8. Report hazards to prevent a possible injury.
9. Wear safe attire especially if there are existing conditions.
10. Wear proper footwear with slip-resistant soles.
11. Maintain focus and avoid distractions while walking.
12. Be mindful of warning and safety signs.
13. Walk in designated paths.
14. Maintain and improve floor and walkway quality.
15. Implement safety plans and protocols that promote fall protection.

While there’s no foolproof way to stop slip and fall accidents from happening, such incidents can be mitigated with proper safety measures and maintaining a hazard-free environment.

Contact a Law Firm For Help

If you suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident, get medical attention right away. You need to recover so as not to experience its life-long consequences. 

If the accident is due to someone’s carelessness, an attorney can advise you on the best action to take against the negligent party. While proving negligence in a slip-and-fall case isn’t always straightforward, a personal injury lawyer can provide legal advice and assist you in every aspect.