The 5 Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Claims in Florida and How to Avoid Them

Slip and fall accidents are often minor, but they can result in serious injuries as well. In fact, falls send over 8 million people to the hospital every year. That means that they are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits. Slip and fall accidents end up causing about one million trips to the emergency room, or 12% of all falls.

Broken bones, back problems, and sprains are all common injuries associated with falls.Slip and fall accidents are often the result of the same types of causes that occur over and over again. Fortunately, however, many of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents are preventable!

  1.     Poorly Maintained Flooring

The most common reason that slip and fall accidents occur is because of the floor or flooring materials. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that floors and flooring material contribute to over two million falls every year. The National Flooring Institute indicates that roughly 55% of all slip and fall accidents are due to hazardous walking surfaces, such as torn carpeting, uneven surfaces, broken sidewalks, poorly maintained stairs and cluttered flooring.

Proper maintenance and addressing hazards quickly can help prevent these types of accidents entirely.

  1.     Weather Conditions

Poor weather conditions often cause outdoor slip and fall injuries. While snow and ice generally aren’t problems in most of Florida, wet areas from rains or dew or even excess humidity can be a problem in many situations.

While it is impossible to prevent various weather conditions, you can take extra precautions in trouble areas. Using non-skid mats in known slippery spots is a good idea. Pay attention to warning signs regarding potentially hazardous conditions as well.

  1.     Footwear

Another 24% of falls are attributed, at least in part, to footwear. Having the right shoes with proper gripping for the conditions will help decrease falls for this reason. Be sure that you have good traction on whatever footwear you are wearing, whether it is indoors or outdoors.

  1.     Improper Training, Maintenance, or Equipment

Many slip and fall injuries occur while on the job. Employees need to have specific training on hazardous conditions in many situations. Workspaces should be free of hazards and clutter on the ground. Workers should also use proper footwear on the job. Employers may need to specify which types of shoes or boots are appropriate for the conditions to help increase traction and decrease slipping.

  1.     Age and Balance Issues

With every decade of age, the potential for a fall increases. In fact, falls are the second leading cause of injury-related death for those between the ages of 65 and 84. It is the leading cause for those over the age of 84.

Making sure that you maintain your lower body strength and balance can help you avoid a fall as you age. Exercise and balance activities can be extremely helpful to combat this issue. You should also follow the general tips above regarding maintenance and clutter in your home and workspace to reduce tripping hazards as well.

If you or a loved one has experienced a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you may have a legal claim. Contact McKINNON LEGAL for more information about your legal rights in Florida after a fall.

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