Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents: List of Surprising Statistics

Slip and fall accidents are more dangerous than most of us realize. In fact, slipping, tripping and falling are a leading cause of serious injuries and accidental deaths for older adults in the United States. The good news is that many falls can be prevented by taking certain precautionary measures against the most common slip and fall accident causes.

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you may have options. Contacting a Michigan slip and fall attorney can help you figure out your next move. Here is an overview of common causes of slip and fall accidents and the facts you need to know about these injuries.

Factors that Increase Your Risk of Falling

Many slip and fall accidents are caused by hazards such as broken sidewalks or icy walkways. However, certain environmental and health-related factors may increase the risk of falling. Oftentimes, falls are caused by a combination of factors.

Common factors that could increase the risk of falling include:

• Lower body weakness
• Difficulties with balance and stability
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter
• Vision problems
• Foot pain that affects your gait or ability to walk
• Footwear that affects your stability such as high heels or shoes with slippery soles

Because many of these conditions can be improved with proper treatment, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any of the above risk factors.

Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents at Home

You may be surprised to learn that many incidents of falls happen in the home. Furthermore, about one third of all accidental deaths that occur at home are caused by falls.

Here are the hazards most likely to cause a slip and fall accident at home:

• Wet or newly waxed floors
• Loose carpets or throw rugs
• Objects left on the floor such as toys or shoes
• Cords passing through areas where people walk
• Cluttered rooms without proper spacing between furniture
• Icy or snowy steps porches, walks or driveways
• Inadequate outdoor lighting
• Insufficient lighting on stairs or hallways
• Lack of grab bars in the bathroom
• Absence of non-slip treads or bath mat in the tub and shower

Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace

Slip, trip, and fall accidents are some of the most common workplace injuries. These incidents can occur in any industry. However, many of these accidents can be prevented by taking basic safety precautions.

Here are the hazardous conditions that cause the majority of work-related falls:

• Wet/slippery floors caused by spills or ice and snow
• Uneven floor surfaces
• Obstacles on the floor in aisles or walkways, including cords, cables and equipment
• Loose or broken stairs or handrails
• Inadequate lighting
• Improper training

Workplace falls may result in missed time at work and subsequently lost income and long-term injuries.

Hazards Most Likely to Cause Slip and Fall Accidents in Your Apartment Building

In Michigan, landlords have a duty to keep their rental properties free of dangerous conditions likely to cause people to be injured. Hazards in apartment buildings can increase the risk of serious injury.

Here are the most common hazards responsible for slip and fall accidents in apartment complexes. Depending on the circumstances, any of these could be grounds for a slip and fall lawsuit.

• Damaged or lopsided steps
• Loose handrails on staircases
• Icy parking lots or sidewalks
• Parking lot potholes
• Broken or uneven concrete on sidewalks or landings
• Loose mats, rugs or carpets in entryways, laundry rooms and other common areas
• Slippery surfaces near swimming pools
• Inadequate lighting
• Poorly maintained elevators

Whether a landlord can be held liable for the slip and fall injury may depend on the specific circumstances of your case. This can include whether the property owner knew about the hazard, or reasonably should have known, and if they took care of the danger in a timely manner.

Contact an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, contact us as soon as possible. The Sam Bernstein Law Firm legal team understands the complexities of slip and fall cases and we will fight to win the compensation you deserve.

Slip and fall law is complicated, but finding the right slip and fall attorney is simple.

Get your case started today by clicking the button below to fill out a brief form or contact us for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety of your home.