Understanding the Dangers Of Slips, Trips and Falls
They may seem like minor accidents but can cause serious injuries or even death the leading cause of deaths in certain groups, especially older adults. They are also a major reason for emergency room visits in the United States. This highlights their impact on public safety and health.
In 2024, slips and trips will continue to be the leading cause of injury in homes, workplaces and public places. This article explores the latest statistics, how they occur, who’s most at risk and how you can protect yourself and loved ones.
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Slips, trips and falls affect over a million people each year. They are a common cause of personal injury claims. You may be entitled to compensation if you or someone you love has been injured by a slip, trip, or fall that was caused by negligence. We at Jeanette Secor Attorney At Law in St. Petersburg FL are here to help you navigate the legal system and get the justice you deserve.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: A Persistent Problem
Slips, trips and falls are a dangerous and persistent problem despite safety campaigns and awareness campaigns. These accidents can occur anywhere, from retail stores to workplaces. They often have life-changing effects.
Emergency Room Visits Increased by a Major Factor
In the United States, falls are the most common cause of injuries that lead to ER visits. In 2023, alone:
- Falls accounted for over 8 million emergency department visits, or 21.3% of total ER admissions.
- Over 1 million of these visits were due to slips and fall, which is 12%.
- Fall injuries are a major cause of emergency room visits for older adults. Each year, approximately 3,000,000 people aged 65 years and older visit the ER.
Why Falls, Slips and Trips are a Major Cause of Death
Even though they may seem minor, slips, trips and falls are a leading cause for death among certain age groups. Falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional injuries that result in death worldwide, accounting for approximately 684,000 deaths per year.
Who is most at risk?
- Older adults: Nearly 30 percent of people 65 years and older fall every year, with many incidents resulting in serious injuries or deaths. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among seniors over 85 years old.
- Construction workers are particularly at risk. Construction workers will account for nearly one fifth of all workplace deaths in 2021. Slips, trips and falls will be responsible for more than one third of these fatalities.
Even falls on the same level can be fatal, like slipping or tripping on a wet surface. In 2022, 144 fatalities were caused by falls from the same height.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: Common Causes
The most common causes of these accidents include:
- Uneven or wet surfaces: responsible for 55% slip, trip and fall incidents. Examples include:
- Floors that have been freshly waxed or mopped
- Potholes and cracked sidewalks
- Surfaces that are icy, greasy or oily
- Mats or carpets that are not attached to the floor
- Other contributing factors:
- Poor lighting
- Cluttered sidewalks
- Use of ladders and stairs in an unsafe manner
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(727) 822-8818
Slips, trips, and Falls in the Workplace
Slips, trips and falls in the workplace are not only a cause of injury but also a major cause of death for employees who work in hazardous environments.
Key Facts
- These incidents will cause 450,540 injuries at work and 865 deaths.
- About 15% of workers’ compensation claims are based on slips, trips and falls.
- The construction sites are a high-risk area, with 46.2% fatal incidents involving slips, trips, and falls occurring at a lower level.
What An Attorney Can Do To Help With Slip, Trip, And Fall Cases
It can be difficult to prove negligence in cases of slip, trip and fall. It is the responsibility of property owners to maintain a safe environment, but it can be difficult to prove that they have failed in this duty.
What We Can Do to Help
- An experienced attorney will gather evidence to prove that the negligence of the property owner caused your injuries.
- Maximizing Compensation – We will ensure that you are compensated fairly for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
We are committed to justice and specialize in premises liability claims at Jeanette Secor PA Attorney At Law.
Why Choose Jeanette Secor As Your Pa Attorney At Law?
Our team, based in St. Petersburg FL, understands the financial, emotional and physical toll that slip, trip and fall accidents can have. We offer personalized attention, a results-driven strategy and help you rebuild your own life.
We are committed to you
- Service that is compassionate and focused on the client
- Evidence of success in premises liability lawsuits
- Advocacy to maximize compensation
Contact us Today
Do not hesitate to contact a lawyer if you or someone close to you has been injured in a trip, fall, or slip accident. Jeanette Secor Attorney at Law can be reached by calling (727) 822 8818 for a consultation.
These tragedies are not statistics, but preventable tragedies. Let us fight for you and protect your rights.