What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?

On This Page

1. Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
2. Compensation in Slip and Fall Accidents
3. Your Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Can Help

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

February 02, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Common causes of slip and fall accidents can include hazardous and dangerous conditions such as:

• Wet surfaces
• Uneven floors
• Loose floorboards
• Cluttered walking surfaces
• Broken and uneven sidewalks
• Snow and ice accumulation on walkways
• Staircases without handrails
• Inadequate lighting
• Broken or missing steps

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls can cause major injuries. While not all slip and fall accidents necessarily result in a personal injury lawsuit, if your accident happened due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation.

There can be many more causes that could potentially result in a slip and fall accident and may lead the victim to file a lawsuit against a property owner or other liable party. Property owners are generally responsible for the upkeep and general safety of their properties.

They should have good housekeeping procedures in place, ensure regular maintenance, and identify any dangers on their property. Property owners should also make regular checks to ensure surfaces, staircases, and walkways are safe. If they come across any issues, owners or other responsible parties should immediately provide warning signage and fix any hazardous conditions in a timely manner. Not doing so could render them liable for a victim’s injuries and financial losses.

Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

While some may get away with a few scrapes and bruises in a fall, not all who experience a slip and fall accident are that lucky. Falls can cause debilitating long-term injuries and permanent disabilities, particularly in elderly adults – connect with a Pittsburgh Social Security Disability lawyer now to deepen your understanding.. According to the CDC, falls are a threat to health and a leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults. Falls can also reduce the ability of an older adult to continue living independently. Injuries in slip and fall accidents can include:

Head and Brain Injuries

A slip and fall accident can potentially cause serious head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI can change a person’s life forever. According to the Mayo Clinic, TBIs can cause physical damage to the brain, including torn tissues and bleeding. A severe TBI can potentially result in long-term complications and death.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

In a serious fall, the spinal cord can be damaged or severed. According to the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, tripping, slipping, and stumbling on the same level causes most spinal cord injuries in falls. Spinal cord injuries can be permanent and result in paralysis. Treatment for such severe and debilitating injuries is likely to be ongoing and expensive.

Severe and Complicated Bone Fractures

When someone breaks a major bone in a fall, such as a pelvis or hip bone, they can suffer permanent negative effects such as a loss of mobility and reduced overall life quality. However, all fractures due to falls can potentially cause long-term issues and may require costly surgeries and lengthy rehabilitative measures.

Falls can cause many other painful and expensive injuries that could impact a victim’s life severely, including dislocations, sprains, and soft tissue injuries. However, individuals may have legal recourse if a property owner’s negligence contributed to their accident and injuries. A slip and fall accident attorney can help with legal advice and guidance.

Compensation in Slip and Fall Accidents

If a property owner or other liable party’s negligence caused an accident and injuries, they could potentially be responsible for compensating the victim for any financial damages and suffering. Individuals could receive compensation which can include:

• All medical expenses, including future medical bills
• The cost of medical devices such as crutches or a wheelchair
• Lost wages and any future lost income
• Transportation costs
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• A household help or health aide
• Awards for emotional and physical anguish
• Awards for loss of life quality

Depending on an individual’s injuries and the potential long-term consequences of such injuries, a victim could potentially be entitled to additional types of compensation.

Your Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Can Help

If someone else’s carelessness or inattention caused your slip and fall accident, suffering, and expenses, Berger and Green might be able to help you hold them to account. Depending on the details of your potential claim, identifying all liable parties and proving fault can be challenging. However, the team at Berger and Green can fight for your rights to justice and compensation.

We can help you with all aspects of a personal injury slip and fall case, including but not limited to:

• Gathering the necessary evidence to prove your case
• Negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance
• Representing you strongly in a court of law

Almost all of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents can occur due to the negligence of a property owner or other responsible party. If someone else is responsible for injuries, suffering, and expenses, you could recover compensation with the help of a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer. Call Berger and Green at (412) 661-1400 today for a complimentary consultation to determine whether you have a claim.