The Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida

Approximately one million people are admitted to the hospital each year due to injuries sustained from slip and fall accidents.  These injuries can range from bumps and bruises to fractures, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and even death.  The most common causes of these accidents might surprise you, what’s even more surprising is that many of them are 100% preventable. 

Wet and Uneven Surfaces. The most common cause of slip and fall accidents involve wet and uneven surfaces.  For example, recently mopped or waxed floors, torn carpeting, potholes in the parking lot, loose floor mats or floorboards, poorly constructed staircases and defective sidewalks. Many cases we handle involve slip and fall claims against grocery stores, retail shopping centers, local restaurants and other business establishments neglecting basic safety procedures which oftentimes leads to these accidents.

Nursing Home Neglect. The elderly is at an increased risk of falling. One in three people over the age of 65 fall each year, according to the Center for Disease Control. These falls result in hip fractures, broken bones, and worse.  A number of these falls occur in nursing homes and are the result of nursing home neglect, specifically supervisors and aids not assisting and monitoring their residents properly.

Improper Footwear. Nearly 25% of falls are the result of improper footwear.  Even sneakers and work boots if they do not have proper tread can lead to slip and fall accidents.

Lack of Employee Training. Slip and fall accidents are common in the workplace and can be the result of poor or inadequate training. This can leave the business, contractor or employer liable for damages sustained in the fall. There are certain occupations more at risk for slip and fall accidents, these include: factory workers, chefs and kitchen workers, construction workers, housekeepers and custodial staff.

Businesses have a legal obligation to make sure their premises are free from harm and in a reasonably safe condition for customers and guests. However, just because a person slips and falls at a grocery store or place of business does not mean they have a slip and fall injury case. There must have been an unsafe condition that the store or business was negligent in preventing, cleaning up or warning patrons about, and this negligence caused your accident.

Florida slip and fall cases must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. Even if you do not live in Florida, you may still have the ability to pursue legal action against a business in the event of a slip and fall. However, business owners, retail stores, restaurants, etc. will do everything in their power to discredit your injury claim.  That is why it is important to speak with an experienced slip and fall injury attorney as soon as possible following the accident.