Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents & How Hughes Law Can Help

causes-of-slip-and-fall

Slip and fall accidents can occur in any building or establishment, but we should be especially aware of the risk in Tampa. At times, a negligent person might be at fault, but other times carelessness or failure to follow safety regulations can make a business or commercial property responsible for an injury.

The Tampa-based law firm of Ryan Hughes is dedicated to bringing together the perfect team with the skills to uncover the common causes of slip and fall accidents. Whether it's lack of handrails, wet floors, uneven ground, or improper snow removal — giving Tampa residents peace of mind, their case is in good hands.

If you have experienced a slip-and-fall accident related to negligence on someone else's part, we can provide experienced lawyers that work hard to make sure justice prevails.

Why do people usually trip and fall at the workplace or at home?

Are you aware of the risks of slip and fall accidents in your home and workplace? For both the home and the workplace, slips, trips, and falls account for the vast majority of unintentional injuries. The statistics are startling - millions of Americans yearly suffer severe physical trauma from slips and falls. 

Unfortunately, even a single incident can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages due to missed work days, and long-term disability if they result in severe injuries. To ensure that everyone takes extra caution to prevent these types of accidents, let's have an honest conversation about what causes most slip-and-fall incidents, so we all provide we're safe!

Wet or slippery floors

Wet or slick flooring is a leading contributor to injuries sustained in slip-and-fall incidents. Wet flooring provide a significant safety risk. This is especially true if the base is made of a material that needs better traction, such as tile or linoleum. To prevent slip and fall accidents, cleaning up any spills immediately is essential, ensuring floors are dry before walking on them.

Uneven surfaces

Uneven flooring is a leading contributor to these types of accidents. This can include cracks in sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, or raised edges on carpets. Walking on a rough texture makes it easy to trip and fall. Paying attention to your surroundings and watching for any potential hazards is essential to avoid this.

Loose objects

Loose things are another typical contributor to trips and falls. Toys and clothes left out, papers and books on the floor, and other clutter all fall into this category. A safe place should be found for these items, as they provide a potential tripping danger if left out.

Poor lighting

Poor lighting can also be a cause of slip-and-fall accidents. If a room is poorly lit, it can be difficult to see potential hazards. This can lead to people tripping over things that they cannot see. To avoid this, it is essential to ensure that rooms are well-lit and that there are no dark areas where people could trip and fall.

How can the legal offices of Ryan Hughes assist those who have suffered injuries due to a slip and fall?

Slips, trips, and falls are significant causes of injury in the United States, responsible for over 8 million emergency room visits yearly. Injuries from slip and fall accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to fractures or other more traumatic severe injuries that require hospitalization.

You don't have to go through the aftermath of a slip and fall injury on your own; the attorneys at Ryan Hughes Law Firm have the expertise to guide you through your injury dispute with good legal counsel and compassionate assistance.

Read this post to learn how we might be able to help you get money if you or someone you care about was hurt in a slip, trip, or fall accident.

When someone is hurt because they slipped and fell, what should they do?

No one expects to get injured in a slip-and-fall accident, but unfortunately, they happen daily. Slips and falls can lead to severe injuries that might require medical attention — or worse. If you have been unfortunate enough to be involved in a slip-and-fall accident, you need to know your rights and the steps you should take next.

Let's discuss how best to handle an injury from a slip-and-fall accident so that you can protect yourself legally and physically.

Seek medical attention immediately.

You should get medical help right away if you've been hurt in a slip-and-fall incident. It's essential to play it safe and get checked out by a doctor, even if your injuries don't appear serious. As an added bonus, this will make sure your injuries are recorded in the event you decide to pursue compensation for them later.

Document the crash site using photographs.

Suppose you take pictures of the scene of the accident. Be sure to include pictures of any hazards that may have caused you to fall, such as a wet floor or loose carpeting. If you file a personal injury claim, these pictures can be used as evidence.

Get the contact information of any witnesses.

If there were any witnesses to your accident, please get their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony if you file a personal injury claim.

Keep all documentation related to your injuries and treatment.

Keep all documentation related to your injuries and treatment, such as medical bills and receipts for prescription medications. This documentation can be used as evidence if you file a personal injury claim.

Contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

After getting checked out and gathering proof, it's time to speak with a seasoned personal injury attorney who can explain your alternatives and fight for your rights.

Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. 

You should talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to the insurance company about the accident. Your information might be used against you by the insurance company to lower or reject your claim.

What are some of the most common injuries from slip and fall accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can be dangerous, resulting in various injuries. Unfortunately, slips and falls are among the most common causes of damage for people of all ages. From broken bones to sprains and lacerations, anyone who slips or trips and hits the ground is at risk of experiencing pain that could alter their routine activities and affect their quality of life.

Here are some of the most common injuries associated with slip and fall accidents so you can better understand why these types of incidents should not be taken lightly.

Fractures

Slip and fall incidents are a leading cause of fractures. The impact of a fall against a hard surface can cause a person's bones to fracture. Pain, swelling, and bruising are all signs of a fracture. Open or complicated fractures occur when the bone breaks through the skin.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are other common types of injury in a slip-and-fall accident. A sprain is a stretch or tear in the ligament, while a strain is a stretch or tear in the muscle or tendon. Symptoms of a sprain or strain include pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Dislocations

Dislocations are also relatively common injuries in slip and fall accidents. A dislocation occurs when the joint's bones are forced out of alignment. Symptoms of dislocation include severe pain, swelling, and deformity at the joint.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are another common injury associated with slip and fall accidents. Soft tissue injuries include injuries to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Symptoms of a mild tissue injury include pain, swelling, and bruising.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are also fairly common in slip and fall accidents. Head injuries can range from minor bumps and bruises to more severe injuries such as concussions or skull fractures. Head injury symptoms vary depending on the severity but can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness.

How much compensation might you receive after a slip and fall accident?

If you've experienced a slip and fall accident in Tampa, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, or other damages. Who will compensate you depends on the specific circumstances of the accident; it could be an insurance company or a property owner. To find out how much compensation you may be able to recover after a slip and fall accident, it is best to seek advice from a Tampa lawyer who specializes in these types of cases.

The Tampa Ryan Hughes Law Group lawyers have experience assisting clients with their slip and fall claims. Risk-free evaluations are available to determine whether they can help you with your case.

After a slip and fall accident in Tampa, you may be entitled to receive compensation for physical injury and damages. Depending on the severity of the incident and the resulting harm, some possible forms of payment could include the cost of medical treatments and recovery, lost wages due to missed workdays, or loss of future earning potential.

When constructing your case, discuss current losses and any long-term consequences that could result from the accident. 

What damages can you recover? 

Slip and fall accidents can be some of the most devastating events experienced by individuals, leaving victims with broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, and more. Ironically enough, these unsuspecting slips and falls can occur where we think we are safest - like grocery stores or workplaces – making them even more surprising when they do happen.

Understanding your legal options is essential if you are injured through a slip or fall accident. Especially since, depending on the circumstances involved, damages may be recoverable from third parties who could have taken steps to prevent the injury. 

Medical expenses

If you've been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be able to recover your medical expenses. This includes any hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and other treatment necessary for your recovery.

Lost wages

If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover your lost wages. This includes any wages you would have earned if you had not been injured and any future lost earnings if your injuries have caused a permanent disability.

Pain and suffering

You may also be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering you have endured due to your injuries. This can include both physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Permanent disability

If your injuries have caused a permanent disability, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of enjoyment of life that you have experienced as a result. This can include the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed or the need to rely on others for daily tasks.

Property damage

In some cases, you may also be able to recover damages for any property damage that occurred as a result of your accident. This can include the cost of repairing or replacing damaged clothing, eyeglasses, or other personal belongings.

Punitive damages

Sometimes, the court may award punitive damages in a slip and fall accident claim. Punitive damages punish the negligent party and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

How to prevent slip and fall accidents from happening

Among the most common kinds of accidents, those that include a slip and fall rank high. Every year, thousands of people in the United States get injuries from slips and trips that cost taxpayers millions to cure. The good news is that you can lessen the potential for slip and trip hazards around your home or company with a few basic precautions, ensuring the safety of your guests and customers. 

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Another way to prevent slip and fall accidents is to wear appropriate footwear. Shoes with smooth soles that grip the floor are ideal, as they will help to keep you from slipping. Avoid wearing shoes with high heels or open-toed shoes, as these can increase your risk of falling.

Use Caution When Walking on Slippery Surfaces

If you must walk on a slippery surface, use caution and take your time. Walk slowly and deliberately, and try to maintain a broad support base by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold onto something stable for support, such as a handrail or wall.

Take Your Time Getting Up After Falling

If you fall, take your time getting up. Trying to get up slowly can result in further injury. Instead, take a moment to assess your situation and ensure you are not injured before getting up slowly and carefully.

Seek Medical Attention if You Are Injured

If you fall and suffer an injury, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential. Even if the damage seems minor, it is always best to err on the side of caution and have it checked out by a professional

What to do if you witness a slip and fall accident

Slip and fall accidents can be severe, regardless of context or location. Such incidents are not to be taken lightly, whether in a store, on someone's private property, or at an event. While such accidents usually involve victims suffering from minor cuts and bruises, they can also have much more severe long-term ramifications that must be promptly addressed. If you witness somebody else experiencing a slip and fall accident, there are specific actions you should take to ensure their safety as well as your legal protection. 

Remain Calm

If you witness a slip-and-fall accident, it is essential to remain calm. This will help you to think clearly and take the appropriate actions.

Check for Injuries

Once you ensure everyone is safe, you should check for injuries. If anyone appears to be seriously injured, call 911 immediately.

Get the Person to a Safe Area

If the person who has fallen is not seriously injured, help them to a safe area away from the hazard that caused the fall. This will help to prevent further accidents from occurring.

Collect Information

You should collect information from witnesses and those involved in the accident. This includes names, contact information, and any details about what happened. This information will be helpful if a personal injury claim is filed.

Take Photos or Videos

If you have a camera or smartphone with you, take photos or videos of the accident scene. This can help document what happened and may be helpful evidence if a personal injury claim is filed.

Contact Ryan Hughes Law Firm today for a free consultation if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident.

Slip and fall cases are far from simple, so it's essential to seek professional legal help. Understanding the common causes of slip and fall accidents and having a clear knowledge of regulations can give you greater confidence in managing your case.

Ryan Hughes Law Firm is here to equip victims with the necessary resources to move forward with peace of mind knowing their claim is secure on solid ground. Although we appreciate the difficulty of slip and fall incidents, we always do our best to lend our expertise when asked.

Our team of experienced lawyers can assist you in seeking rightful injury compensation that reflects your unique circumstances. Contact Ryan Hughes Law Firm today for a free consultation if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident!

With our network of experts, we look forward to bringing satisfaction, awareness, and justice to all those who have unfortunately found themselves in these unfortunate positions that no one ever wished for.