Slip-and-fall accidents send more people to the emergency room than any other type of incident. While you may imagine that these accidents create only minor injuries, they can create long-term disabilities and can be fatal. If you have been a victim of a slip-and-fall accident on an Indiana property or workplace, keep these facts in mind.
Causes of slip-and-fall accidents
Many slip and fall accidents occur due to negligence of the property owner. Common causes include:
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Wet walking surfaces
- Debris or hazards on the floor
- Unstable stairs or ladders
- Lack of handrails
- Uncleared snow and ice
- Poor work training
- Nursing home neglect
Premises liability
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, you may be considering legal action. In order to proceed with a lawsuit, you will need to prove that the property owner violated their duty of care. Premises liability refers to the owner’s legal responsibility for injuries that occur on their property. Property owners violate their responsibilities when they become aware of unsafe conditions on their property and refuse to fix them.
Workplace slip-and-fall accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents account for more than 200,000 non-fatal workplace accidents every year. An additional 900 workplace deaths occur due to slip-and-fall accidents every year. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed seeking appropriate compensation.
Long-term effects of slip-and-fall accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents may decrease your quality of life severely and create financially devastating medical bills. You may experience chronic pain, disability, and an inability to return to the workforce. Many victims of slip-and-fall accidents pursue legal options to help pay for long-term therapies and medical treatments that resulted.