It is true that many slip and fall accidents are just that: Accidents that no one could have predicted. However, many are indeed preventable situations in which someone had a duty of care and did not meet it. If that is the case, then the victim may be eligible for compensation for their slip and fall injury. Keep reading to learn more or call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation.
It is Not Your Imagination: Slip and Fall Accidents Are Becoming More Common
Many people have reported that they feel that slip and fall accidents – especially
fatal accidents, have been on the rise. This is more than your imagination – it is a fact. Today the three most common causes of unintentional death are motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, and overdose or poisoning.
There are a few reasons for this increase, including the fact that there is a larger population of older Americans than there has ever been before. Our elderly population is more likely to fall as they get older and their balance suffers. When they do fall, they are more likely to suffer serious injury because of their weakened bones and poor health.
That said, note that it is not just the elderly being injured in slip and fall accidents. A study from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control found that unintentional falls were the top cause of nonfatal injury in 2015 among almost all age groups, with the single exception being the 15 – 24 age group. In that year alone, there were more than nine million slip and fall injuries in the United States.
Another Issue: Steps Are Not Being Taken to Prevent Preventable Accidents
The truth of the matter is that companies and the people who work for them often do not meet even the most basic standards of safety – which can leave their customers vulnerable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and found that more than 60% of same-level injuries involved the service, wholesale, or retail industry.
Slip and Fall Accidents Are Common at Home Too
Of course, it not just at businesses that a person is at risk of tripping and falling. The National Safety Council notes that falling in the home is one of the leady causes of injury-related death in America. They recommended that people remember to keep drawers closed when they are not in use, to use non-slip mats in the bathroom, and to not leave wet areas.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident and believe that another party may be at fault, we recommend you contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. We are standing by to help you find the best way forward.
