The average person takes approximately 8,000 steps per day. However: it only takes one slip to destroy a life. While no one ever expects slips and falls, Robert J. DeBry and Associates know they can happen and will happen. While having a personal injury attorney may not be the first thing someone is thinking of after a scary slip or fall, it should be addressed as soon as possible. Common questions such as who is liable or is it your personal liability are frequently asked. Below some common statistics and questions will be laid out to give a clearer picture.
Slips
If a liquid is spilled in a store and the area isn’t marked, or an employee does not clean the area, you may slip and suffer an injury. Employees and store owners must address spills, lay down mats, and maintain proper draining.
Falls
These happen the most frequently and can be the most impacting. Fall fatalities are close to equally divided between men and women. However, women are more likely to experience a slip-and-fall accident. 5% of individuals fracture themselves after a fall, with hip fractures being the most serious (they lead to the most significant health problems and most number of deaths). After the age of 65, 1 in every three people will experience a fall. This is why it is extremely important to use caution when in elevated areas, and if at all possible, seek help. This does not mean falls are exclusive to the elderly. Slips and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims. Total injuries due to falls are approximately $13-14 million per year in the United States. This is why businesses should follow proper safety protocols for both employees and customers.
Trips
Examples of tripping hazards include unsecured chords, rugs, and dropped items. For example, you visit a store: it is dark outside, and the lights are poorly lit – inside, you injure yourself on a tripping hazard, who is at fault? Hiring a personal injury attorney can answer this question and many more.