Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Every year, thousands of Canadians are hospitalized as a result of a slip, trip or fall. It doesn’t take much – a loose cable or a frayed carpet is the difference between a safe environment and a potentially hazardous situation.
For those who are injured through no fault of their own, there is the option of pursuing a personal injury claim. This allows you to recover compensation for the damage you have suffered through no fault of your own.
Here, we explore some of the most common causes of slips, trips and falls.
What are the most common sources of slips, trips and falls?
Some of the most common causes of slip, trip and fall accidents include:
1. Wet floors
Spillages, recently mopped floors and rain water that’s been dragged inside: these are all times when a wet floor might pose a hazard to the general public. Wet floors that cannot be avoided should be signposted, warning the public to proceed with caution.
Lots of our slip and fall cases involve wet floors. For example, we acted for a client who slipped and fell on wet carpeting while at a business establishment. The carpets had been cleaned the evening before during closing hours, but still hadn’t dried. No warning signs were put out.
In another case, we acted for a man who slipped and fell down an exterior staircase that was wet and slippery. He fractured several ribs and required surgery. We settled his claim against the strata council and the townhouse owner for $120,000.
2. Uneven flooring
Uneven flooring can take pedestrians by surprise, whether it’s a pothole, a raised paving slab or a broken curb. Frayed and broken carpets can have a similar effect, causing someone to trip when they least expect it.
3. Snow and ice
Slips on snow and ice are very common during the winter months in Canada. The occupier of a property has a legal duty to make public areas safe, including shoveling snow and salting sidewalks.
4. Loose wires, cables and other obstacles
Loose wires, cables and other obstacles (such as trash, debris and boxes) should be tidied away to avoid a trip hazard. Other environmental factors may contribute towards an accident, such as poor lighting or unsafe practices.
5. Unsafe stairs
Stairs might be deemed unsafe for any number of reasons, be it a lack of a handrail, broken planks, or warped steps. Accidents can also happen if the staircase is wet and slippery, does not have anti-slip material, or does not have reflective safety tape.
We settled a case in which our client fell down an outdoor staircase which was missing a plank. He fractured his arm and suffered psychological trauma. He was also unable to return to his previous job. We resolved his claim for $225,000.
6. Poor safety practices
We acted for a client who fell into an open crawlspace that had been left open by a service technician. We settled her case for $180,000. This is just one example of how poor safety practices can lead to a slip and fall accident.
7. Nursing home neglect
The elderly are particularly vulnerable to slips and falls. Nursing home staff should implement best practices to prevent such accidents from happening. This includes installing the right aids and monitoring patients closely.
8. Other
There are countless other ways in which a slip, trip or fall accident might happen. Have you ever tripped over a small step in a doorway? Or slipped on a recently polished floor? Or fallen down some steps because of poor lighting? There are many other examples besides these.
What are the most common slip and fall injuries?
Some of the most common injuries that arise following a slip, trip or fall accident include:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Head trauma
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Wrist injuries
- Knee injuries
- Psychological trauma
Have you had a slip, trip or fall accident?
Have you been injured in a slip, trip or fall accident through no fault of your own? Or has your loved one? Contact us at John Mickelson Law Corporation. We have extensive experience in slip and fall claims. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
To speak to our Vancouver personal injury lawyers, either fill in the free online enquiry form or call us on 604 684 0040.
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