Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States. Every year, fall injuries account for over 8 million visits to the ER. While a slip and fall accident can happen in your own home, often, these cases happen on another owner’s property and are subject to premises liability.

If you are injured on someone else’s property, such as a store, an office building, or even someone else’s residential property, you have a right to file a personal injury claim to receive compensation. However, proving fault in a slip and fall can be tricky. It is often necessary with these types of cases to consult an experienced slip and fall personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you build a strong case against the guilty party to ensure you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.

Common Hazards That Lead to Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including sidewalks, grocery stores, malls, hotels, sporting facilities, office buildings, schools, residential properties, and more. Indiana premises liability holds property owners responsible for injuries that occur on their property. However, proving fault requires proof that the owner knew about the potential hazard that caused the accident and did not take reasonable measures to deal with it.

Common hazards that result in slip and fall injuries include the following:

• Stairwells: Steps and stairwells that are steep or lack a proper railing or hand-holds can be a hazard, especially for those who don’t have good balance or strength in their muscles.
• Uneven/cracked flooring or pavement: Sidewalks, parking lots, and interior floors that are uneven or have cracks or holes are a common reason for trips and falls.
• Liquid and oil spills: If someone spills something on the floor like a drink or if oil splashes while cooking, the slick texture of the floor can cause someone to slip and fall.
• Recently mopped or waxed floors: After the floors have been mopped or even waxed, signage should be put out as a precaution. However, even with signs, people can still lose their footing and slip.
• Cluttered floors: Spaces with objects cluttering the floors are a tripping hazard. If there is no clear and safe pathway, someone can easily trip and fall on things like merchandise, boxes, or even toys in a home.
• Loose carpeting or rugs: Carpeting that is not properly secured or area rugs that do not have grip mats underneath can also cause someone to trip and fall.
• Cords: Loose cords, especially those crossing a heavily trafficked area or walkway, can easily cause someone to trip and fall.
• Icy pavement: Icy outdoor steps and icy pavement are major contributing factors in slip and fall accidents in areas that experience freezing temperatures during the winter.
• Poor lighting: If someone is trying to navigate an area they are unfamiliar with in low lighting, they can easily lose their footing and fall. Poorly lit stairwells are especially dangerous.

Slip and Fall Accidents: Who is Most at Risk?

Though anyone can suffer a severe injury after a slip and fall depending on the circumstances, age and overall health of the individual can play a part as well. Elderly individuals, for example,  are at especially high risk of experiencing slips and falls and suffering severe and even fatal injuries.

The following risk factors can increase a person’s chances of experiencing a slip and fall:

• Weak muscles, especially in the lower body
• Balance, stability, and coordination issues
• Brittle bones
• Medications that cause dizziness
• Vision impairments
• Foot pain that impairs one’s ability to walk
• Footwear such as those with slippery soles or high heels

Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery — Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

If you or someone you love have been injured in a slip and fall accident, the experts at Poynter & Bucheri can help. No matter how minor the incident, if you slip and injure yourself on someone else’s property, you have a right to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. While proving fault in these types of cases can be tricky, it is not impossible. We can help you gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case so you can rest easy knowing you’ll get the compensation you deserve.

Don’t hesitate — one of our experienced attorneys can assist you right away. Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.