Unfortunately, slips and falls happen. Sometimes they are through no one’s fault but your own clumsy two feet…but sometimes they are caused by negligence on the part of another person or business. Since the consequences of taking a bad spill can add up (chronic pain, time missing work, medical bills, etc.), it’s important to talk to a slip and fall attorney to find out your options so you’re not left high and dry.
Here are some slip and fall statistics about who falls and where they fall that are good to know and may inspire you to take legal action.
Who Has Slip and Fall Accidents?
Here are some slip and fall statistics regarding who is most likely to experience an accident:
- The National Floor Safety Institute says more women than men will experience a slip and fall accident, but fall fatalities are nearly equally divided.
- The National Safety Council stated that in 2013, over 47,000 workers were injured badly enough by a fall to require days off of work and 595 workers died because of one. Construction workers are most at risk of death via fall. As far as injuries go, many industries are at risk, but perhaps surprisingly, workers in government, education, and health services lead the list.
- More than one in four people over 65 years old will experience a fall. Also, over 60% of nursing home residents fall each year. According to the CDC in 2005, more than 15,000 people this age died as a result, making it the leading cause of injuries and death from injury. Falls also account for half of all deaths that occur at home, meaning it can happen to anyone.
What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents?
Regarding what causes slip and fall accidents, the most common reasons are:
- Home hazards such as broken or uneven steps and throw rugs or other clutter that can be tripped over.
- At work, employees slipping on slick floors is attributed to 85% of worker’s compensation claims. Many other falls involve unsafe ladder practices or damaged equipment.
- Use of medicines such as tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants, or even over-the-counter medications can affect balance.
Hire an Expert Slip and Fall Attorney
If you have been injured by a slip and fall and have incurred pain, trauma, time away from work, and a pile of medical bills, please contact Ahlander Injury Law to schedule a free initial consultation with our expert slip and fall attorney.