How to Prevent Slips and Falls

Slip-and-fall accidents, also known as “trip-and-falls,” are some of Arizona’s most common premises liability cases. These types of accidents are the leading cause of emergency room visits from accidental injuries in the United States, accounting for around one million visits each year.

Statistics from the National Safety Council show that these types of accidents were responsible for more than 6.8 million emergency room visits in 2020. They are responsible for a quarter of all injury-related deaths. While 40% of slip-and-fall accidents are due to falls on the same level, meaning the victim does not have a change in elevation, 60% are due to falls on different levels. In 2020, 33% of all non-fatal injuries were due to a fall.

Slip-and-fall accidents are often caused by unsafe conditions or hazardous obstacles that the owner or operator of the property should have known about or fixed before an accident occurred. As a result, Arizona residents who suffer a slip-and-fall due to negligence may be able to pursue legal action against the owner or operator of the premises.

What Is a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

A slip-and-fall accident is a type of personal injury that occurs when someone slips, trips, or falls due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. A wide range of dangerous conditions, such as spills, loose or cracked pavement, torn carpeting, tangled cords, inadequate lighting, or icy walkways can cause slip-and-fall accidents. These accidents often cause serious injuries, such as broken bones, back injuries, and head trauma, depending on the severity of the fall.

If you have been involved in a slip-and-fall accident, the property owner or the person responsible for the property may be held liable for your injuries. To prove the property owner’s liability for a slip-and-fall accident, you must demonstrate that the property owner either created the dangerous condition, knew of the condition and did not take steps to correct it, or should have known about the condition due to reasonable care of the property and did nothing to address it.

It’s also important to note that slip-and-fall accidents are not always the fault of the property owner. In some cases, the circumstances of the slip-and-fall may be wholly or partially your fault. Examples of this can include when you are careless and not paying attention to a slippery surface or when the property owner clearly alerts you of a potentially hazardous condition with signs or warnings.

In order to better protect your rights and recover the compensation you are entitled to following a slip-and-fall accident, it is important to seek out the counsel of an Arizona slip-and-fall personal injury lawyer. We will assess the facts of your case and the applicable laws to determine fault and the proper steps to take and ensure that you are appropriately compensated for any injuries you may have sustained.

Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents?

Slip-and-fall accidents are some of the most common types of accidents that occur in public or private areas. These types of accidents can be catastrophic and lead to serious physical, emotional, and financial losses for the injured party. While some slip-and-fall accidents are unpredictable, many are caused by hazardous conditions or obstacles in a certain area. Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents may include:

• Poor Lighting. Low visibility can often contribute to slip-and-fall accidents and can be caused by poor lighting or damaged or broken light fixtures. People may not see potential hazards without appropriate lighting, leading to slips or trips.
• Uneven or Slippery Surfaces. Uneven surfaces or surfaces that are slippery or not in good condition can be a common cause of slip-and-fall accidents. Most businesses have a responsibility to ensure that their walking surfaces are safe and free from obstacles or hazards.
• Objects in Walking Areas. Leaving objects in the path of travelers is a leading cause of slip-and-fall accidents. Businesses must ensure that any objects or clutter are clear from walkways and passages.
• Poor Weather. Inclement weather, including heavy rains, snow, or ice, can cause slippery or uneven surfaces and contribute to slip-and-fall accidents. The property owner is responsible for warning guests of any indoor or outdoor hazards when bad weather is anticipated.

These are some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents in Arizona. These types of accidents can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences, and if you’ve been injured, it’s important to take immediate action to ensure your rights to receive compensation are protected.

Steps to Take to Prevent Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents can have serious consequences on a person’s life. They can lead to financial costs, physical pain, and emotional distress. To reduce the risk of devastating accidents, it’s important to learn how to prevent slips and falls.

First, ensure that all walking surfaces are free of debris, such as wet spills, food, or other objects. Surfaces should also be even and dry, and any transitions between different surfaces, such as carpets and tile, should be clearly indicated. When walking, it’s important to keep an eye out on walking surfaces to make sure that they are not cracked or damaged. Additionally, any other problems that may cause increased slipping, such as wax build-up or soapy residues on floors, should be cleaned and dried.

Next, to improve visibility on the walking surface by making sure that there is enough ambient light, installing additional lights, or placing reflectors in low-lighting areas. Additionally, floor-level obstacles such as boxes and cords should be avoided, and in cases of long cords, these should be taped to the ground and clearly marked.

Finally, appropriate footwear should be worn when walking on potentially slippery surfaces. Shoes with leather soles and heels should be avoided, and shoes with appropriate tread should be used instead. Non-slip or anti-slip devices should also be installed or used on employee working surfaces.

How Can Torgenson Law Help in Your Slip-and-Fall Case?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to the negligence of others, be sure to reach out to Torgenson Law personal injury attorneys for a free and confidential case review. We can assess your injuries and determine the best path forward for appropriate compensation for your pain and suffering. Call us today at 602-726-0747 to get started on your case.

Related Pages

• Arizona Slip-and-Fall Laws
• Slip-And-Fall Settlements Without Surgery