Are Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents More Common During the Holidays?
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), fall accidents account for over eight million ER visits, with 12% of total falls being slipping accidents. Slip, trip, and fall accidents can happen anywhere and anytime, but they do tend to happen more often during the fall and winter months. The increase in slip and fall accidents during colder months is due to several factors.
Common causes of autumn and winter slip, trip, and fall accidents:
- Water, ice, and snow on walkways
- Decreased visibility as days get darker
- Poor lighting on pathways
- Pathways may be obscured by debris, such as fallen leaves
- More pedestrian traffic, especially in retail areas
- Objects left on walkways, such as palettes of goods waiting to be restocked
- Substances spilled on walkways, such as a spilled drink on a movie theater floor
- Other dangerous conditions
During the holiday season, it is also important to consider the impact of increased foot traffic on slip, trip, and fall accident rates. As people get out to do their holiday shopping, stores are crowded, sidewalks are more difficult to navigate, and you are more likely to encounter obstacles.
Injuries Associated with Slip & Fall Accidents
Did you know that slip and fall accident injuries can be incredibly serious? Too often, people minimize slip, trip, and fall accident injuries because they don’t seem like a big deal. However, a simple fall can leave someone with broken bones, serious back and neck problems, and even brain injuries.
Common slip and fall injuries include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Concussions
- Fractures
- Joint injuries, including knees and ankles
- Spine and neck injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
We recommend seeking medical attention immediately if you have been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident. Many injuries can go initially undetected as swelling can mask symptoms of more serious injuries. This can especially be the case with muscle strains and fractures. Similarly, some conditions, such as concussions, cannot always be detected without the help of a medical professional.
Never dismiss your injuries after a falling accident; you are always better off safe than sorry.
Should You File a Personal Injury Claim?
After an injury, you may be unsure how to proceed. If you require medical attention or are seriously injured, you may be dealing with expensive medical bills and time off of work. This can create serious financial instability for you and your loved ones. At a time when you should be focused on healing, you may be experiencing extreme distress as you try and figure out how to support yourself and your family. In cases like these, it may be worth speaking with a personal injury attorney to determine your options.
If your accident occurred while you were on someone else’s property, such as inside a retail store or on a city sidewalk, and the accident was due to another party’s negligence, you may have grounds to file a premises liability lawsuit and recover compensation for your injuries.
You may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical treatment
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Disability-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
The first step in determining if you have grounds to file a personal injury claim is identifying who is liable for your accident. From there, you can, with the help of your lawyer, decide if filing a claim is in your best interests.
At Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices, we have extensive experience managing slip and fall cases, and we can use our experience to advise you with your case. Contact us online to schedule a consultation.