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Slips, trips and falls remain the most common causes of accidental injury for adults.  According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 6.4 million people over the age of 25 are injured in a slip, trip or fall accident annually. These accidents should not be taken lightly as they can be debilitating. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) reports that slip and fall accidents account for over 300,000 disabling injuries each year. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. They can also cause back injuries, sprains, contusions, fractures, paralysis, and fatalities. 

For the person who slips, trips or falls, there are more than the monetary costs involved. Depending on the severity of the injury, the quality of life may be impacted by pain, temporary or permanent disability, and/or depression. 

According to Florida Record, a woman in Clearwater, Florida filed a complaint on August 17, 2017 in the Pinellas County Circuit Court, alleging that McDonalds failed to provide a safe environment for its patrons. The complaint alleged she slipped and fell on a puddle of water that was left on the floor, causing her to suffer bodily injury, pain, suffering and the aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The plaintiff is holding McDonalds responsible for allegedly failing to properly warn its guests of the dangerous condition, properly drying the floor after mopping, and for allegedly failing to maintain a safe premises. 

Leading causes of slip, trip and fall accidents: 

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, 55 percent of all slip and fall accidents are caused by hazardous walking surfaces. Restaurant and store customer injuries occur, according to the National Retail Federation, because of:

• Liquids spilled onto the floor and aisle obstructions
• Faulty staircases, elevators, and escalators
• Merchandise falling from shelves
• Cuts from jagged shelves and showcases
• Revolving and slamming door breakdowns
• Insufficient lighting in parking lots 

What to do after a slip and fall accident? 

Fort Myers Slip and Fall Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey says, “The first thing to do is get medical attention. A slip and fall victim will need a professional diagnosis of any injuries which may have been caused by the fall. Obtain documentation of when and how the accident happened, and the identity of any witnesses. It is also important to file an accident report with the business and to notify the manager. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene.” 

Who can be held liable for slip, trip and fall accidents? 

According to OSHA, “9 out of 10 customer accidents result from some form of negligence.” 

Slip and fall injuries are considered personal injuries covered under premises liability. Under premises liability, the property owners are legally bound to maintain the property in a safe condition. Should a property owner fail to do so and an individual sustains injuries, the owner may be liable. These cases hinge on whether the property owner knew, or should have known, that there was a hazard before there was an injury and was not sufficiently diligent in remedying the condition and/or providing proper notice of the hazard(s). 

“If injured in a slip, trip or fall accident, contact the experienced team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. for a no-cost consultation,” said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Slip & Fall Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.