Every year, slip and fall accidents contribute to a huge number of accidents in the United States and are the sole reason for over one million emergency room visits. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere– from schools and colleges to grocery stores and other businesses. These accidents can result in a range of injuries, such as broken bones, bruises, bumps, etc.
If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to someone’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your damages. However, you may be surprised to know that slip and fall accidents are among the most avoidable accidents. This means that one can avoid getting hurt if one takes preventative measures. To get legal help, consult a slip and fall lawyer in Jersey City today.
Why are slip-and-fall accidents the most avoidable ones?
- Wet and uneven surfaces can be fixed if the authorities take quick action.
A significant number of slip-and-fall accidents occur due to wet and uneven surfaces. Walking on such surfaces can be dangerous and injure a person greatly. It is sad to know that these accidents constitute about 55% of mishaps in the United States when the authorities can prevent them with quick action. As soon as someone notices a hazard, it should be reported and fixed immediately. They should also put up a warning sign indicating danger until it is fixed.
- People should be more careful during bad weather.
Of course, no one can control nature and weather conditions. However, just because bad weather increases the risk of an accident does not mean you cannot take steps to lower the risks. For example, let us say that you slipped in a wet parking lot after a night of snowfall. While the wet parking lot was the weather’s fault, you could certainly wear proper footwear to avoid falling. The bottom line is prevention is better than cure.
- Nursing home staff should be more careful.
A huge number of slip, trip, and fall accidents occur at nursing homes. The impact of the falls is even greater because most occupants are older. Such accidents usually happen due to the negligence of the nursing home staff.
Unfortunately, many of the injuries that older people acquire in these accidents are life-threatening and permanent, causing great distress to them and their family members. Most of these accidents can be prevented if the patients are monitored properly.
