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Common causes of slip and fall injuries

On Behalf of | Oct 12, 2021 | Personal Injury

A slip and fall may take place so unexpectedly that you have little time to protect yourself. At a moment’s notice, your life can change. Serious and debilitating injuries are probable, and so is a lengthy recovery, rehabilitation and missed work. But what led to your slip and fall?

Many contributing factors led to your injuries. It could be an icy sidewalk, a wet floor, torn carpet or a pothole. However, the common denominator among these scenarios is a negligent property owner or landlord who will subsequently face the legal consequences heading their way.

Wet surfaces and weather conditions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 20% of falls lead to serious injuries such as bone fractures and head injuries. In addition, more than 800,000 people annually receive hospital treatment for fall-related injuries, most often head injuries and hip fractures.

Here are some of the most common causes of slips and falls:

  • Uneven surfaces: The list may include defective sidewalks and walkways as well as potholes in parking lots and parking ramps.
  • Wet and slippery surfaces: Liquid and oil spills along with moisture collection on floors are a major hazard. Recently waxed or mopped floors also can lead to a slip and fall injury, many of which occur in retail stores.
  • Torn carpets, loose mats and floorboards: Disrepair and inattention are at the root of these problems.
  • Ill-constructed staircases: Uneven steps or missing steps can lead to a serious injury. Also, missing handrails may play contributing factors as well.
  • Weather conditions: Wintertime brings plenty of snow and ice to Connecticut walkways and parking lots, representing a hazard for pedestrians.
  • Poor lighting and poor housekeeping: Dimly lit hallways, stairways, parking lots and parking ramps hinder a person’s vision. Cluttered floors also can prove hazardous.
  • Negligent property owners or landlords: Yes, they contributed to the slip and fall by not paying better attention to their properties and focusing on protecting the public.

Confronting this unwanted change

Any of these hazards can lead to a serious slip and fall injury, leading to abrupt and unwanted change in your life. The circumstances that led to your injury were out of your control. Liability often lies squarely on the shoulders of property owners. In these situations, you must advocate for yourself.

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