According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly 9 million Americans were treated in emergency rooms for unintentional falls in 2009, making it the leading cause of all visits to the hospital. Nearly one million of the emergency room visits were caused by slips and falls. The CDC website states that many people accept slip and fall injuries as fate or part of life, but the organization adds that most accidents resulting in injury, death or disability “are predictable and therefore preventable.”
While people slip and fall every day, some accidents may be the result of negligence or carelessness on the part of the property owner. All business and property owners have a legal requirement to provide safely maintained premises. Retail stores, hotels, grocery stores and even hospitals are particularly susceptible to patrons slipping and falling.
A 2011 study released by CAN and the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) identified the top five causes for slip-and-fall accidents in businesses as: lack of slip resistance on walking surfaces, improper floor maintenance, poor walking surface conditions and poor visibility. NFSI found that “slips and falls in public places are far and away the leading cause of premises liability injuries,” in the United States.
Many times, businesses will place a yellow “Wet Floor” tent on floors that have just been mopped to alert customers of potentially slippery conditions. Unfortunately, these warning objects do not cover the entire wet area leaving customers and employees to guess where they can safely walk.
With older adults being particularly prone to slip-and-fall accidents, and with a high population of older adults retiring to the Sunshine State, this type of warning is not acceptable. CDC found that one in three adults age 65 and older falls each year. Of those that fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries that make it hard for them to get around or live independently, and increase their risk of early death.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s website identifies slips, trips, and falls as the cause of the majority of general industry accidents. The group further states that these accidents cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.
The cost of medical expenses related to falls is tremendous and leaves many of the injured and their families wondering how to cover the cost of their recovery. According to the CDC, by 2020, the annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $54.9 billion.
The CAN/NFSI study found that claims from slip-and-fall injuries result in significant compensation payouts to injured parties. Our slip-and-fall injury attorneys believe that with the serious injuries that can result from negligent business owners they should be held accountable, and it is appropriate that they provide compensation to the injured.
Contact a Knowledgeable South Florida Slip and Fall Attorney
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to talk to a knowledgeable South Florida premises liability lawyer. I am attorney Philip DeBerard. For more than three decades, I have focused my legal practice on representing victims of slip and falls and serious accidents caused by the negligence of others. My legal skill has received the highest AV preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the most recognized national legal directory.
The law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, will evaluate your slip and fall case at no charge and offer guidance. If we go to work for you, we will not charge any attorney fee unless we secure compensation for you. We represent victims of premises liability accidents and slip and fall injuries in Stuart, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Palm Beach and Vero Beach.
Call 888-733-5659 to speak with a respected Florida premises liability attorney, or fill out our online contact form.
