Slip and fall accidents happen frequently in Florida, but just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous. In fact, many people don’t realize just how severe these types of accidents can be – and why.
If you’re ever involved in a slip and fall, it’s something you should take seriously. Everyone should fully understand the dangers these types of accidents can pose to anyone and what you can do if they happen to you.
The Danger of Slipping and Falling in Florida
Many people don’t take slip and fall accidents seriously, but it is always possible to suffer major injury. In particular, children and older people should worry about what can happen if they are involved in one.
Young kids don’t have bones as strong as older children and often are more accident-prone due to their inability to comprehend how dangerous a situation might be.
Older people, too, are prone to slip and fall accidents. They often suffer them due to poor vision, issues with flexibility, physical weakness, or problems with balance. For the elderly, a fall can mean a slow road to recovery.
Additionally, while adolescents, teens, and adults may be better coordinated and have more solid bones, if they hit their heads or damage their spine, they can suffer catastrophic injuries from a slip and fall as well.
What Causes Florida Slips and Falls?
The truth is that a slip and fall accident can happen anywhere. Some of the most common reasons for slip and fall accidents include:
Wet Floors
Floors that are wet are slippery, and that can lead to a lot of accidents. Leaks, spills, or even cleaning products can make floors slippery and dangerous to walk on. When you’re in a building, the management should put up signs to alert people to these conditions. If they don’t, you may have a liability case.
Clutter
Cluttered walking paths can be more difficult to traverse safely. This creates a high risk for an accident that could lead to severe injuries. Property owners must ensure that pathways are clear of clutter and keep them clean, or tripping hazards can lead to injuries.
Problems with Stairs
Unrailed or uneven stairs are another issue that can lead to accidents. Landlords and other property owners must keep stairs up to code, and safety rails should be on every staircase. Additionally, non-slip materials should be used to make stairs so that accidents don’t occur.
Poor Lighting
Buildings have to be lit well – in all areas. Poor lighting can lead to falls that result in serious injury. If you fell in an area that wasn’t properly lit, you may be able to sue the property owner who is responsible for maintaining the area.
Loose Flooring
Loose carpeting or floorboards is another major cause of slip and fall accidents. Anyone who owns property must ensure that damaged flooring is repaired.
If you’ve been the victim of a slip and fall and the cause was negligence on the part of the property owner, you may be able to sue to cover your medical costs and other damages. Seek the help of an experienced attorney to represent you.
About the Author:
Andrew Winston is a partner at the personal injury law firm Winston Law. For over 20 years, he has successfully represented countless people in all personal injury cases, focusing on child injury, legal malpractice, and premises liability. He has been recognized for excellence in representing injured clients by admission to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and named one of America’s Top 100 High-Stakes Litigators. Mr. Winston is AV Preeminent Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, enjoys a 10.0 rating by AVVO as a Top Personal Injury Attorney, and has been selected as a Florida “SuperLawyer” from 2011-2022– an honor reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the state – was voted to Florida Trend’s ”Legal Elite,” recognized by Expertise as one of the 20 Best Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys, named one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the Miami area for 2015-2022, and one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida for 2015-2017 and 2019-2022.
