Accidents Caused by Slippery Floors

Falls can happen anywhere: at home, in the workplace, on a shopping trip, or while dining at your favorite restaurant. In fact, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, injuries caused by unintentional falls were the number one reason for emergency department visits among state residents in 2019.

The National Floor Safety Institute points to hazardous floors as the leading cause of accidental falls. Most slips and falls occur on wet surfaces including snowy parking lots, recently cleaned floors, or areas where liquids have been spilled. While you can do your best to avoid falls — by wearing shoes with good traction, using handrails where available, and keeping an eye out for hazards on the floor — accidents still happen.

• Falls were the number one cause of nonfatal preventable injuries in the U.S., accounting for 33% of the total in 2020. (NSC Injury Facts)
• Falls were the third leading cause of fatal preventable injuries, accounting for 21% of the total in 2020. (NSC Injury Facts)
• “Falls, slips, trips” were the third leading cause of occupational injuries involving days away from work in 2020. (NSC Injury Facts)
• Over 6.8 million U.S. emergency room visits in 2020 were due to unintentional falls. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Accidents caused by falling on slippery surfaces can result in all types of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. The following statistics indicate the potential danger of slip and fall injuries.

• Brain Injury: Falls are the primary cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States, according to BrainLine. Falls account for nearly half of all brain injuries — more than traffic accidents, being struck by objects, and assaults combined.
• Broken Bones: Falls can cause broken bones, including wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Falls often result in sprains, strains, and tears. You may suffer a sprained ankle ligament, dislocated shoulder, or torn rotator cuff after an accidental fall.
• Disability: Falls commonly contribute to disabilities, especially among the elderly.
• Death: Falls killed over 42,000 people in 2020, according to NSC Injury Facts.

Business owners in Massachusetts have a duty to make sure their premises are free of hazards — and that includes their floors. Businesses should clean up all spills immediately, keep floors free of clutter, clear parking lots of snow and ice, and maintain their flooring in good condition. If you suffered a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may qualify for financial compensation. Contacting a skilled local personal injury attorney is an important first step.

At Altman & Altman LLP, our experienced Boston slip and fall lawyers can help you obtain compensation for medical treatments, lost days of work, disability, and even the wrongful death of a loved one. If you suffered a slip and fall injury at work, we can also help you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. Contact us today for your free consultation with a Boston slip and fall accident lawyer.