Insider Scoop on Slip and Fall Accidents

It is always useful to check out the perspective of the other side in any injury litigation dispute. For instance, the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) does research on the prevention of slip and fall accidents — for the benefit of flooring supply and maintenance companies and the insurance companies that represent them. For businesses that cater to public visitors, the compensation costs for slip and fall accidents are huge.

The NFSI compiled the following statistics on slip and fall accidents:

• Emergency rooms treat one million slip and fall injuries per year
• Majority (60 percent) of falls occur on flat surfaces
• Falls are second-leading cause of injury-related fatalities for those aged 65 to 85
• Falls are second-leading cause of brain and spinal cord injury in those over 65
• Half of those over 65 who sustain a hip fracture after a fall cannot live independently
• 85% of worker compensation claims involve slip and falls on slippery floors
• Unsafe flooring responsible for two million injuries annually

Unsafe flooring can include loose tiles or carpeting, uneven surfaces or slippery or wet floors. After installation, flooring must be properly cleaned and maintained. Public premises must also take reasonable measures to safeguard against ice or snow during the winter. There should also be adequate lighting and handrails.

We applaud the efforts of the NFSI to educate their clients on better floor safety, as we have represented many clients who suffered devastating injuries after a slip and fall caused by the negligence of the property owner.