slip and fall wet floor sign

Everything You Need to Know About Slip and Fall Accidents

The most well-known type of personal injury case is a slip and fall accident. This can happen on another person’s property or public property, like grocery stores and government buildings. You may be wondering what the most common causes of slip and falls are and what you should do after you are injured in this type of accident, and how to recover compensation. Keep reading to learn everything you could possibly need to know about slip and fall accidents.

Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

While there are hundreds of scenarios that could be classified as slip and falls, we want to share some of the most common causes of these types of accidents with you.

Wet Surfaces

slip and fall caution signThe most common cause of slip and falls are wet surfaces. Of course, we’ve all seen the bright yellow plastic signs facilities set out after mopping or when something has spilled or leaked. However, wet surfaces are still one of the leading causes of personal injuries.

Uneven Surfaces

While you hope public areas are safe to walk through, that’s not always the cause. Sometimes there are broken or loose floorboards, torn carpet, clutter, or uneven construction that can cause people to fall and hurt themselves.

Inclement Weather

Hazardous conditions that can cause accidents are possible from rain, ice, and snow. It is up to the owner of the property or municipalities to ensure walkways are cleared, salted, or dried.

Being on the Job

Certain jobs create environments where slip and fall accidents are more likely to occur. It is up to your employer to ensure all potential hazards are handled.

What to Do if You Slip and Fall

accident reportThe next important thing you should know about slip and fall accidents is what to do if you are involved in one.

If you are able, document the scene. You should take photos of where you fell and any spills, debris, or conditions that could have caused your fall. You should also try to speak to any witnesses and get their information.

Once you’ve documented everything, you should file an official report where you fell, especially if it is a business. They may have paperwork for you to fill out or another procedure they will want you to follow. You should also write down all of the details you remember, because you may not remember them later.

The most important thing you should do if you’ve fallen is to receive prompt medical attention. Even if you think your injuries are minor, they could turn into a major injury in the future. This could include making an appointment with your primary care physician or having someone call 911 right after you fall.

How to Recover Compensation

After you’ve slipped and fallen, you may be wondering how you can receive compensation for your injuries. The best course of action is to contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. These experts will be able to help you navigate the complicated process of a personal injury case and recommend what you should do next.

Have you been in a slip and fall accident? Reach out to one of our personal injury lawyers today to discuss your case.