Every year, over eight million people are taken to the emergency room after a bad fall. Women, especially if they are older, are more apt to fall than men and fractures are the most serious injuries, affecting about one person in twenty who falls.
In the workplace, falls are not the reason for most of the fatalities; however, they account for the highest number of lost work days. Chronic back injuries resulting from a fall is one of the common reasons for being unable to work.
Snow and Ice
It would be difficult to find someone living in Massachusetts who has not slipped and fallen on ice. In 2010, the court ruled that a property owner has the same obligations to lawful visitors for snow and ice hazards as they owe for other hazards on the property. A property owner must act in a reasonable manner, be aware of the possibility of someone being injured in a fall, and take action to avoid the risk. This means that property owner can be liable if they don’t shovel, salt the ice or take other precautions to protect visitors.
Flooring Choices
Flooring accounts for about one out of four slip and fall accidents. If a store chooses to use vinyl tiles, for example, and polishes and buffs the flooring to a high sheen, they could be held liable for falls even if they post a warning on a rainy day. Similarly, if a landlord is negligent about maintaining the carpet on stairs and was notified of the dangerous condition, they would be responsible for injuries.
The Most Common Causes of Accidental Falls
* Wet or uneven surfaces are the cause of 55% of accidental falls. This would include potholes, uneven sidewalks, problematic stairs, loose floorboards or over-waxed floors.
* Weather is responsible for many, especially snow and ice.
* Job-related falls are often caused by untrained workers or inadequate safety equipment.
* Neglect in nursing homes accounts for many serious falls to older individuals.
The law office of Bruce S. Raphel PC has over 20 years of experience in fighting for victims of fall accidents in Brockton. He will not leave you hanging but work with you and keep you informed throughout the case. Contact the office to discuss legal options for slip and fall accidents in Brockton.
