The Basics Of Slip And Fall Accidents

Slip and Fall

Slip and fall accident is a case of personal injury and is one of the types of "fall down" accidents. This type of accident is caused by a hazardous or dangerous condition which often occur within someone elses premises.

Recent statistics showed that more than 8 million people who were injured in slip and fall-related accidents.

Types of Falls

There are two types of falls, the elevated falls and the same-level falls.

1.Elevated Falls

Elevated falls do not often occur but the severity of injuries resulting from such falls is high.

More than 60% of these elevated falls are from 10 feet or less.

The following are some examples of elevated falls:

Falls on stairs

Falls from ladders

Falls from equipments

Falls from vehicles

Falls from loading docks

2.Same-Level Falls

This type of fall often occurs in accidents and the severity of its resulting injuries is usually low.

Same-level falls occur when an individual strikes an object during the fall or hits a working or walking surface.

Below are some examples of same-level falls:

Slip and Fall

Slip and fall is the most common among the same-level falls. This happens when an individual slips in a slippery surface. It can also be caused by wearing the wrong kind of footwear.

There are two types of slips:

Occurs when the front foot slips forward, making the person fall backward

Happens when the heel of the forward foot gets into contact with the walking surface

Step and Fall

Step and fall has two types:

Happens when a person steps forward or down and the outside or inside part of the foot lands on a surface or objects that is higher than the other side. This makes the ankle turn and that person will probably fall sideways or forward.

Occurs when the front foot lands on a surface that is lower than expected, making the person fall forward.

Trip and Fall

Trip and fall happens when the front foot of someone strikes an object and then suddenly stopped. When the upper body is thrown forward, a fall occurs.

Causes of Fall Accidents

There are many factors that can cause fall accidents. Some of the possible causes are the following:

A step without a warning sign

Water, grease, food, oil, or liquids on the floor

Defective stair rails or stairs which are uneven

Potholes

Dangerous railings or balconies

Uneven surface or level changes that does not have any warning

Torn or loose carpeting

Slippery floor coverings or floor surfaces

Manholes without any warnings

Uneven cobblestones, pavement, or sidewalks

Poor lighting

Steeply sloping driveways

Slip and Fall Accidents in California

Slip and fall accidents occur in different areas and the statutes that apply in such situations vary from state to state. Because of this, if you have been involved in a slip and fall case in California, it is important to immediately consult with a lawyer who specializes in cases of personal injury in your state.