DID YOU KNOW THAT:
- 1 out of 5 Falls causes a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury
- 3 million older people are treated in Hospital Emergency Rooms due to falls
- 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling
- Falls are the most common cause of brain injury
- Only 2% of slip and fall cases go to trial
A VALID SLIP AND FALL CASE IS WHEN A LANDOWNER:
- Creates a dangerous condition on a property
- The owner/possessor knew the condition existed and negligently failed to correct it; or
- The condition existed for such a length of time that the owner/possessor should have discovered and corrected it prior to the slip and fall incident in question.
THE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR A SLIP AND FALL INJURY IS:
- Potholes or cracks in pavement
- Broken curbs
- Uneven stairs
- Broken stairs
- Construction debris
- Exposed wiring or other tripping hazards
- Uneven flooring or sidewalks
- Snow and Ice
- Loose or uneven floorboards
- Loose or bulging carpeting
- Loose mats or rugs
- Spillages of food or liquids
- Poor lighting
- Missing handrails
- Untreated ice condition
- Causing a dangerous ice condition
THE MOST COMMON INJURIES FROM SLIP AND FALLS INCLUDE:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Closed head injury
- Subdural hematomas
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Spinal fractures
- Herniated vertebral discs to the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine
- Bone fractures
- Broken nose and facial fractures
- Carpal tunnel injuries
- Rotator cuff tears to the shoulder
- Hip fractures
- Torn ACL or other tendons
- Meniscal tears to the knees
- Torn achilles tendon
- Scarring