We’re not your mother, but we will tell you how to take care of yourself if you have been hurt or harmed.
You’ve heard it a million times: “Be careful out there!” as you bundle into scarves and struggle into mittens. Yeah, yeah. It seems like parents forget that we know that it’s cold and slippery and dangerous. But we do. We’ve been told.
While winter months have the supposed “highest frequency” of slip, trip and fall incidents, they are far outweighed by all of the other claims the rest of the year.
Here are some facts to put in perspective the real dangers and inform you about your slip, trip and fall rights.
-
2,000,000 falls each year are directly caused by floors or flooring material (re: NO ICE). - Slip, trip and falls account for half of accidental deaths at home.
- They are also the leading cause of lost work days.
- 85% of workers compensation claims are due to slippery floors.
- People 65 and older have a 1 in 3 chance of falling every year.
- If you are under 84 and over 65, falling is the second greatest cause of death.
- If you are over 84, falling is the leading cause of death.
While age is a contributing factor to how much you are at risk for a slip and fall, there are many other contributing factors. Prevention is key. But if you or a loved one have sustained hurts and harms, you should know your slip, trip and fall rights, whether or not it occurs on the job.
Practical Pointers on Your Slip, Trip and Fall Rights
- Your employer is responsible for maintaining the working environment and property. If you are hurt, your slip, trip and fall rights entitle you to compensation.
- Falling has a dramatic impact on life expectancy, especially for senior citizens. It’s important to avoid falling whenever possible, but it’s also important to know that your fall matters. It can have a drastic impact on the rest of your life.
- If you have a loved one in a nursing home, be attentive. Since falling is the leading cause of death for people over the age of 84, it is absolutely necessary to make sure there are no obstructions or damaged flooring. When lives are at stake, prevention is the best medicine.
- Don’t say a word. Part of your slip, trip and fall rights is that you are not obligated to speak to anyone but your attorney. In fact, you shouldn’t. You don’t want to be deceived in saying something and then have it twisted and used to undermine and deny your claim.
- Contact an attorney. Experience counts: results matter.