Simon & Gilman, LLP

Jan 18, 2023

On Behalf of Simon & Gilman, LLP | Sep 30, 2020 | Firm News |

Fall accidents can happen anywhere: In businesses that you frequent, at work and in homes, whether your own or others’. A fall accident can result in serious injuries such as bone fractures and traumatic brain injuries even if you only fall from a standing height.

There are different types of fall injuries, and the actions or inactions of the property owner can contribute to them. Occupational Health and Safety Magazine describes different types of falls that can occur anywhere, not just in the workplace. Here are a couple of the most common and the circumstances that can give rise to each.

Slip and fall

This is the most common type of fall. It can occur when your foot encounters a slippery surface and loses traction. This can happen due to a puddle on the floor from a spill or people tracking in moisture from outside. The property owner should make an effort to mitigate puddles from people’s shoes, clean up spills as soon as possible and alert patrons to the presence of slippery floors with warning signs

A slip and fall can also occur outside due to the accumulation of ice and snow. This can occur due when property owners fail to clear parking lots or walkways adequately.

Step and fall

This type of accident occurs when you are walking on a surface that changes height unexpectedly and you lose your balance as a result. This can happen due to an unrepaired pothole in the parking lot or an uneven sidewalk. It can also happen on staircases that are not up to code or have sustained damage.